Nainngolan and Manolas appeared to be off the market but new developments mean there could be a twist in the tale.
In-demand Roma duo Kostas Manolas and Radja Nainggolan could be pushed towards a move to the Premier League due to disputes over their wages at the Serie A club, Calciomercato reports.
Greek international defender Manolas and Belgian enforcer Nainggolan have been frequently linked with moves to England in recent years, but speculation has dissipated recently with both players appearing certain to stay in the Italian capital.
Manolas, a constant figure of consistency amongst an often haphazard Roma backline, looked set to end any persisting doubts about his future by inking a new long-term deal to stay with the Giallorossi, the player’s agent told ESPN in September.
However, according to Calciomercato, negotiations have now broken down with Roma unwilling to match his demands for a £2.5 million annual salary, raising speculation that he could be open to a switch to the increasingly opulent Premier League.
Calciomercato report that Arsenal offered up to £35 million for Manolas in the summer, while Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was also keen on pursuing a deal as with his top defensive target, Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, proving out of his reach.
It remains to be seen whether the title-chasing duo will kick-start any potential interest, especially with Shkodran Mustafi impressing in his first few months at the Emirates and Chelsea keeping clean sheets in each of their last five Premier League games since Conte’s much-publicised switch to a back three.
Furthermore, tenacious midfielder Nainggolan was also linked incessantly with Chelsea in the summer, but signed a new long term deal purporting to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico until 2020.
However, according to Calciomercato, he is still awaiting a pay rise promised to him by his current employers.
The midfielder, described by his manager Luciano Spalletti as a ‘warrior’, as reported by FourFourTwo, claimed recently that he was content with life in Serie A but it remains to be seen whether the latest developments change that.
A combative, tireless midfielder, few players fit Conte’s brief better than Nainggolan.
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