1st Signing for Conte: AS Roma midfielder’s agent in London to finalize deal, also Terry replacement found
Chelsea are reportedly involved in talks to sign AS Roma’s midfielder Radja Nainggolan. The Blues are understood to be in advanced negotiations and have apparently met with Roma’s sporting director Sabatini as well as Nainggolan’s agent, Remy Abbas, in London, according to Italian source Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Belgium international midfielder is in his second full season with the Rome club after joining the Italian giants from fellow Serie A side Cagliari in the summer of 2014.
If the deal does go through, the Belgian midfielder could very well be Antonio Conte’s first summer signing after he was appointed as the Blues manager earlier this week. The Italian national team boss is set to take over at Stamford Bridge following the Euro Championships in summer and is well aware of Nainggolan’s abilities from his time in Serie A.
In another transfer story, Turkish source Fanatik claims that the West London club are contemplating on making a move for Fenerbahce’s Danish international centre-back Simon Kjaer this summer. The Blues are will be in the transfer market for a centre-back as club veteran John Terry is expected to leave in summer and Kurt Zouma is currently rehabilitating from a long-term injury.
The 27-year old however has recently stated that he wants to stay with the Turkish club, through his agent. Lars Hendel told Turkish-Football last month: “Simon is only focused on Fenerbahce and helping the club to win the title that they deserve.”
However, the report claims that Fenerbahce might consider selling their player if Chelsea were to make a bid in the region of €15 million (£12.1 million). Conte knows Simon Kjaer from his time in Italy with Palermo.
A report claims that Antonio Conte wants to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Chelsea from Everton. The Independent has claimed that the Blues will move for the Belgian once the Italian is in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian international has recently stated that he would like to play for a Champions League team next season, but Chelsea will not be playing in Europe’s premier competition after a poor campaign defending their Premier League title. Man Utd have also been linked with a move for the Toffees striker.
Reports in Belgium have suggested that the Merseyside club have slapped a price tag of 80 million Euros on their star player. This would make the 22-year old the most expensive Belgian player in football.