If recent reports are to be believed, then Chelsea are yet again targeting their long-term Serie A target, Radja Nainggolan, after repeated failed attempts, as Italian manager Antonio Conte prepares for the next transfer window. The Blues are just one win away from clinching the title this season and with Champions League in mind, numerous big names are linked with the club of late.
The Blues had a terrible season last year with the London side finishing 10th in the league table and missing out on all European competitions. The same team had won the Premier League title the previous year and the crisis was difficult to recognise. Conte has done an admirable job coming at such a time though he had a rather simple season to take care of, with no hectic fixtures leading to injuries or fatigue.
Pretty much like Leicester City last season, the Blues had an almost same 11 playing every week and the plan worked. However, the same comparison indicates a huge disruption in their fortunes next season. And if Chelsea have learned anything from Leicester this season, they would know how important this transfer season is.
The clubs will come ready for Chelsea’s tactics then and the N’Golo Kante card will hardly work. Midfield has been a huge factor for Conte’s success this season with Nemanja Matic, Kante and Cesc Fabregas pretty much doing the job for them. But, Matic has been quite inconsistent so far, and Fabregas would surely go elsewhere in search of first-team action unless Conte guarantees him any such thing at the end of the season.
AS Roma’s Nainggolan, on the other hand, could be a perfect fit in Chelsea’s current setup. With wing-backs and the two attacking midfielders taking up the task of going up and scoring, Conte’s formation relies heavily on the two central midfielders to keep the transition smooth every time the side counters.
Nainggolan’s stocky figure, which helps him to outmuscle opponents in the congested midfield, could be really helpful in Chelsea’s cause. Not very taller than Kante, Nainggolan too depends on his pace on the ball and sublime dribbling skills to beat his rivals.
A central midfielder by nature, Nainggolan is known for his immaculate passing and splendid finishing. The 29-year-old can provide the most incisive of through balls in the attacking third and is brilliant in tackling. He has scored 10 goals and assisted thrice in 34 Serie A outings.
Reportedly, the midfielder would cost Chelsea in the region of £32 million. However, Chelsea will have to fight arch-rivals, Arsenal, in landing him. The Gunners have their on-loan goalie Wojciech Szczesny in AS Roma at the moment and could take his help to persuade the midfielder in joining them.
