Barcelona and Arsenal dealt Conte blow

Antonio Conte has no interest in taking the Barcelona or Arsenal jobs, claim Sky Sport Italia, because he is waiting for a new project next season.

The coach is a free agent after terminating his contract with Inter by mutual consent just weeks following the Serie A title victory.

As part of that agreement, he cannot work at another Serie A club during the 2021-22 season.

Conte could still go abroad, which is why he has been linked with the jobs at Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal.

However, Sky Sport Italia reporter Fabrizio Romano assures Conte is planning to take the year out as a Sabbatical and wait until an intriguing opportunity comes along next season.

He has never been eager to accept a new role midway through a campaign, let alone one at a club so obviously in distress as Barcelona, who seem ready to fire Ronald Koeman.

The same report also states that Andrea Pirlo, another Italian tactician linked with the Camp Nou bench, has not been contacted by Barca.

Andrea Pirlo has not received any call from Barcelona to replace Ronald Koeman. Antonio Conte is currently planning to be back next season with a new project, if nothing big happens with top club official calls. #FCB #Barça

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 23, 2021