The Blues are currently flying high atop the Premier League table, but manager Antonio Conte is still keen to see some of his long time transfer targets join him at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s summer signings have integrated well into the team, with David Luiz, N’Golo Kante and Marcos Alonso all crucial first team players in the current set-up. However things may have been different if the Blues had landed their primary targets.
Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan was constantly linked with a move to Chelsea and the move even looked inevitable at one point. Another top target for much of the summer was German center-back Antonio Rudiger, with both of these players currently playing for Serie A giants AS Roma.
The Romans denied Chelsea in the summer but are now ready to give Conte what he wants, provided they get Spaniard Cesc Fabregas in return. Italian publication Il Tempo are reporting that Roma are willing to offer the Blues first refusal rights on Rudiger and Nainggolan as part of a deal for Fabregas.
This would mean that Chelsea would have the first option of buying either of the two, or even both, if they wish to leave Rome in the future.
Roma have made Fabregas one of their top January transfer targets as they hope to boost a midfield ailing since the departure of Miralem Pjanic for Juventus. The 29-year-old midfielder could well be tempted to play in Italy for the first time, especially considering his current situation at Stamford Bridge.
Cesc has started only two Premier League games this season. Despite impressing in the recent game against Manchester City, the Spaniard was again dropped to the bench for the game against West Brom at the weekend.
There is little doubt over the talent and creative ability of the former Barcelona man, but the fact is that he has no place in Antonio Conte’s set-up. N’golo Kante and Nemanja Matic have been phenomenal in the new 3-4-3 system at Chelsea, and they are automatic selections in the midfield when fit.
This leaves Fabregas high and dry and a potential move to Roma could be very tempting. The Blues would also be licking their lips at the possibility of landing two of their long time targets.
