Roma play down Nainggolan to Chelsea rumours"

The Belgium international midfielder is a target for the Blues this summer but general director Mauro Baldissoni has now moved to play down such speculation

Roma general director Mauro Baldissoni has played down speculation suggesting that Radja Nainggolan could move to Chelsea this summer.

Goal understands that the Blues are prepared to offer £35 million plus add-ons for the Belgium international when the transfer window reopens, with incoming boss Antonio Conte keen to acquire his services.

Reports of Chelsea's interest in Nainggolan were seemingly validated when photos emerged of Baldissoni's fellow director Walter Sabatini outside Stamford Bridge.

But Baldissoni insists that, while every player is available for the right price, the pictures do not prove that Nainggolan is moving to Stamford Bridge, maintaining that the club were merely negotiating the permanent signing of Mohamed Salah.

"Just because someone takes a photo while visiting Chelsea, people assume all sorts of things," Baldissoni told Mediaset Premium.

"He could have also visited Arsenal, Tottenham and other clubs to find out who is on the market and who isn’t.

"Anyway, he was there with Mohamed Salah’s agent because we will be buying him outright this summer.

"Every player has his price but our goal is to strengthen Roma."