'I'd always want him': Antonio Conte praises Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal amid rumours of Chelsea interest

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Vaishali Bhardwaj26 December 2017

Antonio Conte has refused to be drawn into speculation linking Chelsea with interest in Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal, but labelled the midfielder a "fantastic player".

Conte and Vidal enjoyed a successful spell at Juventus between 2011 and 2014, winning three successive Serie A titles in Italy.

Vidal is contracted to his current club Bayern Munich until 2019 but a report in his homeland of Chile - which was subsequently picked up by German newspaper Bild - claimed he is now wanted by Conte at Chelsea.

Conte avoided commenting on the speculation, although did admit that the 30-year-old is the type of player he would "always" want in his team.

Speaking to reporters after Chelsea's 2-0 Boxing Day win over Brighton, Conte said: "I must be honest, it's not right to talk about a player of another team. Especially if you try to link this player with us.

"Arturo is a fantastic player...I have a great respect for Arturo, and we spent many years in Juventus together.

"I'd always want him with me."

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