Chelsea Transfer News: Radja Nainggolan Deal Blocked, Charly Musonda Rumours

Chelsea will struggle to cut a deal for Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan this summer after it was reported that Roma manager Luciano Spalletti is "ready to block any proposed deal." Plus, Charly Musonda has talked up the possibility of a move to Barcelona.

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express), Spalletti wants to retain the Giallorossi's star talent and is adamant about keeping Nainggolan in particular, as there is little squad depth for his area of the pitch.

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It's mentioned that incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who spent eight years managing in Italy's top tiers before becoming Italy coach in 2014, has identified Nainggolan as a primary target this summer.

The 27-year-old looks to be reaching the peak of his abilities and has become a crucial figure at the Stadio Olimpico this season, with GianlucaDiMarzio.com's David Amoyal recently hailing his midfield threat:

Nainggolan would presumably be challenging the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel for a place in Chelsea's engine room, where several of last season's stars have failed to perform as hoped.

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini was recently spotted at Stamford Bridge, sparking rumours that a transfer was closer than expected. However, general director Mauro Baldissoni cleared speculation up in an interview with Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium (h/t Gazzetta World):

"

Just because someone takes a photo while visiting Chelsea, people assume all sorts of things. He could have also visited Arsenal, Tottenham and other clubs to find out who is on the market and who isn’t. Anyway, he was there with Mohamed Salah’s agent because we will be buying him outright this summer.

Every player has his price but our goal is to strengthen Roma.

"

Meanwhile, Chelsea puppeteer Musonda has stirred rumours of a Stamford Bridge exit after admitting he would like to turn out for Barcelona in future.

The attacking midfielder, currently enjoying a six-month loan at Real Betis, alluded to a possible Camp Nou move four years after joining the Blues from Anderlecht, per the London Evening Standard's Simon Johnson: "I might play for Barcelona in the future. I could, but I chose Chelsea for my family. In football you never know what might happen."

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Musonda moved to Betis in January after finding first-team chances in west London difficult to come by, playing the full 90 minutes in all but one of his 10 Primera Division appearances since.

Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney recently had high praise for the youngster, who is taking full advantage of the opportunity he's been afforded in Spain's top flight:

Musonda's progress is similar to that of compatriot and former Chelsea club-mate Romelu Lukaku, who impressed on loans with West Bromwich Albion and Everton before being allowed to leave the club in 2014.

Depending on how highly Chelsea rate their starlet and whether they predict a Stamford Bridge future for him, the Belgium under-21 international could be made to wait on his Barca aspirations.