Chelsea Transfer News: Franck Kessie Rumours, Latest on John Terry

Roma have reportedly agreed a deal for the signing of Atalanta star Franck Kessie, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the past.

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Jack Alexandros of ESPN FC), the Giallorossi will shell out €28 million (£23.75 million) for the 20-year-old midfielder and pay him a salary of €1.4 million (£1.2 million) a year.

As noted by Alexandros, Kessie has previously been outlined as a potential Blues signing, with manager Antonio Conte said to be keen to partner the Ivory Coast international with the unrelenting N'Golo Kante.

However, Kessie looks set to move to Roma, where he'll hope to continue to establish himself as one of the finest midfielders in Italian football.

Here's why he is rated so highly:

Kessie has burst on to the scene in spectacular style this term, providing the driving force behind a surprise European push for La Dea. 

The midfielder plays with an infectious enthusiasm and energy, getting about the pitch, battling with opponents and typically winning them. Additionally, Kessie has shown potency in the final third; he has six goals and three assists in 2016-17.

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As is the case with most young midfielders, he does have refinements to make, particularly in terms of discipline, as he's been sent off twice this term.

Per David Amoyal of ESPN FC, his form has dropped somewhat as of late, too:

Still, all the tools are there for Kessie to become a fantastic man in the middle for Roma.

Chelsea will be disappointed if they have missed out on the Ivorian, as he would have offered excellent competition to Kante and Nemanja Matic. But it's tough to argue with the youngster's decision; moving to the Italian capital and working with the likes of Radja Nainggolan, Kevin Strootman and Daniele De Rossi can only be to his benefit.

John Terry Wanted

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Former Chelsea full-back Dan Petrescu, who is the manager of United Arab Emirates club Al Nasr, has revealed he would love to sign Blues skipper John Terry at the end of the season.

Terry has struggled for minutes under Conte this campaign, and with his contract set to expire at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks, his future is unclear. Petrescu has made it known he'd be happy to give the 36-year-old a new home.

"Where will [Terry] end up next season?" the Romanian pondered, per the Gulf Times (h/t Matthew Smith of MailOnline). "Al Nasr. Of course, why not? I will call him and ask. I wish he was here. He's a very good friend and a good player. I don't know what he will do, but I wish him well. It depends on Chelsea. If they really want him he will stay, I'm sure."

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Although he's no longer the force of nature at the back he once was, Terry is still an icon with the Blues. The following snap he posted on Instagram recently offered a reminder why:

The 3-4-3 setup deployed by Conte in 2016-17 doesn't suit Terry's skill set as things stand, as defenders need to be mobile. The veteran still has attributes, although he needs to be protected.

It's tough to envisage Terry playing for any other Premier League side, so perhaps Petrescu is right to chance his arm. But a player of the defender's pedigree, experience and winning mentality will have a lot of offers should Chelsea decide not to extend his stay.