London: Roman Abramovich is poised to make Antonio Conte the highest-paid manager in Chelsea’s history and bankroll a pounds 200 million (Dh946.8 million) summer spend as reward for winning the Premier League title. Chelsea are also confident that Eden Hazard will sign a pounds 300,000-a-week contract after holding positive talks with the Belgian over his future in the days leading up to Friday night’s title success at West Bromwich Albion. Conte, the head coach who has suggested he will stay at Stamford Bridge, wants to add greater depth and versatility to his Chelsea squad for next season, so he can swap between the 3-4-3 formation that has been so successful and his favoured 4-2-4. Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, is expected to grant Conte his wish in the transfer market and also reflect the going rate for top managers in an improved new contract. Conte’s current deal is worth pounds 6.5 million a year, less than Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp are paid. Mourinho earned pounds 7.5 million a year from his last contract at Stamford Bridge. Inter Milan are willing to pay Conte pounds 12.5 million a year to quit Chelsea, but Abramovich will offer the 47-year-old the biggest salary for a manager in Chelsea’s history and ensure he leapfrogs Klopp and Wenger in the earnings list. Striker Romelu Lukaku, who Everton value at pounds 100 million, is a top target, along with central defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko. Conte is also looking for a full-back and a wide player to allow him to play a 4-2-4 when he so wishes.

Conte told the Chelsea website on Sunday the best is yet to come from his side, but the immediate focus is clinching the double.

The FA Cup final against Arsenal is on May 27 and Conte wants his team to bring the campaign to a conclusion by overcoming their London rivals at Wembley.

“We have to work in training to prepare in the right way for these two games against Watford and Sunderland, and then prepare for the FA Cup final. We have the opportunity to win the double and we must be ready to do this,” Conte said.

He added: “Yes, for sure [we can improve] but we have only been working for nine months together.

“If we continue they can improve a lot because now they know my ideas and I know them, and their characteristics, so we can improve.

“I think the club wants to fight to win every competition and we have the same ambition. For this reason we will try to keep the best players.”