Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Antonio Rudiger and Michael Keane

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been given the green light by Blues owner Roman Abramovich to raid the transfer market as he fine-tunes his defence to facilitate a Premier League title challenge.

Roma star Antonio Rudiger and Michael Keane of Burnley are two of the names on the Italian's wanted list as he prepares to show four players the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

Matt Law of the Telegraph reported a revamp of the squad will take place, as John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, John Obi Mikel and Cesc Fabregas prepare for their departures from west London. Conte has targeted Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, but if the Old Lady refuses to sell, he has a robust list of defenders on his shopping list.

According to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, Chelsea will have to battle Manchester United for the services of Rudiger, as Conte continues to scout the £35 million-rated defender.

The Blues boss is reportedly a "huge admirer" of Rudiger, but his initial interest in the player cooled after a serious knee injury, per Mokbel.

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The Germany international is a burgeoning talent and would be a suitable alternative if Bonucci fails to land on the marketplace.

Keane is also on the Blues wish list, along with English talent Ben Gibson of Middlesbrough—according to Mokbel—as Conte adds depth to his current squad that is showing signs of rejuvenation after a tumultuous campaign last term.

The Italian might have to turn to his younger targets after Bonucci hinted he will be staying at his club, as highlighted by Bleacher Report UK:

Law reported Conte wants to revert to his favoured 4-2-4 formation, despite his team's recent success with 3-4-3. However, the coach needs to have the correct personnel in place to get the most from his preferred tactics.

Keane has grown in stature in recent months, forcing his way into the England squad after leaving Manchester United. The powerful defender has matured into a clever centre-back, appearing 11 times in the Premier League this term, according to WhoScored.com.

David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror recently reported Chelsea are prepared to part with £25 million to land the 23-year-old. Former England captain Rio Ferdinand lauded Keane after Burnley achieved an unexpected clean sheet at Old Trafford:

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Terry's expected departure at the end of the season will leave a huge hole in terms of quality and experience, so it is wise Chelsea look towards the next generation to find David Luiz a regular partner.

The Brazilian has been a huge success since returning from French football, proving he is more mature than his first stay at the Bridge.

However, he needs a rock next to him, allowing him to move out of the defence with the ball, utilising his ball skills and passing mandate.

Rudiger would be the ideal partner for Luiz, but Keane is a brave young talent who is proving he might have a future at the top of the English game for many years to come.