Diego Simeone Comments on Atletico Madrid Amid Chelsea, Antonio Conte Rumours

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has ruled himself out of the running to take over as Chelsea manager this summer and insisted he will be staying in the Spanish capital for the time being.

He told Debora D'Amato of Mexican newspaper Record (h/t James Cambridge of the Express):

"

This is my place now.

In my career I was a bit of a nomad, as since I was 20 years old I have been travelling and playing in different places, both as a player and as a coach.

I always say that your place in the world is where you feel good. You can be in a marvellous place, and feel bad. 

So obviously that is not your place in the world.

"

The Argentinian has been a prominent name in the frame for the Chelsea job, but having affirmed his desire to stay at the Vicente Calderon, his withdrawal seemingly paves the way for Italy boss Antonio Conte to become the Blues' next permanent manager.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

According to Cambridge's report, the Italian "is close to an agreement with the Blues and is locked in negotiations with the club."

The 46-year-old won three successive Serie A titles with Juventus between 2011 and 2014—earning the division's Coach of the Year award each time—and two Italian Super Cups.

Footballer-turned-commentator Paul McVeigh believes Conte would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge:

The Blues will undoubtedly be hoping he can improve on his record in the UEFA Champions League should he take over, as the main criticisms that can be aimed at him for his time with the Bianconeri is his failure to achieve anything of note in Europe—something his successor, Massimiliano Allegri, immediately improved upon when he guided Juve to the final last season.

There is little standing in Conte's way to take over at Chelsea, save for the possible stumbling block that is the accusation he turned a blind eye to match-fixing during his time at Siena—something he denies.

Otherwise, there's a strong possibility the tactician will be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge next season.