Chelsea Transfer News: Alessio Romagnoli Bid Rejected Amid Latest Blues Rumours

AC Milan have reportedly rejected an offer of €40 million (£34.2 million) from Chelsea for defender Alessio Romagnoli.

That’s according to Sky (h/t Football Italia), who noted the bid consisted of a €35 million fee up front and another €5 million in add-ons. It’s suggested the package was discussed between Milan's potential new Chinese owners and President Silvio Berlusconi before being dismissed.

Romagnoli only joined the Rossoneri last summer from Roma and is rated as one of the most exciting young defenders in Italian football. Here’s a look at why Milan value him so highly:

Just 21 years old, the centre-back has a maturity that surpasses his tender years. Like you’d expect to see from any emerging Italian defender, Romagnoli has a clear understanding of the game, makes composed decisions in the defensive third and has class in abundance on the ball.

Being left-sided, he also brings a balance to the Milan back four. At Chelsea, that’s a position that has long been occupied by captain John Terry. However, at 35 years old, it’s no surprise Blues boss Antonio Conte is searching for a footballer who can help fill the massive void he will leave once he departs Stamford Bridge.

As these numbers from OptaPaolo illustrate, while Romagnoli does have plenty of cerebral skills, like Terry, he can be uncompromising when the situation demands:

The Blues have conceded cheap goals in all of Conte’s competitive games in charge of the club so far. While the Italian pulled off a major coup in luring N’Golo Kante to the club this summer, even his remarkable energy has proved insufficient to prevent the Blues back line from being breached by West Ham United, Watford and Bristol Rovers.

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Romagnoli may not be an immediate fix to these issues, although the potential would be there for him to forge a long-term partnership with someone like Kurt Zouma should a transfer come to fruition. That’s likely why the Blues are willing to pay so much to secure his signature.

However, as noted by Bleacher Report’s Gianni Verschueren, for Milan, he’d be extremely difficult to replace at this late stage of the transfer window:

Romagnoli didn’t get off to the best start at the San Siro, although by the end of the campaign he looked assured and authoritative at the base of the side. Staying with Milan, working under new manager Vincenzo Montella and continuing his progress as a defender in familiar surroundings will surely aid him in realising his massive potential.

Another summer transfer is not what the youngster needs at this juncture. If a move to Chelsea was to go through, it’d be his third team in three seasons, having spent 2014-15 on loan at Sampdoria. Conte would be a brilliant mentor for Romagnoli in the long term, but right now he needs to focus on football without going through the rigmarole of another move.