Arturo Vidal to Chelsea: Bayern Munich drops hint over Antonio Conte reunion

'I have always said if I go to war I would take Conte with me'

(Getty Images)

Chelsea could set their sights on Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal after hearing that the Chilean appears open to a reunion with Antonio Conte.

The Italy manager is odds-on favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge in the summer, after the Italian FA announced that the former Juventus boss will leave the Azzurri after Euro 2016.

Chelsea are said to have been in talks with Conte for months over making the 46-year-old their next permanent manager, with an announcement even expected before the end of March.

Transfer targets have been discussed and, according to the Evening Standard, former Juventus midfielder Vidal is a top priority.

Vidal, 28, was a key player for the Old Lady under Conte, winning three successive Serie A titles before he moved to Bayern Munich in the summer.

The pair have a great relationship, saying that they would "go to war" with each other.

"If I ever go to war I’d take Vidal with me," Conte once admitted while in charge of Juventus.

This week, Vidal was asked about the chances of a reunion in west London - and far from ruled it out, almost echoing his former manager's words.

"I have always said if I go to war I would take Conte with me," he admitted. "We will see what happens."

Vidal will be pricey having only moved to the Allianz Arena this season, but with Pep Guardiola also leaving the club, for Manchester City, Vidal could follow.