Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has conceded that Radja Nainggolan would be his first signing if he was the Chelsea manager.
The Belgian international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Antonio Conte set to oversee somewhat of a rebuild following his arrival at the club after Euro 2016.
Szczesny, who is currently on loan at the Stadio Olimpico from Arsenal this season, has seen first-hand how good Nainggolan is and how influential he could be in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Giallorossi are able to ward off Chelsea’s interest, but the Polish international is under no illusions that his teammate would be a huge success in England.
“He’s definitely a fantastic fit for English football – he’s very strong, physical and tough,” Szczesny told Four Four Two.
“He’s not afraid of anyone and he will fight for 90 minutes in every game. Combine that with very advanced technical skills and you have a complete player.
“If I was Chelsea manager, I’d buy him in a heartbeat. But I hope it’s not the case and that he’ll stay with us.”
Conte is unsurprisingly expected to look to Serie A this summer in terms of transfer targets, as he will have kept a close eye on individuals that he would want to sign during his tenures with both Juventus and the Azzurri.
Szczesny makes a great point in that Nainggolan would make a perfect signing for any Premier League side, as the combative midfielder has all the characteristics required to fit in well in England.
Given his important to Luciano Spalletti, it is highly unlikely that Roma will give him up without a battle, and so Conte will likely have to force his new bosses to dig deep in order to land his man.