It’s been a very long time coming, but it appears that progress towards resolution of the Chelsea FC managerial situation may finally be here. Eleven days ago, it was widely reported that former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri had agreed to become Chelsea’s next manager, replacing the incumbent Antonio Conte.
Well, here we are and Conte is still officially in charge as his camp and Stamford Bridge work towards hammering out his exit package. Reportedly, the main sticking point is over his £9 million exit package, and it is partially causing the hold-up.
The other main point of contention is between Napoli (who have already announced Carlo Ancelotti has Sarri’s replacement) and Chelsea over Sarri’s release clause. However, according to Goal.com, a breakthrough has been reached.
The website reports that in regards to Conte: “there is likely to be an agreement over his exit package, with the Italian having strained relationships with both club director Marina Granovskaia and up to seven first-team players.”
Regarding the fee for Sarri, Goal understands that it is: “not yet fully agreed but the contract for Chelsea’s main target is expected to be a three-year deal and an agreement on terms is likely to be a formality.”
The need for clarity and resolution of the Chelsea managerial situation is so strong that star forward Eden Hazard has spoken publicly about it on more than one occasion.
His future at the club is dependent on which direction they decide to go.
The managerial question marks have also held the club up from getting any transfer business done this summer.
However, there’s talk the first signing of the Sarri era at Chelsea could be Daniele Rugani.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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