Chelsea Transfer News: Blaise Matuidi Wanted by Antonio Conte, Latest Rumours

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi is reportedly Chelsea’s top transfer target this summer, with incoming manager Antonio Conte said to be a big fan of the Frenchman.

The Italian’s admiration for the PSG man is noted by Calciomercatoweb (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), where it’s stated that with moves for Juventus star Paul Pogba and Roma man Radja Nainggolan looking unlikely, he’s turned his attentions to Matuidi.

“Pogba's agent Mino Raiola claimed last week a deal wouldn't happen and Roma are said to be keen to hold onto Nainggolan who is under contract until 2020,” added Cambridge.
It seems as though Conte is after a particular type of midfielder, with all the names mentioned combative, physical and dynamic in their playing style. 
According to the report, Matuidi is third on Conte’s list, although that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily a poor footballer.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

The PSG man plays such an important role at the core of his side, linking the team together wonderfully. Matuidi can get back to help out defensively with his exceptional work rate and can quickly convert deeper positions into attacking ones due to his ability to drive forward with intent.
As Squawka Football noted recently, not only is the French international underrated, he’s also a very handy distributor:
They’re all qualities that have been scarce in the middle of the park for the Blues this season. Manager Guus Hiddink has tried a number of combinations in midfield, and despite an upturn in form since the Dutchman took over from Jose Mourinho, Chelsea always look vulnerable when up against the stronger sides.
The midfield balance was perfect when the Blues won the league in 2014-15. Whether it was Cesc Fabregas in a deeper role or Ramires slotted in alongside Nemanja Matic, Chelsea would so often secure a foothold in this area of the field.
The former has been inconsistent this term, while the latter, as noted by Dan Levene of uMAXit Football, doesn’t look too happy to be at the club at the moment:

Matuidi would inject some fresh impetus into the middle of the park and is a player who looks well equipped to cope with the Premier League. However, there are a lot of potential roadblocks for the Blues to overcome if they are to get this one over the line.

 

Matic has struggled to find his best form this season.

He’s a player in the peak years of his career, so Matuidi would cost a lot of money. PSG aren’t exactly short of cash either, meaning they could hold out for as long as they wanted. But perhaps most importantly, the Frenchman is such a crucial player for the Paris giants.
As WhoScored.com’s Ben McAleer noted as PSG crashed out of the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City last month, Matuidi was badly missed:
While PSG are still seemingly a fair way off winning the biggest prize in European football, the Blues are further behind. And given Matuidi’s age, he surely wouldn’t opt to move to a club where he wouldn’t be featuring at the highest level.
Conte does need this kind of player in his ranks if Chelsea are going to get back among the top-four spots again in his first season in charge. But all things considered, Pogba and Nainggolan are likely more attainable than Matuidi.