Report: Chelsea enter race for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo

Chelsea reportedly intend to provide Italian champions Juventus with competition to sign Roma starlet Nicolo Zaniolo.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the top talents on the continent after enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juventus have been the side most strongly linked with Zaniolo and, according to Tuttosport, chief executive Fabio Paratici was in Madrid on Wednesday to hold talks with the player's agent Claudio Vigorelli.

However, the same report indicates that Chelsea have also set their sights on signing the Italy Under-21s international, who is valued at around £43m.

Zaniolo made his first appearance for Roma in September's 3-0 loss to Real Madrid - another side touted as a future destination for the youngster - and he has gone on to represent them 23 times in all competitions.