Antonio Conte tells Roman Abramovich that Chelsea need dismantling

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reportedly told club owner Roman Abramovich that the entire first-team squad needs an overhaul.

The Italian, who took over at Stamford Bridge this summer, was initially happy to work with this group of players until witnessing his players’ poor performances in defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal.

Abramovich has also been concerned by the side’s down-turn in form, and previous reports have suggested he’d be ready to give Conte extra funds to strengthen with big names like Antoine Griezmann and Antonio Rudiger in upcoming transfer windows.

Conte’s desire to change things at Chelsea is also down to his concern over player-power from several senior members of his squad, according to The Times.

It was recently suggested that some big names in the Blues’ squad did not listen to instructions in the defeat to Arsenal, suggesting that last year’s performances under Jose Mourinho may have been more than just a blip.

The report also reveals that only N’Golo Kante was signed by Conte himself this summer, with Michy Batshuayi suggested by sporting director Michael Emenalo, and with David Luiz and Marcos Alonso only regarded as emergency options late on.

Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and Oscar are mentioned as current players who could be vulnerable under Conte.

Chelsea made a solid start to the season but are now without a win in their last three Premier League matches.