Chelsea Transfer News: Ryan Bertrand Return Reportedly Wanted by Antonio Conte

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly eager to re-sign former Blues left-back Ryan Bertrand from Southampton in the summer.

According to Simon Johnson in the Evening Standard, the Italian manager is keen to increase competition in his full-back and wing-back ranks, and Conte is a "huge admirer" of Bertrand.

Chelsea sold the 27-year-old England international to Saints for £10 million in 2015, but they will likely have to shell out significantly more to sign him back given how his standing in the game has increased since he departed Stamford Bridge.

His current Saints contract runs to 2021, and the south-coast club value him at over £25 million, per Johnson. 

Since leaving west London, Bertrand has established himself as one of the finest left-backs in the Premier League and was selected by former team-mate Frank Lampard in his team of 2016-17, per Sky Sports MNF:

Chelsea have thrived this season using a 3-4-3 formation,with Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses playing vital roles as Conte's wing-backs.

However, there is little cover or competition for the pair, which is a glaring issue, especially given Chelsea are set to return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

Per Johnson, it is believed Bertrand could be the perfect fit to fill the wing-back role as he is an accomplished attacking full-back.

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His Premier League return in 2016-17 of one goal and four assists in 19 appearances is proof of his effectiveness as an attacking, as well as defensive, force, per WhoScored.com.

Chelsea are a shoo-in to win the Premier League in 2016-17, but repeating the trick next year with the travails of European football to face as well will be a challenge.

Squad improvements are needed over the summer with further depth essential, and Bertrand would be a fantastic addition in that respect.