Chelsea have been linked with several top players from Serie A side Roma — including Miralem Pjanic, Radja Nainggolan and Kostas Manolas — but Blues’ vice-captain Branislav Ivanovic is the latest to be linked with a move between the two teams.
Ivanovic was among Chelsea’s worst performers in the first half of this campaign, but has since improved after his switch to the centre-back position to fill in for Gary Cahill, John Terry or Kurt Zouma. Unlike the Blues’ captain, the Serbian also received a contract extension earlier this season.
Roma Sporting Director Walter Sabatini was reported to be in London this past week to meet with the Chelsea hierarchy regarding various matters. His primary agenda, according to Gazzetta World, was to discuss the future of Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah and Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan. However, it has also been reported by Gazzetta World that Ivanovic is a target for the Serie A outfit.
Possible Transfer To Roma
With Chelsea being linked to Roma players like Manolas, Pjanic and Nainggolan, and Roma keen to keep Mohamed Salah who is on loan from Chelsea, it would not be surprising if a deal was to be worked out involving an exchange of players. Walter Sabatini has himself been linked with a move to Chelsea with Antonio Conte rumoured to be interested in bringing him along to Stamford Bridge.
Roma would do well with a player like Ivanovic among their ranks. The Italians will find in him a vocal, experienced champion who would add a winning mentality to the squad and serve as an adequate replacement to any defender who might leave the club.
With Chelsea confirming the arrival of Antonio Conte after the Euros, it is yet to be seen whether Ivanovic will be involved in his plans for the future. Amidst intensifying rumours of a large summer overhaul set to take place at Stamford Bridge this season, it will be interesting to see how Conte deals with a fast-ageing Ivanovic, who, after a stellar 2014/15 campaign, looks like a shadow of his former self this season and is seemingly on the decline.