Chelsea Transfer News: Alessio Romagnoli Eyed to Replace John Terry, Top Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay £30 million to sign AC Milan centre-back Alessio Romagnoli this summer, according to reports in Italy.

Italian source CalcioMercato (h/t Metro's Will Giles) claimed the Blues see 21-year-old Romagnoli as a replacement for outgoing skipper John Terry. But as the report also noted, Chelsea can expect to face strong competition for the young Rossoneri star.
Praise hasn't been in short supply for Romagnoli during recent seasons. Milan chief Sinisa Mihajlovic compared him to former Italy stalwart at the back, Alessandro Nesta, in 2014, according to EuroScout (via Yahoo Sport Italia, h/t ESPN FC's Michael Yokhin): "Alessio is like Alessandro Nesta, but more technical."

 

Romagnoli has been compared with former Milan linchpin Nesta.

The player's greater technical aptitude is no doubt connected to his time spent at another position earlier in his career, a phase of his development Yokhin also detailed: "However, during his first few years in the academy, Romagnoli played in central midfield—which is why his technical skills are much better compared to the average centre-back."

Having a ball-playing central defender with pace would be a welcome boost for a Chelsea team that have aged at the back. Terry has seen his best days as a player, while 30-year-old Gary Cahill has always lacked pace as well as confidence in possession.

French youngster Kurt Zouma has the qualities a refreshed Blues defence needs, namely pace and aerial power. But the 21-year-old is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.
Still, Chelsea have already made plans for the future. The signing of Matt Miazga from New York Red Bulls is proof of that. But the Stamford Bridge club still needs a more ready-made young defender, one good enough to start next season.
Romagnoli has the potential and talent to be that player. But he isn't the only youthful defender on the Chelsea radar.