Chelsea boss confirms he almost signed this Superstar in the summer

Chelsea tactician Antonio Conte has said that the West London club did try to bring Roma star Radja Nainggolan to Stamford Bridge.

As cited by the Telegraph, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte previewed his team’s encounter against AS Roma in the UEAF Champions League on Wednesday evening and discussed the Roma star.

“In the past, yes, we[Chelsea] tried to buy [sign] him [Nainggolan]. But now [Radja] Nainggolan is [AS] Roma’s player and I [Antonio Conte] have great respect for him [Nainggolan] and for [AS] Roma, and also for my [Chelsea] players [footballers].”

“He [Nainggolan] is a really brilliant player. For me [Antonio Conte], one of the best midfielders [we have around]. But he [Nainggolan] is an opponent.”

The Belgium international star has established himself as one of Italian Serie A’s best midfielders recently and is continuing to attract suitors from clubs across the European continent.

As per the Telegraph, Chelsea made two separate approaches worth £23m and £25m, both rejected by AS Roma, who value the midfielder highly.

The former Juventus tactician will be hoping that the West London club’s failure to bring in Nainggolan will not come back to hunt them when they lock horns with AS Roma on Wednesday night.