Transfer Centre

Monchi: Radja Nainggolan "will definitely stay at Roma"

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 July 2017

Roma are only looking to further strengthen their squad this summer rather than offloading more star men, according to sporting director Monchi.

Roma sporting director Monchi has categorically ruled out selling midfielder Radja Nainggolan this summer, reportedly denting the hopes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Premier League rivals are both in the market for midfield reinforcements during the off-season and have been linked with the Belgium international at various stages over the past 12 months.

Nainggolan revealed in March that he had previously discussed a move to Chelsea with Antonio Conte, while remaining coy on links to United, but Roma are unwilling to entertain any offers for the 29-year-old during the current transfer window.

"Nainggolan will definitely stay at Roma," Monchi told reporters. "The time of selling important players is over. Now we build a team with the options that the market provides.

"One of the objectives we are working on is a winger and we'll try to get that done as quickly as possible. I prefer to wait and bring in the player I really want, rather than to act hastily."

Nainggolan played a direct part in 16 Serie A goals in his 37 appearances last season, helping Roma - who have already lost Mohamed Salah to Liverpool this summer - to a runners-up spot behind Juventus.