Arturo Vidal to Chelsea: Bayern Munich star open to Antonio Conte reunion

Simon Johnson18 March 2016

Chelsea have been given some early encouragement that they might be able to prise midfielder Arturo Vidal away from Bayern Munich this summer.

Vidal is one of the players incoming coach Antonio Conte wants to sign during the close season to strengthen the first team.

Chelsea have been in talks with Italy coach Conte for months about becoming their next permanent manager and are expected to confirm the deal by the end of the month.

They have already discussed possible transfer targets with the 46-year-old and Vidal is one of them.

The players Antonio Conte wants to transform Chelsea this summer

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The duo still have a very close bond. Conte bought the Chile international for Juventus from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 and the club won three Serie A titles before he left to take the Italy job.

Such is Conte's valuation of the player, he once admitted: “If I ever go to war I’d take Vidal with me.”

Vidal has been asked about the possibility of joining Conte at Stamford Bridge and he replied: “I have always said if I go to war I would take Conte with me. We will see what happens."

Vidal, who turns 29 in May, won't come cheap as he signed a four-year contract at Bayern last summer following a £31m transfer from Juventus.

However, the coach who bought him, Pep Guardiola, is leaving for Manchester City, which has raised doubts about his future with the Bundesliga champions.

Chelsea hope Conte's presence could help them lure a few other star players from his time at Juventus, including current midfielder Paul Pogba and defender Leonardo Bonucci.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will be without striker Diego Costa (suspended) and Eden Hazard (hip and groin) for the visit of West Ham tomorrow.

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