Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Federico Bernardeschi, Alessio Romagnoli Rumours

Fiorentina star Federico Bernardeschi is reportedly ready to push for a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window.

According to Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express, the winger has made it clear that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge midseason. New Blues boss Antonio Conte is said to be a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old, having tried to sign the Italian in the summer window.

Fissler added that as well as Bernardeschi, Conte also wants to secure a left-back, centre-back and another striker, although he recognises the January window won’t be ideal for conducting that kind of business.

But Bernardeschi is “determined” to push a switch through, according to Fissler. Here is a look at what he’d potentially add to the Chelsea side:

The report is at odds with recent quotes from the youngster, who is product of the Viola’s youth setup. “I do have the thought in my head that I can conclude my career in the Fiorentina jersey,” Bernardeschi said to La Repubblica (h/t Football Italia) recently when asked about links to AC Milan and Inter Milan.

It’s no surprise the youngster has been linked with some of European football’s biggest clubs. Bernardeschi burst into life last term in Serie A, thriving in a variety of different positions for Fiorentina and showcasing brilliant technical quality.

During the summer’s UEFA European Championship, beIN Sports’ Matteo Bonetti tipped the youngster as a possible star of the future:

Given the demands Conte places on his players in terms of intensity and adaptability, Bernardeschi would be an excellent man to have in the Blues squad. However, he’s developing well with Fiorentina and recent quotes paint a picture of a player that’s content with life at the club. As such, it’d be a massive surprise to see him force through a January move.

Alessio Romagnoli Offer Revealed

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Chelsea reportedly offered in the region of €50 million (£42.85 million) to AC Milan in the summer for star defender Alessio Romagnoli. 

That’s according to former Milan manager Sinisa Mihajlovic, who has detailed the Blues’ pursuit of the player in an interview with Corriere dello Sport (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness). 

The coach suggested that while there was reluctance from the Serie A giants to pay €25 million (£21.4 million) for the defender, he’s now been a success “so much so that this year Chelsea offered almost double to buy him.”

He would certainly be a fascinating capture for the Blues if they were to renew their interest. Here’s a look at why so many consider Romagnoli as one of the most promising defenders in European football:

The defensive positions are an area that Conte will have to address with the Blues. Captain John Terry is in the twilight of his career, while Branislav Ivanovic’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season; the latter has looked a long way past his best in recent outings too.

Romagnoli would potentially be a key building block if Chelsea could get him on board in the future. These numbers from OptaPaolo sum up just how important the youngster has already become to the Rossoneri:

You sense it’d take a massive offer before Milan would consider a sale, though. The San Siro club are seeking to reestablish themselves at the summit of Italian football and are building an exciting young side. Romagnoli is the key defensive linchpin within it.

Chelsea’s centre-back trio of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta have flourished in recent matches, although Conte, a stickler for detail and discipline, will see room for improvement. Romagnoli would offer an upgrade in quality, but securing his signature would evidently be an expensive exercise.