Waching daily Jun 29 2018

 Chelsea are in the market for defensive recruits with Maurizio Sarri poised to replace Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge

 Savic has emerged as a target for the incoming gaffer, with fellow seasoned-pro David Luiz heading for the exit door

 Spanish newspaper AS report Chelsea are facing competition from Juventus in the race to secure Savic's services

 However, it seems Atletico are holding firm with regards to their valuation of the 27-year-old, who used to play for Manchester City

 According to AS, Atletico will not sell Savic on the cheap despite Diego Simeone being happy for him to go

 Atletico Madrid's desire to hold on to Savic for the time being may be due to the fact they know a replacement will be pricey

 While Chelsea and Juventus' shared interest in signing him up means a bidding war could take place as the summer goes on

 Former Premier League star Paul Merson reckons Chelsea's defence is an area in need of attention

 Although he's not a fan of Conte being replaced having won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two seasons in west London

 "I wouldn't say Chelsea need a new manager because Antonio Conte is one of the best in the world but I do think he will leave and I just think it needs to be done sooner rather than later," said Merson

 "Arsenal have done their business right as Unai Emery has now got time to improve his squad

 "Chelsea need to get it done quickly because if they don't get players in they won't win anything as anyone who comes in won't be better than Conte

 "I think they need strengthening at the back with a centre-half and another forward

 "I'm a big fan of Alvaro Morata's but I just don't know whether he's up to the Premier League week-in, week-out so I think they'll sell him and get another striker in

 "Olivier Giroud has proven to be a great buy but I'd like to see another forward in

 "I'd like to see Robert Lewandowski but without Champions League football the price would have to be right

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