Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Conte Wants Blues to Spend £200m on New Signings

Antonio Conte has told Chelsea he requires £200 million to buy new players if he is to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

Duncan Castles of the Sunday Times (h/t James Whaling of the Mirror) reported the Italian coach—who is on the brink of capturing the Premier League title on his first attempt—will use the "demand" as a bargaining chip in fresh contract negotiations. Conte wants to take the Blues back to "Europe's top table" but requires huge funding to achieve his goal. The coach will not commit his future until owner Roman Abramovich agrees to his conditions.

According to Castles, Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois could leave the club at the end of the season, and Conte wants to see world-class replacements at his disposal. The Italian signed a three-year deal when he took the reins at the Bridge, but his phenomenal success has prompted the Chelsea board to discuss an extension.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Conte wants to add James Rodriguez of Real Madrid to his squad, but he will face serious competition from Bayern Munich as the pair battle with Manchester United for the Galactico's services.

Wally Downes Jr. of The Sun reported Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti "is set to beat" Conte and United boss Jose Mourinho to the punch and is the favourite to capture the Colombian superstar.

James has also previously thanked Ancelotti for his guidance during their time together at Los Blancos, per Downes Jr.

"Thank you for everything," said James. "In a very short time, I learned a lot from you."

The player has been maligned on the sideline in recent months, but Squawka Football highlighted his productivity on the pitch:

Conte's early achievements at Chelsea have been undeniable, but the Blues must carry away the title after opening up a huge lead at the top of the division.

The club will once again be in the UEFA Champions League next term after a 12-month absence, and Conte is correct to highlight that he needs funds to improve the core of his team.

Costa has excelled as the lone striker, and even if he remains at Chelsea, the team lacks rounded firepower at the point of the attack.

James possesses the type of quality Conte will want to improve his options, but the Blues need a striker and a centre-back to add variety to the starting XI.