Roma duo Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri are said to be attracting interest from Chelsea as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad in January.

Reports suggest the Blues are willing to put up £44million for the pair as well as sending Michy Batshuayi on loan to the Italian club.

Roma sporting director Monchi has addressed the uncertainty surrounding the two players this week, insisting he would not allow the squad to be weakened.

However, his comments have done little to allay fans’ fears after he admitted he would “evaluate” any offers that come his way.

“We have found ourselves forced to create some clarity here,” Monchi said in a statement ahead of Roma’s clash with Inter Milan.

“For too many days Roma have been described in the papers as a club being dismantled. I even read we are selling players without their knowledge.

“It is a description that is very far away from the reality of the situation.

“We cannot be blamed for having many strong players in the squad who are of interest to many top clubs.

“If concrete offers arrive, it will be my duty as director of sport to evaluate them, just as my proposals are evaluated when I contact other directors of sport.”

And Monchi suggested if Dzeko and Palmieri are allowed to leave, Roma already have a number of potential replacements lined up.

“We are not sleeping. I have made three times as many calls as I received,” he added.

“That is what I did at Sevilla, and I got some very good results. 

“I want to be clear once and for all Roma are not going around the world looking for offers. Above all, our intention is not to weaken the squad.

“In fact, I tell the fans our objective is always the same, to strengthen the squad.”