Antonio Conte’s Chelsea rebuild is in full swing, as the Italian clears some dead wood from his squad.
Diego Costa is being linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid, there are plenty of doubts over Nemanja Matic’s future, and now another Blues midfielder is set to be shown the door.
Brazilian playmaker Oscar has become a fan favourite during his time in west London, but is set to leave after Conte was less than impressed with his work rate.
It’s an accusation that has followed Oscar for the last few years – former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho also found the talented 24-year-old lacking at times.
Conte was unimpressed with his man after Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in America on Saturday, as he turned in another lethargic display.
The former Internacional midfielder has been interesting Inter Milan, and will be allowed to leave if the Italian giants can stump up the £30m asking price.
After the game, Conte was asked if Oscar has a place in his squad, to which the Italian boss replied:
All 29 players are Chelsea’s players at the moment. After this period I speak with my club.
I agree after this tour to see all the players and then to take a decision. When we finish this period I will take the right decision for the player and for the club.
There are players who will stay and others will go. This is football. It is important to be clear with all.
My aim is to become a team on and off the pitch.
To reach our target at the end of the season.
My experience in my career as player and manager teaches me if you want to fight for the title you must be a team on and off the pitch. It’s very important.
It’s clear that Conte sees teamwork as an important trait, and Oscar arguably doesn’t fit in with the style.
Another who has fallen short of standard is Baba Rahman, who is set to join Schalke 04 on a season long loan, just a year after joining Chelsea for £20m.
Looks like Conte doesn’t mind making big decisions quickly.
