Antonio Conte began the summer transfer window with a growing frustration that sparked rumours the Italian could sensationally quit Chelsea.

The former Juventus and Italy boss has only been at Stamford Bridge a year, having already won the Premier League, but rumours of his departure were surfacing.

Chelsea may be well known for firing their managers with relative ease but it appeared it could have been a role reversal had Conte decided to walk out on the Premier League champions.

While Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool had all made big-money signings this summer, the reigning champions were slow to make moves in the transfer market.

And with the inflation of prices in the current window, it's no surprise that the Italian was anxious to get his first big deal over the line.

Chelsea did sign Willy Caballero on a free transfer from Manchester City at the beginning of the month - as back up to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois - but it took until just under two weeks ago for the club to make their first major signing.

Antonio Rudiger arrived from AS Roma for £34 million, followed by £40 million Tiemoue Bakayoko exactly a week later, and since then Alvaro Morata has arrived for a club-record £70 million.

Chelsea transfer worries quashed

Just a couple of weeks ago, there was a sense that Chelsea were lagging behind in the transfer market. But how times change quickly in football.

Conte reportedly felt 'betrayed' by Romelu Lukaku's recent £75 million move to Manchester United, having been led to believe by the Belgian that he would return to the club he left for Everton in 2014.

Instead, the striker joined the Red Devils, who are expected to challenge for the title next campaign, leaving the Blues feeling hard done by.

But according to Conte, Morata - who United failed to agree a deal with Real Madrid for before signing Lukaku - was always the club's primary transfer target.

Morata Conte's main man 

“We have added a fantastic striker, even at a young age he has won a lot already and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the squad," said Conte, per The Sun.

"Morata for sure is our first choice.

"He is a good player, the right prospect for Chelsea and hopes to show his value with us.

"I think for sure this is a good signing for us. He is a young player, but has a lot of experience, he went to Juventus and Real Madrid."

Now time will tell whether Chelsea or United got the better deal. 

Either way, the pressure is on for the Premier League giants' two major signings.