The Mirror reports that Chelsea can secure the signature of either Radja Nainggolan or Antonio Rudiger if Cesc Fabregas is used as a bait in the deal. There is never denying that Antonio Conte adores his former league as his first-choice shopping cart and both names are constantly linked with a move to London since summer.
AS Roma sit second in the league and four points adrift of Conte’s former club Juventus. Rudiger and Nainggolan have been important cogs in Luciano Spalletti’s wheel thus he could only allow one player to leave. He is also keen to add the Spaniard to open up an alternative attacking dimension for his side.
The former Barcelona midfielder is struggling to unseat any of the current midfield starters at Chelsea. He is one of the players who has fallen out of Conte’s good books since a 3-4-3 formation was employed. While the Blues are evidently enjoying the ploy with 10 wins on the trot and sit at the summit of the England’s top flight.
Yet there is no getting away that Fabregas can improve any team out there. He did start two weeks ago against Manchester City as Nemanja Matic was sidelined with an injury and he managed to contribute an assist and commanded the middle of the park with neat passes. A dead giveaway that the limited playing minutes has not affected his well-known quality. However, in last weekend’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Brom, Fabregas returned to the bench as Matic was fit again.
Conte recently asserted that the Spanish international is in his plans yet the player would prefer to part company. And letting him go to a team out of the Premier League wouldn’t do much harm. Swapping a midfielder for midfielder seems ideal yet Nainggolan and Fabregas are two different type of players.
Comprising a strong physique, the former isn’t shy of throwing in tackles and quickly press opponents to win over possession. Also, he offers a prodigious amount of defensive work that would be a big uptick in Conte’s checklist. Relishing at the prime age of 28, the Belgian is certainly investable. Matic and N’golo Kante are doing such services impressively this season yet if long-term injury or dip in form strikes, the Chelsea boss could face an uphill task.
AS Roma, on the other hand, have lots of talent and pace to burn upfront – Mohamed Salah, Edin Dzeko and Stephan El Shaarawy. And visioning Fabregas’ trademark passes into the final third would set the tone for the attackers.
If Conte happens to pick Rudiger, 23-year-old tall and strong defender, it would be a plus point too. Yet the German international somewhat share similar shades of Kurt Zouma, another talented youngster that is poised to break into the first team sooner or later. With John Terry nearing an emotional farewell, it could be a sensible move too.
Cesc Fabregas has exploited both the English and Spanish leagues and garnered reputable merits. Perhaps it’s time for a fresh podium for the Spaniard to make a name.