Chelsea Transfer News: Radja Nainggolan, Kostas Manolas, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Roma duo Radja Nainggolan and Kostas Manolas.

That's according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Lorenzo Bettoni of Calciomercato.com), who suggested that Blues boss Antonio Conte is a massive fan of the pair. Interest from Chelsea in the players during the summer is noted, although both eventually remained with the Serie A side after offers were rejected.

Roma are said to have "annoyed" the twosome due to their apparent resistance to improve their contracts. In the piece, it's stated that Nainggolan was promised a pay rise by the club after agreeing a contract until 2020, while the Giallorossi are reportedly unwilling to match Manolas' annual wage demands of €3 million (£2.58 million) that would be part of a new deal.

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With Nainggolan tied down for the long term, any pursuit of him would be a costly one for the Blues. Here's a look at why Chelsea may feel he's worth a significant outlay:

It's easy to imagine the tenacious midfielder fitting in at Stamford Bridge under Conte. After all, in recent weeks, the Blues have found a wonderful groove, playing dynamic, physical and aggressive football in a 3-4-3 system.

At the crux of this formidable team has been a flourishing partnership between N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, although the Blues don't have many senior options in reserve in this area of the field. Nainggolan would not only provide depth, but serious competition for a starting spot.

Per OptaPaolo, the midfield dynamo has been a colossus at the hub of Roma's side in recent seasons:

Aside from the centre of the pitch, Chelsea also arguably need to improve their options in defence, and subsequently, interest in Manolas would make a lot of sense—with the player said to be a target for Manchester United, too.

While David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta have jelled well as a back three, the Blues are a couple of injuries or suspensions away from calling on a struggling Branislav Ivanovic or an ageing John Terry, with Kurt Zouma not yet fully recovered from his recent injury layoff.

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Manolas would be a tremendous option. The Greece international has developed into one of the best defenders in Serie A during his time at the Stadio Olimpico, and given he's just 25 years old, he still has improvements to make as a player. His ability to spot danger, win one-on-one battles and cover ground quickly would make him an ideal fit for the Premier League.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, Manolas' main strength is in his ability to dominate opponents in aerial battles:

Chelsea may be big admirers of both players, but it's unlikely Roma would be willing to move on two key parts of their spine, especially to the same club.

Nainggolan is the man that makes the team tick in the middle of the park, and although his form has been a little inconsistent this term, without him in the XI, Roma lack the needle needed to get a foothold in matches. Additionally, there'd be no guarantees of a starting spot at Chelsea, with Kante and Matic excelling.

Manolas' contract with Roma is to expire in 2019, meaning they're under no pressure to sell him as things stand. However, should the defender feel undervalued by his current employers, as aforementioned, offers from the likes of Chelsea and United would look enticing indeed.