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Chelsea set to return for familiar transfer target

By Rucker Haringey

ROME, ITALY - MAY 14: Radja Nainggolan with his teammate Stefan El Shaarawy of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images )
ROME, ITALY - MAY 14: Radja Nainggolan with his teammate Stefan El Shaarawy of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images ) /
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Chelsea want to add Radja Nainggolan

Antonio Conte knows that his Chelsea squad will need reinforcements for Champions League football next season. Predictably, the former Juventus boss will return for one of his top transfer targets this summer. The Blues will once again try to pry Radja Nainggolan away from Roma this summer.

The Blues reportedly sent scouts to watch Nainggolan play against Juventus this week, but it’s not as if Conte needs to learn more about him. He’s very familiar with the Belgian midfielder after watching him in Italy over the years. Roma don’t want to lose him, but a massive offer from Chelsea could certainly change their minds.

Nainggolan’s fine play is a big reason why Roma find themselves squarely in the Serie A title race. They’ll head into the final two league matches with a legitimate shot to overtake Juventus. The odds aren’t in their favour, but they are still alive. Regardless of the title chase’s outcome, Roma will enjoy Champions League football next season.

That will only strengthen the club’s resolve to hang on to their midfield ace. His age, however, might convince officials at Roma to accept a big Chelsea offer. He’ll turn 30 next season and that’s a dangerous age for a player who relies so heavily on his athleticism.

Chelsea won’t be too concerned with Nainggolan’s ability to hold up over the long haul. The Premier League giants are only concerned with maximizing their ability to win trophies next season. It’s highly likely that Nainggolan would significantly increase their ability to do so.

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The real question is where he’d fit into Conte’s squad. N’Golo Kante certainly isn’t going to be forced out of the starting XI anytime soon. He’s arguably been Conte’s top player this year. That would leave Nemanja Matic as the most likely star to make way.

Then again, it’s also possible that Nainggolan could play out on the wing for Chelsea. His versatility is part of what makes him so attractive to Conte. Don’t be surprised if he lines up in a number of different positions if he makes the move to England.

Next: Chelsea star set for insane new contract

Chelsea will spend a lot of money this summer, and they’d like to use some of it to acquire Radja Nainggolan. Time will tell whether or not this summer will be different from last year for the Blues.

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