Chelsea Transfer News: Nemanja Matic Stay Wanted by Antonio Conte, Fresh Rumours

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reportedly "pleaded" with Nemanja Matic to stay at Stamford Bridge this season after Juventus made contact with his camp.

According to the Mirror's John Cross, Conte has an important role lined up for the Serb in Chelsea's midfield alongside N'Golo Kante. He also does not wish to sell to the Bianconeri, as he has a "strained relationship" with his former club.

Per Bleacher Report UK's Dean Jones, Matic is seemingly open to a move:

The midfielder is not only an excellent ball-winner, but he can also effectively carry the ball forward through the centre, per WhoScored.com:

Alongside the tireless Kante, Chelsea would have a robust central pairing capable of nullifying even the most potent attacking threat and providing much-needed protection for their somewhat vulnerable defence.

Like a number of the Blues players, Matic was far from his best last year.

However, Gianluca Di Marzio's David Amoyal believes the 28-year-old could return to form under Conte's management:

While Juventus and their greater chance of winning silverware—given their relative lack of competition for the Serie A title compared with Chelsea in the Premier League—is likely to be tempting, the manager's faith and the assurance of a prominent role could yet see him stay at Stamford Bridge.

If he does go, or Conte wants to add to his still somewhat limited options in the centre, the Blues could land Sporting Lisbon's Joao Mario.

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According to Luis Mota of Portuguese outlet Jornal De Noticias (h/t Sport Witness, via James Cambridge of the Express), Chelsea have made a £39 million bid for Mario including £4 million in bonuses.

Inter Milan have made the same offer, but with the Blues able to provide more of the fee up front, theirs is the more tempting bid.

The 23-year-old can play in the centre or on the right, and he racked up seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season. Here are some of his highlights:

Mario could feature alongside Matic and Kante in a midfield three, moving from box to box and supporting attacks with his impressive passing and eye for goal.

Should he end up replacing Matic, the midfield would still be dynamic but perhaps not quite as assured defensively.