Conte fears Chinese money

Antonio Conte says the Chinese Super League's spending power represents a challenge to European football.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar is set to make a £60m move to Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG in January on wages estimated at £400,000 a week.

Arsenal midfielder Alexis Sanchez has also been linked with a £500,000-a-week deal at Hebei China Fortune, managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Chinese clubs spent £200m before the start of the 2016 season, and Shanghai SIPG paid £46.1m for Zenit St Petersburg's Brazil forward Hulk during the mid-season summer window.

"The Chinese market is a danger for all," said Conte.

"Not only for Chelsea, but all the teams in the world. But I think we must concentrate on our work, not think that in China there is a lot of money and they can arrive to take the players there."

Oscar, 25, was at training at Cobham on Friday but has told his team-mates he will be leaving when the transfer window opens next month.

Conte refused to confirm the deal during his Friday news conference but says he "understands his decision".

"Oscar is a really good player. I was very proud to have him in my squad and to have him as my player," the Italian said.

"I’m proud of his attitude, his commitment and his behaviour, which have been fantastic, and I have great respect for every decision made by a single player. But if you ask me: ‘Are you sorry?’ then yes, I am sorry to see him leave because a really good player, and a really good man, is leaving the club. I must be honest about this. But also I understand his decision."

Photo (Getty Images/Ian MacNicol)

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