Chelsea Transfer News: Huge Signings, Players Linked to Blues Ahead of Summer

Chelsea will reportedly increase their offer for AS Roma star Radja Nainggolan to £35 million, as manager Antonio Conte is desperate to land the Belgium international, while Napoli's Dries Mertens is convinced team-mate Gonzalo Higuain won't leave the Partenopei this summer.

Per Tony Stenson of the Daily Star, Nainggolan has already revealed he has discussed a move with Conte and Belgian team-mates Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, but despite persistent rumours, there hasn't been any real movement so far.

And while the rumour mill has continued to link the former Cagliari man with the Blues, Roma star Miroslav Pjanic confirmed he'll be moving to Juventus, per Roma Radio (h/t the Guardian). Suddenly, the Giallorossi add roughly £30 million to their budget from that sale, strengthening their resolve to keep hold of Nainggolan.

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The 28-year-old joined Roma on loan in January 2014 before signing a permanent deal last summer, and with star midfielder Kevin Strootman missing plenty of time due to injuries, Nainggolan quickly became one of the club's top options in midfield.

His energy on the defensive end and superb vision in build-up play proved to be a perfect complement to Pjanic's efforts further up the pitch, allowing the Bosnian to focus on creating chances and scoring goals.

Nainggolan is a tireless worker who plays with a mean edge. While he's a bit of a late bloomer, he has become a fan favourite in Roma and Belgium, more than holding his own with the Red Devils. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The UEFA Euro 2016 tournament couldn't have come at a worse time for Chelsea. Not only will Nainggolan likely take his time before making a decision, focusing instead on his national duties, but there's a good chance he breaks out as a major star in France, which would see his price tag go up.

And while he has opened the door to a move and given plenty of hints he would like to join Chelsea, per Stenson, he has also suggested at an extended stay in Rome, according to La Derniere Heure (h/t Belgian football expert John Chapman):

This saga seems set to last until the end of Euro 2016, and by that time, Roma could be in a financial position where they no longer have the need to sell. They could still be tempted if Chelsea's offer is high enough, which is why it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn the Blues have reportedly increased their offer.

Conte has always built his teams around hard-working, energetic midfielders, and Nainggolan fits the bill perfectly. Landing the Belgian will be high on Conte's list of priorities, and the Blues have the financial means to present Roma with the kind of offer they can't turn down.

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Elsewhere, compatriot Mertens told reporters he won't be leaving Napoli, and he believes the same holds true for team-mate and reported Chelsea target Higuain, per the Daily Express' James Gray:

"

I am sure Gonzalo will also sign a new contract.

We have qualified for the Champions League and had a great campaign.

We’ve got a wonderful coach who has also signed a contract renewal, so I think everyone will remain. 

I am happy with this club and this city.

"

Higuain enjoyed a fantastic season with the Partenopei, but once again, Napoli fell just short of winning the Serie A title, as Juventus passed them in the standings on their way to a fifth consecutive triumph.

The Argentina international has won just one major trophy since moving to Italy, the Coppa Italia, and there are strong suggestions he could be on the move following one of the best seasons of his career. Per WhoScored.com, he scored a remarkable 36 goals in Serie A last season. Here's a look at his highlights:

Higuain's situation is somewhat similar to Nainggolan's, as Napoli will have no intention of selling their star forward unless Chelsea make an enormous offer. But unlike the Belgian, there's a sense the striker is anxious to leave Napoli, and if the player asks for a transfer, negotiations should become a little easier.