Chelsea: Nainggolan latest; talks for Leicester star postponed; La Liga midfielder shock target

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Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has confirmed that Chelsea have been in “contact” over a potential move. The Belgian international, who is currently away with the Belgian international squad, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since the news of Antonio Conte’s arrival first broke. He would be an excellent addition for the Blues.

According to the Evening Standard, Nainggolan told HLN Nina: “There has been contact between Roma and Chelsea. But I will not get involved so long as there is no agreement between the clubs. The transfer is not a done deal so long as there is no signed contract on the table. And it would not be easy to leave Italy after 11 years.”

The 28-year-old midfielder excels defensively as well as when in possession. Meanwhile, he has proven to be a threat for the club in the final third. He averaged more tackles per game (1.8) than any of his team-mates last term, while completing 85.2% of his attempted passes – which is above the current average at Chelsea (82.5%).  He also scored six goals and recorded one assist.

His arrival would go a long way to restoring a level of dynamism and security to the Chelsea spine –  features they have lacked as Nemanja Matic has gone missing this term. With the attacking talent already available to the Blues, they are desperate for a player capable of recycling possession – winning back the ball, before accurately distributing it further up a field.

Chelsea are in discussions with Leicester City holding midfielder N’Golo Kante about a summer move to Stamford Bridge, says the Star. Just like, Nainggolan, Kante would bring an edge to the Chelsea midfield that has been lacking over the past year, as proven by his excellent displays for the Foxes this term.

Kante was linked with a switch to London soon after it was confirmed that Antonio Conte would take over as Chelsea boss. Reports suggest that the French international and Chelsea have held “several meetings,” but the Mirror adds that the player has said: “For now, I have not taken a decision, even if I have been made offers.”

It is understood the 25-year-old, who completed more tackles (4.7) and interceptions (4.2) per game than any other player in the English top flight last term, has now opted to delay transfer talks with the Blues until after the European championship, where his continued form could put him on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Arguably the best and most-dynamic defensive midfielder the Premier League has seen for several years, Kante would be worth the money Chelsea will be willing to pay for him. With several stars looking to be leaving Leicester this summer – breaking up the title winning side of last season – the Frenchman could use this as an opportunity to take his career to the next level.

According to The Sun, Steven Nzonzi is a shock target for new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. The former Stoke star is on the Blues’ transfer radar after impressing in his first season at Sevilla, where he recently won the Europa League. With the search for a defensive midfielder dominating the back pages, Nzonzi is certainly a good option.

The Frenchman has a £21million release clause which Sevilla want met before allowing him to go, but is he a better option than Nainggolan or Kante? His Premier League pedigree makes him less of a risk than the Roma midfielder, but there is no way that he would be a better option than Kante.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Alex Hannam