Chelsea Transfer News: Romelu Lukaku, Radja Nainggolan Speak Amid Latest Rumours

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan have both provided updates on their futures, with Chelsea reported to be interested in the duo. 

According to Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC, Lukaku is keen to return to the Blues, who sold him to Everton in the summer of 2014 for £28 million; Manchester United were also noted as an interested party. But the player told Sky Sports News HQ he’s left any move in the hands of his agent, Mino Raiola.

“It's my agent who is dealing with that aspect," Lukaku said. "I'm just focused on Belgium, and the most important thing is helping my team.”

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His Belgium team-mate Nainggolan said “there is nothing at the moment” when asked about a potential move to Chelsea. And while he insisted he would be happy to remain in the Italian capital, the midfielder did hint he was a little tempted by the prospect of a move to the Premier League.

“The Premier League is another good competition, but I think sometimes in life you need to make choices,” the Roma man told Sky Sports News HQ. “I don't know what will be my future, but I just can say that where I am I'm happy.”

For Chelsea, a new centre-forward and destroyer in the middle of the park will be key acquisitions this summer.

Lukaku, while he has come in for some criticism at the 2016 UEFA European Championship, is a player who would offer a new dimension to the team’s attacking play. But as WhoScored.com noted, his brace against the Republic of Ireland was a long time coming:

The 23-year-old still has a lot to learn about the game. While Lukaku was in tremendous form for the Toffees in the first half of the 2015-16, his form tailed off badly in the second half.

Indeed, in 2016, the Belgium striker netted just three Premier League goals and, at times, cut a disinterested figure at Goodison Park.

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A manager like Antonio Conte could potentially bring the best out of the player, though.

Nainggolan is another player whom you could see thriving and improving under Conte. Here is a look at the quality he would bring to Stamford Bridge:

The 28-year-old Belgium international is one of the most dynamic midfielders in European football and would add the kind of tenacity Chelsea lacked for long spells last season.

At Roma, Nainggolan is at the hub of the team. He buzzes around the central sections of the pitch, winning tackles, easing opponents off the ball and carrying it forward into dangerous areas. And, as we witnessed in Belgium’s recent 1-0 win over Sweden, Nainggolan can be good for a goal, too.

These numbers from OptaPaolo, up against those posted by Roma icon Daniele De Rossi, show just how effective the midfielder can be:

Nainggolan seems to be content with life in the Italian capital, though. The club will do all they can to keep him on board, particularly after the sale of Miralem Pjanic to Juventus. Losing another key facet of what’s long been an outstanding midfield setup at the Stadio Olimpico would be a major blow.

Lukaku would also be tough to prise out of Everton. The Toffees have acquired a good manager in Ronald Koeman, and you can bet he’ll want to start the season with a young forward who guarantees goals.

With three years left on his Goodison Park contract, it’d take a mammoth offer before Everton consider letting Lukaku go.