Antonio Conte and Chelsea were delivered a body blow earlier today when Sporting Lisbon Director Bruno de Carvalho asked the Premier League club to back off and forget about signing Joao Mario this summer.
Chelsea’s interest in the player has grown substantially after his impressive display at Euro 2016 with Portugal. Manchester United are also one of the clubs linked with a move for the 23-year-old star.
However, in an interview with O Jogo (via talksport), Carvalho said: “Of course there are some players that people want, but nothing has changed compared to what I said in several occasions.
“Sporting is not a club that intends to sell. We have a well-defined project. We’re hoping everyone will be available for the coach to start his training in one week.
“For our own part, nothing has changed, we knew these were great players and now the other clubs have figured it out too. This is something that makes us proud, not worried.”
De Carvalho’s bold statement may force Chelsea to look elsewhere to strengthen their squad before the start of 2016/17 season.
Blues have so far completed the signings of Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante with Riyad Mahrez, Joao Mario and Kostas Manolas linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
However with Mario’s move more or less called off by Carvalho, Antonio Conte needs to figure out alternative options to add to his midfield roaster in the remaining weeks of summer transfer window.
