Antonio Conte eyeing Chelsea exit?

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte could reportedly part ways with the Blues at the end of the current campaign. The Italian head coach had initially planned to leave the Blues following their Premier League winning campaign but a claw-back clause restricted him from moving on, The Times claims.

The former Juventus boss had to pay a penalty sum of around £20m, had he forced through a move in the summer, and this urged him to remain at Stamford Bridge for the 2017/18 season.

Conte has since signed a fresh deal on an improved terms, although his contract has not been extended beyond the summer of 2019.

As per Times, the Blues manager could plot an exit at the end of the season with Serie A clubs likely to be alerted over his availability.

Should this be the case, Carlo Ancelotti could make a surprise return with Chelsea next term after he was axed from his Bayern Munich job in September.

The former Blues coach has reportedly told close friends of his intention to return to the Premier League with Arsenal said to be on his radar.

Chelsea have made a slow start to their title defence, and they are currently placed fourth in the Premier League standings with 13 points, six behind toppers Manchester City.