Incoming Lazio manager asks club to hold onto Chelsea transfer target - report

Antonio Candreva's goalscoring record at Lazio coupled with solid performances at the Italian national team have put him in the spotlight, with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid rumoured to be keen on acquiring him. But the clubs might face resistance from his club as according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via TalkSport), Argentinian manager Marcelo Bielsa - who is set to take over the managerial duties of the Biancocelesti - has asked Lazio to hold onto Candreva at all costs.

Tuttosport reports that Bielsa sees Candreva as an integral part of his plans for the club, and wants Lazio to put all their effort on keeping him at the club. As of late, Lazio have reportedly raised their asking price for the 29-year-old attacker from €25 million to €30 million after a good showing for the Azzurri against Belgium last Monday, upping the price that had already generated complaints from his agent.

Candreva's age and increasing transfer fee make him less than an attractive target, but Antonio Conte does seem to hold him in high regard at least in the national squad.