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Mattia Destro is not for sale, says Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini

Chelsea have been warned off making a January bid for Mattia Destro by Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini.

The Blues were one of several clubs to show an interest in Destro, 23, last summer, but Giallorossi president James Pallotta blocked a move for the forward.

Now, Sabatini has reaffirmed his club's stance, even though their top scorer this season has expressed concerns about his lack of playing time in the Italian capital.

"Destro is not on the market," Sabatini told RAI television.

Destro has made half of his 10 appearances in Serie A this season from the substitutes' bench, with Francesco Totti, Gervinho and Juan Manuel Iturbe regarded as Rudi Garcia's first-choice attacking trio.

It has, therefore, been rumoured that the Italy international may seek a move away in January to gain more playing time, while he recently revealed he was flattered by links to Arsenal.

With Roma challenging Juventus for the Serie A title and a win away from qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages, Sabatini is adamant that the club are more likely to buy this winter than sell.

"Our idea is to strengthen a squad we are already delighted with, if we feel we need to," he said. "I'm always keeping an eye on what's happening. If we see an opportunity, and if we feel our squad can be strengthened, Roma will intervene to ensure we don't let the chance get away."