Chelsea are in the market for a midfielder, and it has reminded us of one of our favourite RTÉ commentary moments of the season.
Anotnio Conte will likely be putting Chelsea through a significant tactical change when he takes over as boss at Stamford Bridge this summer, and it is widely expected that he will return to Italy to take a few players that are familiar with his methods.
While he isn't a Juventus player, Roma's Radja Nainggolan has made a big impression in Italy and there are a number of clubs said to be looking to lure him away and bring his many tattoos and eye-catching mohawk to their midfield.
According to reports emerging from Sky Italia and ESPN, Chelsea are the front-runners in the battle for his signature.
Urged on by new Coach Antonio Conte, the Blues are prepared to splash out €40m for Nainggolan.
He turns 28 next week and is under contract with Roma until June 2020.
On Monday he scored the decisive late goal to beat Napoli 1-0, putting the Giallorossi within two points of second place in Serie A.
Roma director Walter Sabatini was also asked about the Chelsea interest in Nainggolan today.
“I don’t know, I’ve never spoken to Conte. Nainggolan is a universal midfielder, so strong in every area of the game that he is wanted by many clubs.
“He is playing a new role under Luciano Spalletti, which could be only transitory, but he’s often played in a more advanced role.”
It would represent an exciting signing for Chelsea, especially considering they won't be playing Champions League football next season.
It was during a Champions League match for Roma this year that Jim Beglin decided to give Nainggolan his own special nickname, one which we seriously hope catches on should he arrive in England:
Here's hoping.
