Conte rules out Matic sale: He can 'become one of the best in the world'

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte put any doubt over Nemanja Matic's future to rest Tuesday amid speculation the midfielder could be headed for the exit at Stamford Bridge.

Matic has been linked with a move away after Chelsea's frustrating 2015-16 campaign, with Conte's former team, Juventus, emerging as a favourite to land the 27-year-old.

But the Italian gaffer insisted he expects the Serbian to play an important role this season, and that, under his guidance, Matic has the ability to evolve into one of the best midfielders in the world.

"He is not for sale and I know with work he can become a fantastic midfielder, one of the best in the world," he told reporters.

"He is a very important player for me, he is very important in my idea of football. He knows this and I’m delighted by his attitude and behaviour and I see in him commitment."

Despite reportedly dishing out £65 million to bring N'Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi to the club, Conte went on to criticize the current transfer market and the exorbitant prices teams are paying for players.

"This season we are seeing a crazy market. It’s incredible. When you touch a player it’s very difficult because you must pay a lot of money," Conte admitted.

"I don’t know if this situation can continue. It’s very difficult for all the teams to try and buy the players. Now, we are starting to speak about £100 million, £120 million, £95 million, and these prices are incredible, but this is football now."