It has been strongly suggested that one of the first signings of the Antonio Conte reign at Stamford Bridge could be Roma and Belgium midfielder, Radja Nainggolan.
However it is being reported that Roma boss, Luciano Spalletti, has said that his defensive midfielder is going nowhere. Capturing Nainggolan is not the be all and end all of Chelsea’s transfer window, but after a fairly sub-par season from Nemanja Matic, Conte would do well to go out and recruit a top quality holding midfielder.
So where can Chelsea look? Overseas or the Premier League? Young and driven or older and proven? Here at Transfer Tavern we are looking at FIVE players which Conte could look at as an alternative to the Belgian…
Hit Nainggolan below to see FIVE alternatives to the Belgian!
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N’GOLO KANTE
It would not be cheap to pull Kante away from Premier League Champions, Leicester City, but the Frenchman would be more than worth the money. Across last season Kante dictated every single game from central midfield and whilst offering world class protection to the back for, there is more than just that to his game.
Kante has a superb ability to pick the ball up wherever he is and run at, and more often than not past, whoever is in front of him, from that chances are created. Kante chipped in with four assists for Ranieri’s team last season as well as contributing with 26 key passes. The 25-year-old still has plenty to offer the Premier League and would work very well under Conte at Chelsea.
VICTOR WANYAMA
With Koeman now gone, it is looking more than likely that this Kenyan powerhouse will leave the South Coast for bigger and better things, and being in the last year of his contract, Wanyama should not be too pricey.
Although the 24-year-old has had somewhat of a poor disciplinary record in recent years, if curtailed by Conte he can be a superb asset to any Premier League midfield.
The role which Wanyama plays at Southampton allows those in front of him to go on and play attractive football, something which the incoming manager is keen to do. Furthermore if you need a counter attack shutting down then look no further, Wanyama will more than happily throw his whole weight behind a show-stopping challenge.
ANDRE GOMES
Gomes is the perfect balance for a holding midfielder with the know how to benefit his side when on the attack, but Chelsea will have to spend a lot to get their man.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have had a £32m bid rejected for the Valencia man with the two clubs being around £10m apart in their respective valuations of the player.
The vision and composure which Gomes, 22, brings to a side a such a young age is second to none in European football. Furthermore, he has the ability to play further forward if asked to and make a real impact in and around the front line.
CHEIKHOU KOUYATE
A bit of a wildcard this choice, but the West Ham man has impressed in the Premier League so far and could well be ready to make the step up across London.
Kouyate has shown that he can really command a game and isn’t afraid to get forward from deep once he has the ball at his feet, nabbing the odd goal in the process.
At time the Senegal international has earned comparisons to Arsenal’s former Captain and hero, Patrick Vieira, which takes some doing. Although Kouyate would be a gamble it could well prove to be very shrewd business for Antonio Conte.
RUBEN NEVES
A rising star at Porto, Neves has all the hallmarks of a future top flight star. Aged just 19 Neves racked up 29 appearances in the first team at Porto last season, quite a responsibility for someone so young in such a vital role.
According to Transfermarkt, the Portuguese youngster is valued at around £8m, which for any Premier League side would be a steal for such a young talent, however, should clubs come sniffing it is more than likely that Porto would drive that price right up.
A risky move? Potentially, but given the right guidance, which I’m sure Neves would receive under the current Italy boss, he could well prove to be the signing of the season.
