Chelsea transfer news: Edinson Cavani and Mauro Icardi top Antonio Conte’s wish-list

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Simon Johnson7 March 2016

Antonio Conte has made improving Chelsea's strike-force his main priority when he takes over in the summer with Edinson Cavani and Mauro Icardi at the top of his wish-list.

The Italy coach is expected to meet owner Roman Abramovich for one last round of talks in Monte Carlo later this week before signing a three-year contract worth £14.3m after tax.

Chelsea have targeted a number of coaches across Europe, including Manchester City bound Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone, Massimiliano Allegri and Totteham's Mauricio Pochettino.

It was reported yesterday that Chelsea are still pursuing Pochettino and have been given encouragement following talks with his representatives.

However, Standard Sport understands that the Chelsea players are already preparing for Conte to be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.

While talk in Italy that Abramovich informed the squad at the training ground of Conte's arrival is incorrect, it is believed a senior member of the side broke the news to the others weeks ago that the 46-year-old is on his way to west London.

Defender Gary Cahill told Standard Sport after the win at Southampton that the Chelsea side isn't letting the speculation distract them from achieving their targets this term.

However, Conte's imminent appointment has been the talk of the dressing room and what plans he has in store for the club.

Conte's chief concern is the forward department, especially as Chelsea's best striker Diego Costa wants to return to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Atletico are keen to re-sign the Spain international, who joined Chelsea for £32m in 2014, especially as he will improve their chances of keeping hold of inspirational manager Simeone long-term.

The other members of Chelsea's frontline have had poor campaigns. Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao have just two League goals between them, while Alexandre Pato has yet to play since joining on loan from Corinthians.

Remy, who has two years left on his contract, is going to be sold, while Falcao will return to Monaco after his loan expires.

Chelsea have the option to turn Pato's move into a permanent deal, but the Brazil international is running out of time to prove his worth.

Stephen Pond/Getty Images

That means Conte is looking to buy at least two forwards in the close season. He wants an experienced man to take Costa's place and is a huge admirer of Cavani, who is going to play against Chelsea for Paris Saint Germain in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

The Uruguay international is unsettled at the Parc des Princes and is ready to leave at the end of the season.

PSG are willing to listen to offers for the 29-year-old, who impressed as a substitute in their 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the first leg last month, scoring the winning goal.

Conte also wants a younger man to freshen things up and is keen to reignite Chelsea's interest in Inter Milan star Icardi. The Blues targeted the Argentine, 23, last year only for him to sign a new contract.

However, much like Chelsea, Inter are struggling to qualify for the Champions League and the English champions can offer him a bigger salary to move to England.

Abramovich is prepared to back Conte in the transfer market to ensure the club challenge for the title next season.

Paul Pogba, Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan are being looked at to strengthen midfield, while a new centre half is required with captain John Terry unlikely to be given a new deal.

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