1st August, 2016
Photo: Getty Images
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will let Oscar sign for Inter Milan for around £30million. The Italian does not think Oscar, 24, works hard enough for the team and was lazy during a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in Detroit on Saturday.
Asked if Oscar has a future at Chelsea, Conte said: “All 29 players are Chelsea’s players at the moment. After this period I speak with my club.
“I agree after this tour to see all the players and then to take a decision. When we finish this period I will take the right decision for the player and for the club.
“There are players who will stay and others will go. This is football. It is important to be clear with all.
“My aim is to become a team on and off the pitch.
“To reach our target at the end of the season.
“My experience in my career as player and manager teaches me if you want to fight for the title you must be a team on and off the pitch. It’s very important.”
These are traits not often attached to the Chelsea midfielder, who is seen as a luxury player. But Inter want the Brazilian and have made enquiries.
One player who will not be in Conte’s first-team plans this season is Baba Rahman, who is expected to complete a one-year loan move to Schalke after having a medical on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Conte is unhappy with Chelsea’s pre-season schedule after having to play four matches in 12 days – three in the USA and one in Germany on Sunday against Werder Bremen.
The Blues played Liverpool in the early hours of Thursday morning in LA before then having to fly four-and-a-half hours to Detroit for a clash with Real Madrid on Saturday.
They complete their US leg with another game against AC Milan on Wednesday before then flying to Germany.
He said: “You work a lot, travel a lot and you must play the friendlies against good teams.
“The commercial affairs are important for all the clubs in the world.
“If you ask am I happy to play after only two days and after a flight of four and a half hours, no.
“I must be honest.
“But we know pre-season is like this not only for Chelsea but for all the clubs.”