Radja Nainggolan
Another mainstay in Chelsea transfer rumors has been Radja Nainggolan and this situation is seemingly more depressing every day. Of all the players that Chelsea have been linked with Nainggolan is the one whom they need the most. His power, decision-making and work-rate are required in the engine room and it makes absolute sense that Roma are trying to keep such a tight hold on him.
I remain hopeful that this transfer will eventually be pushed through by Roman Abramovich as he will be wanting to give Conte at least one marquee signing to signal a fruitful beginning to their relationship.
It is important to note though that Nainggolan is already 28 and so a fee over £40-45 million would be rash spending on Chelsea’s part. I imagine this is a transfer that will take till the very end of the summer but eventually it should go through.
The Blues need the player too badly to let this simply fizzle out. A bid in the range of upper 30’s will be the sort of sum Roma need to wave good-bye to the midfield warrior. Either that or they could try to pry Arturo Vidal from Bayern for the same fee.
Next: Paul Pogba