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Ever since Antonio Conte attended a Torino vs. Fiorentina match back in October, Chelsea have been low-key linked with a certain Andrea Belotti. The fact that all that Belotti’s done since is lead Serie A in goals scored has certainly not diminished that narrative, though a couple months ago, it were supposedly Bayern Munich who were in the lead for the €100m-rated striker.
Of course, with Conte apparently back in Turin earlier this week and having lunch with Torino FC head coach Siniša Mihajlović, it was only a matter of time for a fresh round of rumors to begin. (Checco Zalone is an Italian celebrity comic actor.)
#CheccoZalone, visit to #Torino, lunch with #Mihajlovic and check for coffee ... #Conte https://t.co/sBa8pDMHgq... https://t.co/EzjBOQThNd
— English Gazzetta Fan (@LaGazzetta_EN) April 10, 2017
Sure enough, here’s Tuttosport to oblige us, with a bit of front page news.
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The jaunty font at the top isn’t lending this any more credibility than the bare minimum that Tuttosport provides, but they’re claiming (via ESPN) that Torino have knocked back Chelsea’s €60m (plus add-ons) bid. Conte apparently is a big fan, but Torino are confident that they can convince Belotti to stay. Or perhaps hold out for the €100m release clause that Bayern were supposedly ready to pay as per the earlier rumors.
In any case, if we’re looking for potential Costa-replacement options beyond just Lukaku or Morata, Belotti is certainly a name to keep in mind.