Conte 'will sign a new central defender' for Chelsea, regardless of John Terry decision

Further reports this morning of John Terry perhaps choosing to stay at Chelsea on drastically reduced wages and a probable reduced role in the first-team.  The Telegraph's Matt Law adds these details:

"Chelsea's proposal would require Terry to accept a cut to his basic wage, with the club warning that Conte will sign a new central defender and that Kurt Zouma and Gary Cahill could start next season ahead of him in the pecking order."

"[...] Terry would be likely to remain club captain with another player assuming the on-pitch captaincy. Terry, however, will be confident that he can convince Conte that he is worth a place in his team."

-source: Telegraph

Chelsea's central defenders are hardly young at this point, so signing somebody in his prime to fill one those gaps right away would be a smart call.  Terry of course would fancy convincing Conte to play him more, regardless of who may be coming in.

As we've heard from other sources, too, Terry's farewell bash at the Bridge was cancelled by the player himself.  He was set to rent out Stamford Bridge on Monday and invite his friends for a bit of kick-about and barbecue, but that never materialized.  He's also apparently not saying his goodbyes to any other players or staff just yet.  Of course, none of this means that the future's been decided, but they certainly could be looked upon as positive signs toward a 19th season at Chelsea for the Captain, Leader, Legend.