Conte digging his heels in to block star’s Chelsea exit
Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Colombia midfielder Juan Cuadrado (left) controls the ball against United States midfielder Alejandro Bedoya in the second half during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters Picture Supplied by Action Images *** Local Caption *** 2016-06-26T023728Z_1677954205_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-2016-COPA-AMERICA-CENTENARIO-COLOMBIA-AT-USA.JPG
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has not given the go-ahead for Juan Cuadrado to move back to Juventus on loan, according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Colombia international only signed for the Blues from Fiorentina in the winter window of the 2014/15 season, but after making a minimal impact in his six months at Stamford Bridge he moved back to Serie A on loan last season to play for the Old Lady.
Cuadrado impressed once again in Italy, and reports from Di Marzio claim that the Turin heavyweights have been back in talks with Chelsea regarding a fresh season-long deal, with the player himself keen, but Conte has not given his blessing.
This comes as a surprise, with the former Azzurri boss having not selected the South American in any of his three match-day squads so far this season.
However, reports in the past have suggested that Conte values Cuadrado highly and is keen to keep him in west London, which could be the reason behind his apparent desire to retain the 28-year-old.