Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge has been in doubt for several months and since the end of the 2017/18 season, Sarri emerged as his most likely replacement.
Sarri’s appointment has been held up by Chelsea failing to agree a deal with Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis but today he revealed an agreement was now close.
He said: “Sarri is close to be new Chelsea manager. My lawyers are in talks with his lawyers to finalise everything.”
And it seems Conte could be given his marching orders imminently.
The Italian coach was spotted taking training this week – and Chelsea even posted an image of Conte on Twitter this morning – at the Cobham base.
In a picture of Pedro heading a ball to Cesc Fabregas, Conte is spotted in the background with his head down.
But his time at the club is coming to an end and he could even be gone today.
Sarri’s first signing looks set to be Italy international Jorginho.
This morning, the 26-year-old was spotted getting ready to board a plane to London and De Laurentiis confirmed the player had snubbed a move to Manchester City.
“If the player would rather live in London than Manchester, I can understand that,” he said.
“If Chelsea are paying him even more, I can understand that too. Jorginho and Sarri together again?
“Jorginho would go to Chelsea regardless of Sarri.”