Chelsea were linked to a number of defenders during the summer, with one of them being AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli. Antonio Conte had a long list of possibilities and the Italian defender was understandably on it, but the Chelsea manager will have known a deal was unlikely.
There were reports in the Italian media suggesting Romagnoli was the subject of a €35m bid from Chelsea, but it was rejected by the Serie A club as they didn’t want to sell the highly rated player.
The 21-year-old has been speaking to Italian media outlet Premium Sport (via Sport Mediaset), and was asked about Chelsea’s interest during the summer transfer window.
Romagnoli insisted it was an ‘honour’ for him, but he is happy to stay put at AC Milan.
He said: “The fact that Chelsea were interested in me is an honour, but I’m glad I stayed at Milan.”
Chelsea eventually signed David Luiz, and it remains to be seen if Antonio Conte would return for Romagnoli in future transfer windows. With Andreas Christensen expected to return next summer, the search for a defender may well be over.
