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Slowly but surely, with every report, Chelsea appear to be getting closer to making an official move for Nicolo Zaniolo. As futile as that might be.

When we last left this story a few days ago, the Blues were said to be ‘especially interested’ in the 19-year-old, but now, they’ve gone a bit further.

That is, at least, what Corriere dello Sport appear to claim on Thursday, stating Chelsea and Juventus, the main competition here, ‘have taken a few steps’ towards trying to sign the wunderkind from Roma, who aren’t interested in selling.

You might be shocked to hear this, but the Serie A side would ideally like to keep their new superstarlet, at least for another season, and that’s what they intend to do.

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Corriere explain that barring Roma suddenly deciding (or being forced) to cash in for around €70-80m on Zaniolo, the young attacking midfielder will still be there next season, most likely having signed a new contract that will see his rather lacklustre pay (for a talented young footballer playing in the first-team) increase considerably.

A lot could rest on whether Eusebio di Francesco continues at the helm, but even if he does get replaced, it would be early career suicide for whomever comes in to not use Zaniolo after this season.

Chelsea and co. might have to wait.