Chelsea target Maurizio Sarri wants to replace Antonio Conte... but David Luiz remains key - 7M sport

Chelsea target Maurizio Sarri wants to replace Antonio Conte... but David Luiz remains key



Posted Thursday, May 24, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Chelsea target Maurizio Sarri wants to replace Antonio Conte... but David Luiz remains key
Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea: Could it all depend on David Luiz?

MAURIZIO SARRI has rejected a £5.2 million a year offer to manage Zenit St Petersburg as he holds out for an offer from Chelsea.

Sarri, 59, was replaced last night by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis as his club agreed terms with former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti on a two-year-deal.

But to complicate the situation, Sarri still remains contracted to Napoli.

De Laurentiis said: "I thank Maurizio Sarri for his precious dedication to Napoli, that allowed us to give the city and Azzurri fans over the world prestige and emotions, creating a style of football admired everywhere and by everyone. Bravo Maurizio."

Napoli, though, are ready to ask for Brazil defender David Luiz in exchange if Sarri moves to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has gone on holiday but his future is in the balance because of a fractious relationship with the club. It would though cost Chelsea £9million to pay up the final year of his contract.

It would cost another £7m to release Sarri from his current Napoli deal but the Italian club could be prepared to waive that if Chelsea let them have Brazilian international defender Luiz.

Sarri is highly regarded as a hard-line coach but is also viewed as being similar to Conte with his strong will and tough approach with his players.

But former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic are also in the frame for the Chelsea job.

Conte is under pressure despite winning the FA Cup and Premier League in two seasons with Chelsea – and has insisted that he will not change his ways.

Luiz fell out of favour under Conte and also suffered recurring injury problems this season.

He has one year remaining on his contract and, at 31, is yet to hold talks over an extension.

However, Luiz appears to be confident he could stay in west London, recently taking to Instagram to share a picture of himself wearing next season's kit.

The caption read: "The new home kit for 2018/2019 !! Let's win together geezers! #TheStageisLit @chelseafc @nikefootball."



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