According to newspaper reports, Chelsea have made a bid for Roma’s Argentinian defender Walter Samuel.
“Chelsea have made a big offer that Roma are considering,” Samuel’s advisor Abel Balbo told The Guardian.
The Argentine’s agent Raul Oliveros added: “Chelsea’s offer is huge and will be impossible for both the player and Roma to refuse.”
Samuel’s current deal with the Serie A club expires in 2006 but he is regarded as an ideal replacement for veteran Marcel Desailly.
Roma sporting director Franco Baldini revealed last week that his club have opened talks with Chelsea over Samuel.
“I can confirm that Chelsea are interested in Walter Samuel,” he said.
“We have been in contact with the English club and they have requested information on the player but they have made no official offer yet.”
Samuel admits he is tempted by the prospect of a moveto England.
“I would never go to play for Milan, Inter or Juve out of respect for the Roma fans.
“I have nothing against those clubs, but playing for them does not interest me. I am far more attracted by the idea of playing in England.”
