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Antonio Conte dealt huge blow: Top Chelsea target opens up on potential transfer
CHELSEA have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli.
Alessio Romagnoli wants AC Milan stay
Chelsea are said to have made a £35million move for the Italy international during the summer, which was rebuffed AC Milan.
The Blues re-signed centre-half David Luiz on transfer deadline day for a fee of over £30m, but Antonio Conte is reportedly still keen on Romagnoli.
Antonio Conte keen to improve defence in January
The Sun reported last week that the Italian tactician is preparing a second raid on Milan the 21-year-old in January, with Milan holding out for £49m.
However, Romagnoli has made it clear he has no interest in a move to Stamford Bridge as he wants to remain at the San Siro.
“I am happy at Milan and in Italy, so I hope to remain here,” he told Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium after Milan's 1-0 win against Juventus on Saturday night.
Alessio Romagnoli helped AC Milan to a shock win over Juventus
Chelsea have also been linked with Burnley's centre-back Michael Keane, but Clarets manager Sean Dyche admitted over the weekend that the 23-year-old won't be sold on the cheap.
Conte has reverted to three at the back after a poor run of form in September, in which they shipped seven goals in three league defeats.
The Blues are now on a run of three wins without conceding since the turn of the month - including last night's 4-0 thrashing over Manchester United.