Huge boost for Chelsea in Radja Nainggolan pursuit as Roma are given green light to sign midfielder’s replacement this summer
Reports in Italy claim Giallorossi will move for Bologna's Amadou Diawara with Blues still hunting Belgian ace
CHELSEA have been given a reported boost in their hunt of Roma’s Radja Nainggolan.
Antonio Conte is hoping to land the Belgium international in a big-money move this summer ahead of his maiden Premier League season.
But Nainggolan is not keen on a move to England after reaffirming his commitment to the Serie A giants on numerous occasions.
However, Roma are believed to be open to sale if the finances are right, as seen in the transfer of Miralem Pjanic to title rivals Juventus.
And claims Luciano Spalletti’s side have already been told they can sign their first-choice target to replace Nainggolan if he leaves the capital.
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It is said that Amadou Diawara is at the top of Roma’s wish-list, and Bologna have allegedly given the green light to a transfer.
However, a deal will not go through until Nainggolan’s future is made concrete, with the midfielder reportedly agreeing a new contract in principle last week.
Chelsea are also interested in Paul Pogba, but Juventus are unwilling to part ways unless they receive an offer which breaks the world transfer record.
A new centre-back is another priority for Conte, who has reportedly failed with a £19million bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
Real Madrid’s Nacho is also on Conte’s radar, but the new boss could face a struggle to keep Cesar Azpilicueta at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona and Manchester United are both said to be chasing the full-back, with Paris Saint-Germain and Athletic Bilbao also interested in acquiring his services.