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What would Romagnoli bring?
- Updated: August 23, 2016
Chelsea’s search for a new centre-back has taken them the length and breadth of Italy this summer, but who is their latest target Alessio Romagnoli and how does he compare to their current defenders? Ben McAleer of whoscored.com takes a look…
When it was confirmed Antonio Conte would take over the reins at Stamford Bridge upon the culmination of Euro 2016, the Blues were quickly linked with a move for Italy international Leonardo Bonucci.
After realising a deal for the Juventus star was unlikely, Chelsea switched their interest to Kalidou Koulibaly and Kostas Manolas, but with Napoli and Roma keen to retain the services of the respective duo, the west London side are said to be pursuing other targets.
It has since led them to Romagnoli, though AC Milan are not keen to sell the 21-year-old centre-back. Indeed, the Serie A giants are believed to have rejected a £30m bid for the young defender and unsurprisingly so.
Milan endured a disappointing campaign last term as their fall from grace continues, despite spending heftily last summer to improve their fortunes.
One of the primary arrivals was Romagnoli, who joined from Roma for a little over £20m. After a season of service, Milan would be reluctant to cash in on a defender likened to club greats Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva.
Conte stressed the need for a new defender following the 2-1 win over Watford last weekend, stating: “If you look now at our squad, we have only five defenders – four that started today and an academy player Ola Aina.”
If Chelsea are to launch a sustained assault for the Premier League title, then reinforcements in defence are required, even without European duties to contend with. At …
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