Conte refuses to comment on Rodriguez and Vidal

Antonio Conte has refused to comment on reports that Chelsea are chasing deals to sign Ricardo Rodriguez and Arturo Vidal.

The Sun newspaper has claimed that Chelsea are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Wolfsburg left-back Rodriguez.

Bayern Munich midfielder Vidal, who previously played under Blues boss Conte at Juventus, has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Conte has consistently refused to comment when quizzed about Chelsea’s transfer targets.

And, when asked about Rodriguez and Vidal, he said: “I answer always in the same way. I don’t like to speak about players that are now playing with other teams. This is respect for players and also for the clubs.”

Conte is also remaining tight-lipped on the future of John Mikel Obi amid reports the Nigerian midfielder has verbally agreed a move to Valencia.

Mikel, who has been at Chelsea for more than a decade, has not featured at all under Conte and is expected to move on in January.

“For now we haven’t news,” Conte said.