Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Radja Nainggolan, Graziano Pelle Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly making good progress on the transfer of AS Roma star Radja Nainggolan, while incoming Blues manager Antonio Conte is eyeing Southampton forward and compatriot Graziano Pelle, according to the latest rumours.

Per the Times (h/t Daily Star’s James Walters), Nainggolan has reportedly met with Conte and has agreed to a deal worth £100,000 per week. The report also states Chelsea and Roma have agreed on a £31 million transfer fee.

VINCENZO PINTO/Getty Images

The Belgium international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for a while now, as Conte is said to be a big fan of the midfielder. Current team-mate Wojciech Szczesny believes Nainggolan will be a smash hit for the Blues, as he told FourFourTwo (h/t Daily Express’ James Cambridge):

"

He’s definitely a fantastic fit for English football – he’s very strong, physical and tough. He’s not afraid of anyone and he will fight for 90 minutes in every game. Combine that with very advanced technical skills and you have a complete player. 

If I was Chelsea manager, I’d buy him in a heartbeat. But I hope it’s not the case and that he’ll stay with us.

"

Nainggolan was a late bloomer, spending the bulk of his career with smaller Italian clubs before joining Roma on loan in 2014. The Giallorossi later made the move permanent.

A tenacious midfielder with superb range, physical abilities and passing skills, Nainggolan is an excellent enforcer who loves to chase after the ball. He’ll remind some of Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal, who plays the game with similar energy and was a key component of Conte’s Juventus teams.

Here’s a look at some of Nainggolan’s highlights:

Conte was known as a blue-collar, hard-working midfielder himself during his playing days—he loves working with similar players, and Nainggolan fits the bill.

The 28-year-old is expected to shine for Belgium during the upcoming UEFA Euro 2016 tournament, and a strong showing in France would only increase Roma’s asking price. The Blues’ decision to lock him up before the first ball is kicked is a wise decision, even if the reported fee of £31 million is steep.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Sun’s Mike McGrath claims Conte is also considering a £8 million move for Pelle, who has just one year left on his current deal with Southampton. It’s unclear whether Saints want to keep hold of the 30-year-old or prefer to cash in now.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman dropped Pelle from the squad for the clash with Manchester City last weekend, and this close to the end of the season, such a decision was always going to lead to speculation. The Italian has spent the bulk of his career with smaller clubs—if he ever wanted to cash in, now would be the time.

Conte gave Pelle his international debut in 2014 and knows the former Parma star well, so it’s no stretch to believe he’d love to bring him to Stamford Bridge as a depth option. Chelsea’s current options on the bench are limited, and Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato are only at the club on loan deals.

Follow @ReverschPass