Cesc Fabregas isn't worried about Tiemoue Bakayoko arriving at Chelsea: 'That will not put me down... I have been competing for 15 seasons'

• e-mail

Cesc Fabregas has warned Chelsea new-boy Tiemoue Bakayoko he is ready to fight for a midfield starting spot this season. 

Antonio Conte bolstered his options by splashing out £40million on Bakayoko from Monaco but Fabregas is adamant he will not be pushed out of the side. 

The former Arsenal man, who made just 13 Premier League starts last season, said of competing for a starting berth: 'I have been competing for 15 seasons. 

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is ready to fight for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge

Fabregas will compete with former Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko for a starting spot

'That will not put me down after what happened last season and how I stood up to it. 

'I'm ready for anybody. I feel great. I understand the philosophy of the manager very, very well. I know what he wants from me.'

Both Bakayoko, who is out until September with a knee injury, and Fabregas look set to battle it out to start alongside key man N'Golo Kante in Chelsea's engine room but Conte has also hinted at playing the Spaniard in a No 10 role.

The Italian tactician also praised Fabregas for improving his all-round game since the start of last season. 

'Cesc has improved a lot from when I arrived at Chelsea,' said Conte. 

'He is a really good player who can play in midfield and can also play as a No 10.

'He is a great example to other players with his commitment and behaviour every day during training sessions. He must continue in this way because he is working well for us.'

Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after being left out of Chelsea's Asia Tour squad. 

Matic is keen on sealing a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United while Juventus are also keeping tabs on the Serbia international.  

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been impressed with Fabregas' progress during his tenure