Antonio Conte angry with Chelsea board for missing out on Virgil van Dijk - Phil Thompson

ANTONIO CONTE will be upset with Chelsea’s transfer chiefs for not landing Virgil van Dijk.

By James Walters / Published 1st January 2018

That’s the view of Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson.

Liverpool agreed a world-record £75m for the Southampton defender last week, who will link up with the Reds today.

The Blues and Manchester City were linked with a move for the former Celtic star, who handed in a transfer request at St. Mary’s in the summer.

And Reds hero Thompson says Conte will be upset about Chelsea not being able to outbid Liverpool for Van Dijk, adding that the Blues must sign a new centre-half.

“They're a fine team but I think if you scratch beneath that main 11 there's not a lot there to come through,” Thompson told Sky Sports.

Phil Thompson says Antonio Conte is angry with the Chelsea board for missing out on Virgil van Dijk GETTY

Thompson says Conte is angry with the Chelsea board for missing out on Van Dijk

The Premier League’s 15 most expensive transfers - when Liverpool sign Virgil van Dijk

LIVERPOOL have signed Southampton star Virgil van Dijk for £75m - so where does he rank among the most expensive deals ever?

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15. Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid to Arsenal) - £42.5m

“Antonio Conte needs strengthening in all areas of his team”
Phil Thompson

“Antonio Conte needs strengthening in all areas of his team, with David Luiz out of favour.

“They are another side who were probably looking to entice Virgil van Dijk, so Conte will probably be questioning why Liverpool were able to outbid themselves with such an outlay and they may feel disappointed they missed out there.

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“I think that will upset the manager and the fans as they don't want to be left behind.”

Chelsea are back in action on Wednesday night when Conte’s men travel to Arsenal in the Premier League.