Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Milan Badelj and Marcelo Brozovic

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte reportedly remains keen on a pair of Serie A midfielders, with Fiorentina playmaker Milan Badelj and Inter Milan's Marcelo Brozovic said to be on his radar.

The Croatia internationals are both subjects of interest from Stamford Bridge, but it's Badelj who is Conte's top target, according to Italian source La Nazione (h/t Goal). The Chelsea boss may even be ready to move for Badelj during the January transfer window, per the report.

The player himself would be open to a switch from Florence after also attracting interest from across Italy's top flight, per the La Nazione report: "Badelj, who has also been linked with AC Milan and Roma in the not-too-distant past, is reported to be open to the idea of moving on in January—either on a permanent basis or as part of a loan agreement which includes an option to buy."

Badelj is an unheralded player, one combining workmanlike qualities with stylish technique on the ball. It's a blend of attributes ideal for the brand of football Conte is preaching in west London, a style equal parts graft and inspiration.

The latter is something the 27-year-old Croatia international is more than capable of providing. In fact, the Fiorentina ace has earned solid reviews for his flair.

In June, Blair Newman of FourFourTwo described how then-Tottenham Hotspur target Badelj quietly excels in possession in Fiorentina manager Paulo Sousa's 3-4-2-1 formation, one similar to the tactical structure Conte has adopted at Chelsea.

Newman wrote: "His sophisticated touch has been perfect at the centre of the attractive—if idealistic—style of football preached by Sousa, which seems at home amid the stunning architecture of Florence."

Badelj's technical qualities make him an interesting target for Chelsea, not least for the questions it would raise over the future of one member of Conte's existing midfield ranks.

Cesc Fabregas is a similarly adept artisan, but his future seems destined to be away from the Bridge. 

The Spain international is courting strong interest, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly keen to sign the player he once bought for Barcelona from Arsenal, according to Phil Cadden of the Sun.

If Conte does rate Badelj as highly as the latest rumours suggest, he could be signing one maestro to replace another.

Boris Streubel/Getty Images

Even if Chelsea do add another pass master, the Blues will need an enforcer to offer balance. Brozovic could provide it, assuming Chelsea beat London rivals Tottenham to his signature.

Both clubs have reportedly been alerted by Inter's intention to offload the Croatian, per Italian source Calciomercato (h/t Goal).

Brozovic is said to have fallen foul of his current manager, who is ready to cash in: "Brozovic has fallen out of favour at the San Siro under Frank de Boer, with Inter now reportedly open to offers of around £17.8 million for the 23-year-old."

Like his international team-mate, Brozovic has the technical assurance to fit a team being designed to boss the ball in midfield. However, he's a tougher tackler and boasts a better engine than Badelj.

Brozovic isn't a defensively aware midfielder who will maintain a patrolling brief in front of defence. But he's a box-to-box workhorse who is disciplined enough to track back and cover when needed.

Chelsea are loaded with energetic destroyers in N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic. Yet Conte needs more options to fit the requirements of his 3-4-3 setup.

Badelj and Brozovic both fit the bill, with either player representing a smart signing.