Antonio Conte is a huge fan of £200k-a-week Chelsea player as Napoli consider signing

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Napoli are reportedly planning another potential swoop for a Chelsea player ahead of the January transfer window.

Napoli, who are managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, could attempt to make another raid on Stamford Bridge.

The Italian club signed Romelu Lukaku, 31, from the Blues in the recent summer window. Incidentally, he’s started quickly with three goals and five assists in six appearances for Napoli.

Conte and Lukaku were exchanging text messages before the summer transfer, so it’s no surprise to see such a positive start this season because the pair previously worked together at Inter Milan.

• READ MORE: Romelu Lukaku is why Manchester United opted against signing Chelsea target

Antonio Conte really likes Ben Chilwell

According to The Sun, Serie A club Napoli are currently tracking Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell as a potential target.

It is explained that 27-year-old Blues defender is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in January. Apparently, he may move on loan with an option to sign a long-term deal at the end of the season.

The report says that Napoli manager Conte is a ‘huge fan’ of the Chelsea left-back. However, there’s rival interest in Chilwell’s signature from Premier League sides Fulham, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.

The Sun’s report adds that Chelsea are keen on allowing their £200,000-a-week Englishman (Spotrac) to leave to help them manage the squad. This comes after strong links with a potential exit in the summer, too.

Chelsea so strong at left-back

It’s been made pretty clear that Chilwell isn’t in Chelsea’s plans under Enzo Maresca, so a fresh move in the New Year must happen. Even so, it’s been good to see the Englishman back training with the first-team squad, plus he made his first appearance of the season last month in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.

The Blues suddenly look extremely strong in the left-back position.

Marc Cucurella is the first-choice left-back at the club, and he’s gone from strength to strength in 2024. Meanwhile, Renato Veiga has seriously impressed since his summer arrival to provide cover at full-back.