Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Conte Talks Amid Oscar, Juan Cuadrado Rumours

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly planning to ditch a handful of players ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with the likes of Oscar, Juan Cuadrado, Loic Remy, Pedro and Asmir Begovic all uncertain whether they'll make the cut.

As reported by the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson, Conte admitted he has a decision to make on his final selection with just one friendly remaining, and with several signings still expected to be made, some big names could miss out:

"

We have 30 players and four goalkeepers. Now we have one game against Werder Bremen (on Sunday) and then we must take a decision – and I hope to take the best decision for the club.

My ideas are very clear now, but first I must talk about these ideas with the club.

It is normal when we go back to London that I will talk with the club. We will talk about these two weeks and what I have learned and I will also speak to all the players.

My ideas are more clear than they were two weeks ago. It is normal when you have 30 players and in just 10 days we start our League. We have to get the right squad and the right numbers.

"

Per Johnson, Chelsea are still looking at Everton's Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Santos' Thiago Maia as possible reinforcements, creating even more of a logjam. And while several youngsters will likely go out on loan or return to the youth teams, there's a good chance some veterans will be moved on as well.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The report also highlights Oscar and Cuadrado as two difficult cases, as Inter Milan are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million for the former and rivals AC Milan are still watching the latter.

Oscar has been a bit of a disappointment during his time in London and put together a poor outing in the friendly loss against Real Madrid, where he was substituted at half-time. He bounced back nicely with two goals in the win over Milan, however, and took to Twitter to show off his man-of-the-match award:

The 24-year-old's talent has never been in question, but consistency has been a major issue since he first suited up for the Blues in 2012. Chelsea could opt to cash in now while he's still young, but Conte doesn't seem willing to give up on the Brazil international just yet:

"

Oscar is an important player and the season when Chelsea won the title he was fantastic.

Last season was bad for all the players – not just for Oscar. He is a good player with a great talent but he can improve a lot.

I see a good attitude and a good will and these 14 days have been important to me because I am judging the players during the training sessions so I can try to find the right solution.

"

Cuadrado finds himself in a similar position. The Colombian was a disappointment for the Blues in the half-season he spent in London, but he rediscovered his form on loan with Juventus, putting together a fine 2015-16 campaign.

Rachel Murray/Getty Images

That leaves his value at an all-time high, and if Chelsea want to cash in, the time is now. But Conte has yet to find out what the former Fiorentina man can offer, and the Blues boss won't be keen to part with Cuadrado before he does.

The player might not be too keen to stay in England after his first difficult spell and the subsequent success he found on his return to Italy. Some people thought this photo from Johnson was telling:

Cuadrado seems more likely to stay at Chelsea for now, with the likes of Remy expected to make room for the Colombia international. Oscar's future is a little murkier, but given the Blues' strong financial position, it will likely take a huge offer to convince Conte to sell at this time.