The latest Chelsea FC-Roma negotiations: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Branislav Ivanovic invovled
Chelsea FC have been linked with a number of deals with AS Roma in recent weeks, so here is the latest that is going on between the two clubs.
Since Antonio Conte became the outright favourite to land the Chelsea FC job, the Blues have been linked with a variety of Serie A players because…Italy. Well, AS Roma are one of those clubs with the likes of Radja Nainggolan and Kostas Manolas reportedly targeted. However, the latest rumours suggest that players could be moving in the opposite direction as well.
The Daily Star cites sources in Italy as they claim that representatives from both clubs recently met to discuss Branislav Ivanovic. The Serbian has had his contract extended by one year but he could be used as bait in potential deals.
"They claim Roma and Chelsea officials met for talks on Friday over a host of possible deals. Ivanovic, 32, is said to be tempted by the chance to move to Italy."
After being the centre of fans’ frustration throughout the campaign, Ivanovic has found his calling at centre-back in the last few weeks. The veteran has put in a series of impressive performances at the heart of the defence, despite not featuring in the slot since much earlier in his career.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
He was surprisingly handed an extension in the middle of the season, but with a new manager incoming, everyone is subject to being moved on.
With Conte supposedly keen on acquiring Nainggolan and Manolas, Ivanovic could be a casualty in order to meet Roma’s demands. However, the same publication also claims that a couple of Chelsea youngsters could be the sacrificial lambs.
"It’s claimed Blues youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen have been offered on loan as potential makeweights in any deal."
This part of the report will likely concern Blues fans. With a summer overhaul in the offing, it has been expected that the club would enter a new era with the younger players brought to the fore. The idea that Chelsea are willing to pack off two prospects who have proven themselves to be valuable at the top level (Christensen in the Bundesliga) suggests that real change is not coming.
Having said that, Christensen is on a two-year loan spell with Borussia Monchengladbach with no recall clause. The Germans have already stated that they would not agree to an premature severance as well. This is yet another reminder that transfer rumours, on the whole, are complete and utter rubbish.
Next: Chelsea FC and Antonio Conte: The Way Forward Part Two, Suitability For The Role
But it is fun to speculate, right? Speculate away in the comments below!