Chelsea have been linked with a move for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi in the last few weeks. The future of defensive midfielder John obi Mikel has been under major cloud of doubt following interest from Galatasaray.

The Italian international has been constantly linked with a move to the Premier league in the last few years. Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was a huge fan of his style, and he tried several times to bring the 29-year-old to the Etihad stadium. Following the departure of Mancini, though, the interest from City has cooled off in recent months.

Chelsea are thought to be heading the race to sign the midfielder, who is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Roma will be targeting a return to the Champions league after spending a lot of money in this transfer window. Roma manager Rudi Garcia has said that De Rossi still remains a vital player for Roma, and he would like to keep him for the coming season. There has also been doubts about the future of players like Pablo Osvaldo, and Garcia reiterated once again that key players are not for sale.

Roma have not been seen in the Champions league for quite a few years now, and Garcia has stressed the importance of retaining players like De Rossi in order to achieve qualification.

“He is a great player and surely it’s better to have him with us than to see him leave. They are still with us, we would like to keep the best players. But if they were to leave, we will replace them,” said the former manager when asked about the futures of De Rossi and Osvaldo. Roma have been one of the big spenders in the Italian Serie A in this summer transfer window.