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Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte steps up pursuit of Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez after landing Ross Barkley

Antonio Conte is already close to the signing of the Toffees star, and are keen on bringing the Foxes ace to Stamford Bridge

Gossip
By Jake Lambourne
5th January 2018, 6:03 pm
Updated: 6th January 2018, 12:29 pm

Antonio Conte is reportedly targeting the signing of Leicester ace Riyad Mahrez as Chelsea look to strengthen in January.

The Blues are already close to completing a deal to bring Ross Barkley to Stamford Bridge from Everton, with the midfielder to have a medical on Friday ahead of a £15million switch.

Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez has emerged as a January target for Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
Reuters
4
Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez has emerged as a January target for Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

The Blues are already reportedly close to signing Ross Barkley from Everton for £15million
PA:Press Association
4
The Blues are already reportedly close to signing Ross Barkley from Everton for £15million

But in a blow for the Premier League champions, Foxes boss Claude Puel has claimed that the 26-year-old is happy at the King Power Stadium after a meeting between the pair.

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He said: “I have said I want to keep all my best players in the squad. Riyad is a valuable player to the team.

“When I discuss things with him he has shown a good attitude, he is enjoying his football. He is a happy player. This is a good thing.

“He likes to play with his team-mates. He has improved all his stats with assists and goals. It is all positive for him. I want to continue this work with all my best players, like Riyad.”

Foxes boss Claude Puel has claimed that the 26-year-old is happy at the King Power Stadium
Reuters
4
Foxes boss Claude Puel has claimed that the 26-year-old is happy at the King Power Stadium

The Algerian international has netted eight times in all competitions this season, and has registered seven assists
Reuters
4
The Algerian international has netted eight times in all competitions this season, and has registered seven assists

When asked whether the Algerian international had asked to leave this window, with French Football claiming he was free to leave, Puel added: “No. He is happy with the squad. After that, it is speculation.

“For me, there is no problem. He is happy to play with his team-mates. He loves football.

“In the transfer window, people can make speculation about players and transfers, but I am not worried because I like the player.

“It is easy to speak with him and he likes the football and this is the most important thing.”

And while there are potential incomings this January to West London, Conte could show the door to a number of stars.

Michy Batshuyai is yet to win over the Italian after signing from Marseille in 2016, and hasn’t started a single league game this season.

While centre-back David Luiz is reportedly desperate to quit and join La Liga giants Real Madrid.

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