Chelsea are reportedly keen on Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan. But should Tottenham Hotspur make them work for the deal?
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
According to a recent report in The Sun, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to bring Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan to Stamford Bridge next season.
The 29-year-old Belgian central midfielder has been one of the standout players in the Italian Serie A over the past few seasons, and he could now be destined for a move to the Premier League.
Strong, with an excellent passing range and an eye for goal, Radja Nainggolan is the type of playmaker any side in the Premier League would be lucky to have, often lauded for being able to expertly turn defence into attack in Rome.
This type of player is arguably just what Tottenham Hotspur could be in need of next season, so should Mauricio Pochettino challenge Spurs’ London rivals for the Belgian’s signature?
Roma’s Radja Nainggolan in action
Currently, in Pochettino’s trusty 4-2-3-1 formation, Spurs can pick from a selection of Victor Wanyama, Moussa Dembele and Eric Dier to fill in the two central midfield roles. Though all three players have been excellent for Spurs this season, Tottenham Hotspur could do with more of a playmaker, who can link up play between defence and attack, as Nainggolan does.
The midfielder would offer Spurs an option which they don’t really have at the moment, but would cost them. The rumoured money Chelsea are considering offering is around the £32 million mark. However, after spending a similar fee on Moussa Sissoko last summer, Tottenham Hotspur have proved they are prepared to compete with the top teams in the Premier League for Europe’s best, and more expensive, players.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
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