Cesc Fabregas Reportedly 'Promised' Greater Chelsea Role by Antonio Conte

Cesc Fabregas has reportedly been "promised" a greater role at Chelsea next season by coach Antonio Conte, who wants the midfielder to stay at Stamford Bridge. 

According to Simon Johnson at the Evening Standard, Conte met with the Spain international to reassure him he still has a big part to play at the champions.

"Antonio Conte has told Cesc Fabregas he wants him to stay at Chelsea and promised the midfielder he will play more regularly next season," reported Johnson.

Fabregas managed just 13 Premier League starts last season, but he still managed five goals and 12 assists for the Blues, per WhoScored.com.

Fabregas' lack of starts last season led to speculation he could leave, although he told Sky Sports he had no intention of departing the club.

Per Johnson, Conte has reassured Fabregas and also told him "he should have played more during their title winning campaign last term."

Fabregas generally impressed whenever he did see minutes with the Blues last season, as WhoScored.com was able to illustrate:

The Chelsea midfielder has also taken to Instagram recently to display how his intelligence on the football pitch can see him outwit Pedro and Willian in a speed game:

Chelsea will have added competition in midfield next season, having recently confirmed the signing of midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, who is expected to feature alongside N'Golo Kante in central midfield.

Bakayoko's arrival appears to be bad news for Nemanja Matic, with Goal's Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella claiming he is now at the end of his Chelsea career:

Fabregas, meanwhile, will be hoping Conte stays true to his word next season, and the Italian will have to rotate more often with Chelsea back in the Champions League.

The Chelsea midfielder will also be hoping to impress in a bid to force his way back in the Spain squad, having been left out for the most recent games, a friendly against Colombia and a 2017 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Macedonia.