Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly showing interest in AS Roma superstar Radja Nainggolan, who is also on the radar of Chelsea.
Spanish publication Don Balon are reporting that Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to battle it out on the transfer market for another renowned name in European football. AS Roma midfield enforcer Radja Nainggolan is the latest name to appear on the radar of the Spanish heavyweight.
Radja Nainggolan is a fiery character but his talent is undoubted. The player’s reputation has grown leaps and bounds since moving to AS Roma and despite his disciplinary struggles on the pitch, he has been a core member of the Roma setup under Luciano Spalletti.
The 28-year-old is predominantly a midfield enforcer but his contribution to the attacking aspect is noteworthy, as evidenced by his return of 8 goals and 2 assists so far this season. Nainggolan, though, is renowned for his famous tackling technique, which is a real trademark of the midfielder.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the player in the summer transfer window but the Belgian ended up renewing his AS Roma contract then. But as per the Don Balon report, Antonio Conte is still interested in bringing the player over to Stamford Bridge in the summer-to-come.
But, the Blues could be set to face competition from the Spanish duo of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both the sides have had their own share of midfield problems and are looking for additions in the respective department.
The duo are keeping a track of Nainggolan and the report states that, despite the obvious controversies surrounding the player and his knack of questionable comments, his talent has been attracting both Barcelona and Real Madrid, who could move for the Belgian in the summer.
Nainggolan would provide stability in the middle of the park to any of the interested parties and his attacking contribution is also likely to aid their results.
Nainggolan’s current deal, one which he signed in the summer of 2016, runs till 2020 and the 28-year-old is likely to command a hefty transfer fee. Chelsea were linked with a €35 million bid in the summer and it seems the clubs may have to bid around or even higher than the aforementioned amount to land the Belgian.
But, Nainggolan’s presence on the pitch does bring a sense of assurance in the midfield, something that Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid would all love to add to their respective squads in the summer of 2017 irrespective of where they end up on the table this season.
