Chelsea round-up: Juventus expect Cuadrado to be at Stamford Bridge next season, Conte wants deal done for Stones

Posted Saturday, April 23, 2016 by squawka.com

Chelsea will be looking to recover from back-to-back Premier League defeats on Saturday when they travel to the south coast to meet Bournemouth.

Both sides have little to play for, with the Cherries all but assured of their place in the top-flight for next season whilst the Blues remain huge outsiders for qualification to the Europa League, as thoughts instead turn to 2016/17.

Antonio Conte is reportedly already preparing deals for a number of big-name signings and with that in mind, here’s the most intriguing transfer lines surrounding Stamford Bridge ahead of the weekend’s action.

Chelsea are interested in signing Nice playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa, who has enjoyed a remarkable season on his return to France. The former Newcastle United winger spent time on loan at Hull City before being released from his contract in England, but has set Ligue 1 alight with 16 goals in 30 appearances. Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have both been linked with moves and Chelsea have now joined the race for the midfielder, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer. (L’Equipe)

Antonio Conte is prepared to battle with incoming Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola for the £40m signature of John Stones. The Blues have tried and failed to sign the Everton centre-back in the past but will reignite their interest in the summer. Stones has registered a squad-high 89% pass accuracy in the league this term. (The Sun)

But the Blues won’t pay ridiculous money for Stones, who they ideally want to sign for less than the £42 million Man City paid for Eliaquim Mangala. Chelsea have a number of key areas that need strengthening and although they are keen to sign the defender, they won’t be drawn into parting with an astronomical fee. (London Evening Standard)

Juventus have given up on trying to sign Chelsea loanee Juan Cuadrado on a permanent basis, and are resigned to the winger returning to England in the summer. The Italians were keen on agreeing a deal for the 27-year-old but Conte sees him as part of his plans for next season. Cuadrado has notched five league assists in 2015/16. (Gazzetta dello Sport via talkSPORT)

Chelsea are keen on re-signing former striker Romelu Lukaku, with the Blues weighing up a big-money bid for the Belgian who they sold to Everton for just £28 million two years ago. Manchester United have recently been linked with a £65m swoop but Roman Abramovich is set to make an abundance of cash available to restore the club back to the top of the Premier League. (Daily Star)