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Antonio Candreva flattered by Chelsea links but insists he is committed to Inter Milan

Staying put: Candreva insisted he was not angling for a departure from Inter: Getty Images
Staying put: Candreva insisted he was not angling for a departure from Inter: Getty Images

Inter Milan winger Antonio Candreva has pronounced himself flattered with links to Chelsea but insisted he does not plan on moving.

Reports this weekend have linked Chelsea with a £23m move for the Italian international, who was a key component of Blues' boss Antonio Conte's Azzuri side between 2014 and 2016.

The 30-year-old scored eight goals in 45 appearances for an Inter side that struggled to recover lost glories last season and would provide Conte both with competition for Victor Moses as a right wing-back and an option in a front three.

However Candreva insists he has no plans to depart the San Siro this summer.

“I’m proud to wear this shirt, I’ve bought into an important project here and I’m happy to be here,” Candreva said.

“This jersey has an important history, which is honoured every time I wear it.

“The links with Chelsea are nice, but there’s been absolutely nothing to date. The club will take care of any bids that may come in.”

Chelsea have been forced to cast their net wider in the hunt for reinforcements this summer, despite having secured Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero.

Wing-back targets Danilo and Benjamin Mendy are both bound for Manchester City and, with Alex Sandro proving difficult to prise away from Juventus, the Blues are considering Southampton duo Cedric Soares and Ryan Betrand, the latter a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2012.