The Italian boss is all but confirmed as Juventus' new coach, but the Blues' next bet in the dugout might be a surprise to some.

Maurizio Sarri is taking his time to decide whether or not he will continue as Chelsea's coach next season, and the Blues keep searching for a suitable replacement in case he decides to leave.

Mixed reports have emerged in the past few weeks about the Italian's future, but the team's UEFA Europa League title celebrations have postponed their decision regarding Sarri's job. While the Italian tactician has been linked to a move to Juventus, there had not been any names linked to the Blues...until now.

A report by The Mirror, echoed by Spanish newspaper As,suggests that the frontrunner for the job, if Sarri leaves, will be none other than Watford's Javi Gracia. The Spanish boss has coached the Hornets for the past 18 months, where he has won 24 out of 60 games. The yellow and black side finished the 2018-19 Premier League season in 11th place, earning 50 points and leading the club to the FA Cup final, which they eventually lost against Manchester City.

Curiously, Chelsea defeated Watford in both of their meetings this season.

Gracia has won 46% of the points he's fought for as Watford's boss, and his brand of football would be enough to convince Chelsea's execs to sign him. The Spanish boss is under contract with the Hornets until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Massimiliano Allegri is a big-name option for Chelsea's dugout, but given their experience with Italian coaches in the recent past, it may be time to try a boss from a different country...