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It is close to being certain that Maurizio Sarri is going to be the next Chelsea manager, with reports claiming that a two-year deal for the Italian is almost being finalised.

After two days of intense meetings between Chelsea and Sarri’s intermediaries, it appears that a potential agreement has been made out — a 2-year deal valued at €6-6.5m per year (up from the initially rumored €4m).

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport report Maurizio Sarri has been convinced to join Chelsea by Marina Gravonovskaia, turning down other approaches, including from Zenit St Petersburg, and setting his mind on a move to London.

Gazzetta’s Saturday front page carries the words ‘Sarri – Chelsea, oh yes’, claiming that a deal is all but certain.

Also, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà claims that Chelsea’s proposal will be presented to Sarri in the next couple days for the final approval, and a deal is expected to be announced next week.