According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is considering making a move for £35m-rated Sevilla winger Vitolo this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Blues boss is keen to significantly strengthen his squad before the start of next season to ensure that it has the depth to deal with trying to retain their Premier League title as well as having a real crack at the Champions League, and the Daily Mirror say he is a big fan of the 27-year-old.

The Spaniard, who has a releasu clause of £35m, can play on either flank or as a forward and his arrival would certainly take some of the pressure off of the likes of Eden Hazard and Pedro, who featured heavily for the Blues last term, next season.

How well did Vitolo do last season?

The wide-man scored six goals – all in La Liga – and provided a further 10 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit, and he has also previously helped them win three Europa League titles.

While he is known for being comfortable in possession – he had a passing accuracy of 84% in 30 La Liga appearances last term – he is also good at winning fouls because of his ability to run at defenders.

The 27-year-old won 79 fouls in the Spanish top flight last season and successfully completed 70 take-ons.

Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?

As we mentioned previously, the Blues have little depth in the forward positions if the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian pick up injuries or suspensions, and it is something that they must put right this summer.

Being as versatile as he is, adding Vitolo to the squad would certainly provide competition all across the frontline, and the £35m price tag for a player that should be entering his prime can’t be seen as a bad deal in the current market.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, Chelsea need more strength in depth in attacking areas and owner Roman Abramovich knows that he needs to back Conte in the transfer market this summer, especially with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United already showing their ambitions.

If the Italian boss feels Vitolo could make a big impact at Stamford Bridge, they have to get the deal over the line.

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