After winning the English Premier League last season, Chelsea struggled early this season, leading to the sacking of Jose Mourinho just before Christmas.
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The club appointed ex-Netherlands boss Guus Hiddink on an interim basis and has been playing better under his tenure. But owner Roman Abramovich seeks a more stable managerial situation despite cries from fans and players to keep Hiddink.
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Conte, 46, moved ahead of Juventus coach Masimiliano Allegri, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, former Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli and Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino to become the front-runner for the Chelsea position, according to ESPN FC.
Should Chelsea decide to hire Conte, it will have to wait until after this summer’s European Championship, which is when his current contract with the Italian national team ends.
