Chelsea are weighing up offers for Asmir Begovic, according to Antonio Conte

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are tempted to cash in on Bournemouth’s interest in Begovic. The Blues initially rejected a  £10m offer for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, but manager Antonio Conte has revealed that Chelsea are now considering selling Begovic.

“(We have had) One offer. Now me and the club are are evaluating this,” said the Italian manager

“The club and the player know my position. For me, Asmir is a really good player. “He is an important player for me, on and off the pitch. A really important player. He knows this.”

“It’s important to find the right solution for Asmir, for the club, for me, because I repeat he’s a really important player for me on and off the pitch. It’s important to find the right solution before he goes away.”

Begovic signed from Stoke City in July 2015 on a four-year deal for a fee of £8 million, but has failed to displace Thibaut Courtois, who has a firm grasp on the number one goalkeeper slot. The Bosnian has only managed 4 appearances this season, all of which have come in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.

Set to be a Potter again? (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
All set to leave Stamford Bridge (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

This complete lack of game time could be the deciding factor in the move, as Begovic will likely want to leave in order to play. At 29, Begovic is at his peak and will be eager for first team football after only managing 29 appearances during his time with Chelsea.

Should Begovic make the move, Eduardo – who was signed at the beginning of this season – will serve as principal back-up to Thibaut Courtois. Eduardo has not made a single appearance for Chelsea thus far, but Antonio Conte refused to be drawn upon whether or not it would be a big risk having to play him in case of an emergency.

The Portuguese international has been capped 36 times, but did not feature in the UEFA Euro 2016, although he did pick up a winners medal as Portugal went on to win the tournament. At 34 years of age, Eduardo has plenty of experience, but Conte will likely be looking for other options should Begovic be sold.

Bournemouth are reportedly willing to up their offer to £12m, a figure that many outlets expect will be enough to push the sale through. That is a fair fee for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international and he is definitely worth the money.

Begovic was one of the stand-out goalkeepers in the Premier League before his move to Chelsea, and it is understandable that Conte is reluctant to sell him. However, it appears he will now take the wishes of the player into consideration and Begovic will probably make the move to Bournemouth very soon.

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