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Chelsea transfer boost as Serie A club prepare to lose defender by eyeing replacement
ROMA are preparing for life after Kostas Manolas, according to reports in Italy.
Manolas is said to be ready to leave Roma and is flattered by Chelsea's interest
Express Sport understands in his very first meeting with the Chelsea board Antonio Conte told them he wanted to sign Manolas and his Roma team-mate Radja Nainggolan for a combined £52million.
Conte will need to buy a defender to his squad if he wants to implement his preferred 3-5-2 system at Stamford Bridge.
However, they are thought to be facing competition for the player from AC Milan although they will be able to offer Argentina international Champions League football to tempt to reject their Serie A rivals.
But Musacchio could stay at his current club and compete in top-level European competition after Villarreal finished fourth in La Liga last season.