Chelsea
boss Antonio Conte says other clubs need to compete with Manchester City in
the transfer market, and has warned that teams across Europe could suffer if
they fail to do so.
City are reportedly interested in signing Southampton's Virgil van Dijk with
the January window approaching, and Pep Guardiola says he is in discussions
with director of football Txiki Begiristain over plans to sign a new
centre-half.
Conte, however, has warned that City's rivals cannot allow them to sign
their transfer targets unchallenged.
He said: "Every team, every club, must pay great attention, because if a
club like Manchester City takes all the best [players], it will be very
difficult for us to fight.
"Not only in England but in Europe."
Van Dijk handed in a transfer request in the summer to try and force through
a move from St Mary's, and Liverpool were reported to the Premier League by
Southampton for their approaches to try and sign the Dutchman.
The 26-year-old previously added to the speculation that he could leave in
January, saying: "Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what's
possible."
His manager Mauricio Pellegrino has also admitted that he "can't control"
Van Dijk's future.
top