Chelsea tried and failed to sign Inter Milan winger Antonio Candreva last January, a player who Arsenal are interested in, according to agent Federico Pastorello.

• Chelsea wanted Candreva to replace the outgoing Oscar
• Arsenal were interested in him back in 2014

In January, Chelsea had identified the Italian as a replacement for Oscar, who was being sold to Shanghai SIPG in China. According to Conte’s agent, Federico Pastorello, the deal didn’t happen due to Inter’s new owners not wanting to sell one of their best players.

“This past January, Chelsea wanted to sign Candreva. They needed a replacement for Oscar and Antonio would have been a good one. However, he had just joined Inter and [Inter owners] Suning do not want to sell their best players. I don’t know if he’ll stay at Inter, I’ll talk to [Inter Directors] Ausilio and Sabatini,” he said.

Ultimately, Chelsea went on win the title even without reinforcing their squad in January.

Candreva was linked with a move to Arsenal back in 2014. However, the player dismissed the rumours and said he was determined to stay at Lazio. The decision was a significant one as Arsenal have been missing a quality right winger for a couple of seasons now.

That Chelsea wanted him is an indication of his quality. That Inter held on to him should warn Arsenal that he won’t be easy to sign should they decide to reignite their interest.