Chelsea 14-1 for title as Sarri takes over

One of the worst kept secrets of the summer was Antonio Conte's likely departure from Chelsea and the Italian's exit from Stamford Bridge has finally been announced, paving the way for Maurizio Sarri to take over.

Sarri is set to take on one of the most demanding jobs in English football, knowing that even winning silverware may not satisfy owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea are 13-10 with Betway to win a major trophy this season and 14-1 to lift the Premier League title, matching the feat Conte achieved in the first of his two years at Stamford Bridge.

Conte won the FA Cup last season and becomes the sixth Chelsea manager to leave the club in the same year he secured a major trophy, following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho (twice), Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Di Matteo, Guus Hiddink and Rafa Benitez.

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Key battlegrounds

Sarri's arrival may spark Chelsea into life in the transfer market.

Russia midfielder Aleksandr Golovin and Brazil keeper Alisson are among the World Cup stars linked with a summer move to Chelsea.

Golovin is 1-5 with Sky Bet to seal a switch from CSKA Moscow and Alisson is just 7-5 with Paddy Power to join from Roma.

However, Sarri may have a battle on his hands keeping the key elements of Conte's squad together.

Belgium star Eden Hazard has just two years left on his contract and is 8-15 with Sky Bet to depart this summer and 13-8 to stay.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, another player courted by some of the continent's top clubs, is 5-6 with Betway to leave for Real Madrid before the start of the La Liga season.

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