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Roma's Mattia Destro reacts after missing a scoring chance during the Serie A soccer match between Roma and Cesena at Rome's Olympic stadium, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Roma's Mattia Destro reacts after missing a scoring chance during the Serie A soccer match between Roma and Cesena at Rome's Olympic stadium, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press

Chelsea Transfer News: Mattia Destro Hints at Exit, Latest on Zakaria Bakkali

Rory MarsdenOct 31, 2014

Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit of Roma striker Mattia Destro as the Italian has hinted he may be open to departing the Serie A club unless he gets more first-team opportunities.

The Blues' options up front were reduced to just 36-year-old Didier Drogba as they drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday, with Diego Costa and Loic Remy both injured.

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There is certainly an argument to suggest Jose Mourinho could do with one more striking option and the 23-year-old Destro—who Chelsea pursued in the summer per Hannah Duncan in Metro—could well be the answer as he seems to be dissatisfied with his lot at Roma, per Jamie Anderson in the Express:

"

I can only do my talking on the pitch. Some people speak with their voice, I speak on the field. I try to score goals when I have the opportunity. [Should I be given] more opportunities by the coach? That’s up to the coach. I think with my head, I make decisions with my head. So we’ll see.

"

As beIN Sports' Tancredi Palmeri notes, Destro's dissatisfaction is somewhat understandable considering he keeps being left on the bench by coach Rudi Garcia despite his goalscoring form:

Destro has bagged four goals in eight Serie A appearances—three as a substitute—so far this term, per WhoScored.com, but has yet to become a regular starter since joining the club in 2012 for £12.6 million.

If he does indeed wish to depart Roma, it is unclear whether he would be keen to join Chelsea, where he would likely be at least third-choice behind Costa and Remy, as Arsenal are also reportedly interested, per Anderson's report

However, he could certainly be a big asset for the Stamford Bridge outfit with his finishing ability and movement as well as being a long-term investment at just 23 years old.

SUWON, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 22:  Zakaria Bakkali of PSV Eindhoven competes for the ball with Seo Jung-Jin of Suwon Samsung Bluewings during the friendly match between PSV Eindhoven and Suwon Samsung Bluewings at Suwon Worldcup Stadium on May 22, 2014 in Suwo

Zakaria Bakkali is another youngster who has been linked with Chelsea—among others—for some time with Metro now reporting the PSV winger could be set for a move to West London in January.

The Blues have apparently moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the talented 18-year-old Belgian, with a January departure from PSV effectively guaranteed after contract disputes, per Football Oranje:

However, it may be a risk on Chelsea's part to sign Bakkali, as he has had clear attitude problems at PSV which have led to his current situation, with Football Oranje questioning his dedication:

A move to Chelsea to play under Mourinho may well be exactly the tonic for Bakkali, given the array of world-class talent the Blues have at their disposal.

He clearly has talent and has been labelled the "new Eden Hazard" by many, per Metro's report, with a great ability to run at defenders from a position just behind the main striker.

Destro and Bakkali are both incredibly exciting players who could be fantastic for Chelsea for years to come, but Mourinho will have to decide whether it is worth gambling on a pair who both will clearly be challenging to handle.

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