Chelsea transfer news: Radja Nainggolan announces he will stay at Roma after Antonio Conte snub

The 28-year-old have been relentlessly linked with a summer move to sign at Stamford Bridge

Radja Nainggolan in action for Belgium this summer (Getty)

Chelsea have suffered a considerable blow in the transfer market after Radja Nainggolan, the Belgium midfielder, announced his intention to stay with Roma.

The 28-year-old has been relentlessly linked with a summer move to join Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge after Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini reportedly flew to London last month to stage negotiations.

Nainggolan only signed a new five-year contract extension at the Stadio Olimpico last year but his form for both club and country has led to heightened interest in securing his services from across the continent.

Having met with Sabatini in the wake of Belgium’s quarter-final exit from the European Championship, however, Nainggolan has elected to stay with the Italian giants.

“I met with Sabatini and everything went well,” Nainggolan said on Thursday morning. “"I am staying at Roma.”

Nainggolan, who joined Roma on loan from Cagliari in 2014 before then securing a permanent switch, scored six goals in 42 appearances for the Serie A side last season as they finished third, behind champions Juventus and Napoli.

Earlier this week, the Blues confirmed the £33m signing of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille after fighting off interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

Speaking to chelseafc.com, the player said: “I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career.

“I hope I can help Chelsea win many trophies during my time at Stamford Bridge.

“Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have told me many good things about the club, and with Antonio Conte coming in it's an exciting time to become a Chelsea player.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family, I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League next season.