Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on keeping Cesc Fabregas despite several transfer rumors circling around involving the Spanish midfielder.
Caught Offside indicated that Italian Serie A squad AC Milan is the latest football club linked to the 29-year-old Spain international, but Chelsea boss Conte is said to be "adamant" that his midfielder is "going nowhere" this season.
"We all know Cesc is a fantastic player, and I'm pleased to see him in every training session with a great attitude," said Conte. "If he continues in this way it will be a very difficult choice for me. But I want this from my players - to put in my mind many doubts."
Fabregas, who has played only thrice in five games for the Stamford Bridge residents this term, all of which coming off the bench, had been one of the best playmakers in the Blues' lineup when they won the Premier League title in 2014. He had 18 assists in 34 English top flight games that season as compared to his seven assists in 37 appearances last term.
Metro reported that while Conte is pleased with Fabregas and his work ethic, the former Italy national team head coach prefers Brazilian Oscar as his starter at midfield. However, Conte was quick to admit that Fabregas remains in his plans moving forward.
"Cesc is in my plans and in Chelsea's plans," Conte said. "'Cesc is a great player. We all know Cesc, a great technical player. Now I'm starting to get to know him as a man. A great personality. I'm pleased with him."
Conte then disclosed that he also liked Fabregas improvement on defense, which is a part of the midfielder's game that he was critiqued in the past.
"He's working very well. He's improving a lot on many aspects, above all the defensive situations. I'm very clear with my players: when a player deserves to play, I put him in the team," the coach said.
"I always thought that this team needed to find a good balance when you have the ball and, above all, when you don't have the ball. Last season Chelsea conceded 53 goals. Now, we have found the right compromise between defensive and offensive situations," he added.
