Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been dealt an early transfer window blow as Giorgio Chiellini is set to sign new Juventus deal.
The experienced centre-back is a free agent at the end of the season was high on Conte’s shopping list last summer and planned to lure him to London this month.
Conte is keen to add another defender to his ranks after speculation David Luiz is set to leave Stamford Bridge in January.
Chiellini,33, worked under Conte at Juve but the big defender is about to snub his old boss and extend his stay in Turin beyond next summer.
He told Sky Italia: “Extend my contract with Juventus? I’ll meet the club after the holidays to discuss the contract extension and I think that there won’t be any surprise.
“Juventus feels like family to me and I couldn’t be better.”
The Italian international has been with Juve since 2005 winning six Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia crowns.
Conte is looking for additions this month as he looks to maintain the charge for a top four spot.
Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal and Everton contract rebel Ross Barkleyhave been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge this month.
The Blues can reclaim second place and go above Manchester United with a win at Arsenal on Wednesday evening.
