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EXCLUSIVE Romano: Chelsea in talks to sign exciting AS Roma duo
However, as CM.com’s transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano has exclusively learned, the Old Lady has slapped a € 50 million price-tag on the Italy International, one of the finest defenders in Europe at the moment and one of those players around whom Antonio Conte had built Juventus’ fortunes during his three-year spell at the J Stadium.
Chelsea believe Bonccui’s price tag is too expensive, because lot of investments will be required next season and not only to improve the team’s defensive line.
Given Bonucci’s unsellable status, the Premier League giants have officially asked AS Roma to negotiate Kostas Manolas’ transfer. The Giallorossi only own half of the player as they have yet to pay Olympiacos € 6.5 million as part of the € 13 million they’d originally agreed with the Greek side.
Romano reports Chelsea went close to sign the 24-year-old last summer, but the deal collapsed as AS Roma were unable to find a decent replacement.
Chelsea have also offered € 35 million to secure Radja Nainggolan’s services. The Capitolines’ Sporting Director Walter Sabatini was spotted in front of Stamford Bridge yesterday and is believed to have met the Blues’ representatives to negotiate the Belgium International sale.
Lorenzo Bettoni, adapted from an article by Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano