Antonio Conte has told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich he needs to overhaul the squad.

The Times says the mega-rich Blues owner has held three lunch meetings with new boss Conte.

And in them, the Italian has given a frank assessment of the downfalls of the squad he's inherited.

He reportedly believes many of the players are incapable of regaining the form that saw them win the title two years ago.

Abramovich is sympathetic to Conte's situation after he watched Chelsea go down to Liverpool and Arsenal.

The fact Conte didn't make wholesale changes when he took charge isn't lost on the Russian, with only one played on the boss' wish-list signed.

That was N'Golo Kante while Michy Batshuayi was identified by sporting director Michael Emenalo.