Chelsea Transfer News: Huge Alessio Romagnoli Bid Prepared, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea are to reportedly offer €35 million (£29.9 million) to AC Milan for their star centre-back, Alessio Romagnoli.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian, who has suggested the bid could amount to €40 million (£34.2 million) in total due to further add-ons. It’s noted the Serie A side are “desperate” to keep hold of the defender, although they “could be tempted to sell this summer” should they find a potential replacement.

The 21-year-old has only been at the San Siro for one year following his transfer from AS Roma last summer. Here’s a look at why Romagnoli is rated as one of the top defenders in Serie A:

After a testing start to life at the club early last season, Romagnoli went on the cement his position in the Milan back line late in the campaign. Indeed, his composed, concentrated and authoritative defensive style made the Rossoneri look much steadier.

Left-sided, hungry to improve and with a huge ceiling to his talent, the Blues may feel a potential deal amounting to £34 million may be something of a coup.

ESPN FC’s David Amoyal believes there’s plenty that makes sense about this reported offer given head coach Antonio Conte’s tactics and the player’s background:

It’s an area of the field the Blues need to strengthen, and a youthful presence like Romagnoli would give the defensive setup a refreshing boost. The balance he’d bring as a left-footed player, not to mention his steady distribution from deep positions, would also be a stylistic improvement for this Chelsea outfit.

Milan does seem like an ideal place for the Italian to continue developing, though. If Romagnoli did move this summer, he’d be at his third club in as many years, having shone on loan at Sampdoria in 2014-15.

A few more years at one of Serie A’s grandest sides would help the defender realise his potential.

Loic Remy set for Crystal Palace Switch

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Le 10 Sport (h/t Jamie Styles of the Daily Star) have reported Chelsea forward Loic Remy is set to join Crystal Palace on loan for the remainder of the season.

It’s stated the Eagles will have an option in the agreement that could see them purchase the player outright for £10.3 million if they so wish. Remy’s persistent problems with injuries have seen him drop down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, with Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi starting the season brilliantly.

As noted by Styles, the France international only netted one Premier League goal last season, turning out in the all-blue strip on just 13 occasions. However, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, overall his record off the bench has been pretty strong:

Palace have already signed Christian Benteke to bolster their options at the point of the attack and Remy—if he is able to stay fit—would be an excellent complement to the Belgium international.

The former Marseille man needs minutes on the field and there’s potential for a potent partnership up top at Selhurst Park.

Remy moving on would leave Chelsea with just Batshuayi and Costa as their senior striking options. As such, Conte would have to bring in a new goal-getter between now and the end of the transfer window should the 29-year-old depart.