Chelsea FC confirmed that Antonio Conte will be the club's new manager in the 2016-17 NFL seasons, replacing Jose Mourinho, who went under fire due to their poor performance in the English Premier League.
Multiple reports indicated that Conte's arrival also means that veteran John Terry and striker Diego Costa will still be at Stamford Bridge next season amid speculation that both key players will leave this summer.
Terry's contract will end after the 2016 season. The 35-year-old, who has been with the club since 1998, has expressed interest in signing a one-year deal but the Blues have yet to offer a deal. Terry is being linked to a possible move the MLS in the United States or professional leagues in the Middle East and China.
But with Conte's impending arrival, Blues legend Ray Wilkins is convinced that the Italy boss will offer a new deal to Terry. Wilkins believes that Conte is convinced that Terry will make his transition as the new Blues manager easier because of the centre-back's vast experience.
"John Terry is an exceptional player and he will be for a couple of years, whether he is at Chelsea or elsewhere," Wilkins told Sky Sports via ESPN FC. "Antonio will want his experience and will want to pick his brains about what he is coming into."
Meanwhile, Conte is also expected to make a strong push to keep Costa despite the Spain international's struggles this season. Costa is reportedly interested in returning to Atletico Madrid, where he had the best years of his career, but Conte is reportedly "counting on" the 27-year-old striker, the Express reported.
Conte is also eyeing a deal to acquire Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to draw the attention of several clubs this summer. The incoming Chelsea boss wants the Blues to reach an agreement with Lukaku before the 22-year-old forward plays for Belgium in the Euro 2016 in June.
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