Chelsea Targets Antonio as Hector Interest Cools

Chelsea are interested in signing Michail Antonio as they look to strengthen their options in the wing-back position but, despite reports, are not interested in Koln’s Jonas Hector, Goal understands.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to reinforce his defence in January and has already recalled Nathan Ake from Bournemouth as he struggles to zero in on key targets, with a game against title holders Leicester City beckoning on Saturday.
His hopes of signing Antonio could be dashed early, however, as the Hammers have no interest of selling the 26-year-old in January.

The Blues are continuing to monitor other options, having also looked at Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam. Ghoulam has snubbed a new contract at the Serie A club but it is understood that he will not be available to move in January.

Conte is still assessing Kenedy and is open to both keeping him or loaning him out. The Brazilian is not yet registered to play because, if he makes an appearance for Chelsea, he would be unable to move on loan.

This is due to FIFA rules not allowing players to appear for more than two clubs, with Kenedy having been used by Watford in a single appearance before returning to west London.

Hector, though, has not been one to catch Chelsea’s interest despite rumours linking the Londoners to the Germany international.

Conte has outlined Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente as a January target up front, meanwhile, though Michy Batshuayi’s status in the squad is complicating matters. Batshuayi has several clubs in England and Italy watching his situation, while Marseille would also be prepared to take him on loan.