Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has revealed there was interest from the Blues during the last summer transfer window.
Antonio Conte is said to be an avid admirer of the Belgium international and could be move for him next summer.
Nainggolan is known for his physicality and composure in the midfield and has attracted interest from a host of European clubs too.
Speaking about the possibility of a transfer, the 28-year-old said: “Was I close to moving to the Premier League? There was contact, but then I quickly decided to remain.”
“He already wanted me when he was the Juve manager, but I’d already said I would never leave Roma for Juve. Now he tries to get me to Chelsea.”
Although, the defensive midfield role is currently being occupied by French midfielder N’Golo Kante but it is understood that Conte wants a versatile midfielder that possess both attacking and defensive qualities and the transfer could signal the demise of the likes of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas at Stamford Bridge.
There are suggestions that Chelsea is also looking at the prospects of signing either of Marcelo Brozovic and Frankie Kessie as the Belgian star continues to stall on a move to the Blues.
