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What's the rumour?
According to the latest reports from Express UK, Chelsea have been given the green light to sign Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal.
The transfer is contingent on Antonio Conte keeping his job after this season. The midfielder has a contract in Bavaria until 2019 and has a market value of £40.5 million.
In case you didn't know...
Chelsea was linked with Vidal in the January transfer window as well. But the transfer negotiations between the two clubs did not progress any further as Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes refused to entertain any offers and was adamant about keeping hold of the Chilean.
The 30-year-old was signed by Bayern Munich for €37 million in 2015. Since his arrival in Munich, the former Juventus man has been a regular in the starting XI and an integral part of the midfield. He made 47 appearances in all competitions in his debut season, registering 7 goals and 12 assists.
The heart of the matter
Vidal has been a key figure in the German Champions' success. He makes his presence known in the middle of the pitch through his work ethic, tackling, defensive solidity and passing. He also possesses a threat with his long-range shooting and goalscoring.
This season, the Chile international has scored 7 goals and registered 2 assists but his contribution all over the pitch is what makes him a standout performer.
He averages 3 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2 shots and 1.2 key passes per game. He is also not reluctant when it comes to putting his body on the line since he averages two fouls per game and has received 11 yellow cards in all competitions.
Rumour probability/rating: 7/10
Bayern Munich look ready to part ways with the midfielder as he has less than 18 months left on his contract and the possibility of a new deal being offered looks less likely.
This will enable transfer negotiations to be less resistant from Bayern Munich's side when Chelsea will come calling in the summer. Antonio Conte has a good relationship with Vidal as he was an instrumental part of his success during his time with Juventus.
However, the fact that there is an added condition to this transfer makes things complicated. If Conte is able to keep hold of his job, the deal will become a possibility. The Italian's job is under scrutiny with Luis Enrique lined up as the favourite to be his successor.
To stay at the helm, Conte has to deliver some success this season-- with Champions League qualification and potential silverware in the form of the FA Cup.
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Author's take
Regardless of who the manager in charge will be next season, Chelsea must make an attempt to sign Arturo Vidal. With Tiemoue Bakayoko flopping in his debut season, the West London club will need reinforcements in midfield. Vidal fits in perfectly in the role to play alongside N'Golo Kante.
He is ideal for the Premier League. This season, Conte has rotated often in midfield and with the signing of Vidal, Chelsea will get some much-needed stability. He is excellent in the air as well, as he averages 1.6 aerial duels won per game. He is 30-years-old and can be a mainstay at Stamford Bridge for a while.
