Alessandro Austini of Il Tempo has reported that Roma manager Paulo Fonseca called Gonzalo Higuain last Monday to try and convince him of a move to Roma. Juventus has given the Giallorossi the “OK” to hold talks with Pipita and Roma have taken full advantage of this. Fonseca has been very proactive in regards to the transfer market and has personally called Fred, Diawara, Veretout and Mancini. The Portuguese’s endeavors seem to be having a positive effect: Roma and Juve are now more slightly optimistic about the closure of an extremely complex operation.
Reporteldy, Fonseca explained to Higuain how he considers him a crucial building block to the red and yellow project. The Argentinian attacker thanked Fonseca and appreciated his time: after initially saying “no”, the wall seems to be cracking. Now, the ball is in the hands of Nicola Higuain, the brother-agent of the ex-Napoli man. He first announced that his brother would only play for Juve if he were to remain in Italy. However, given that Juve are keen for the player to leave, the sides will first have to find an agreement on the separation. Higuain weighs extremely heavily on Juve’s budget as he earns €15 million plus bonuses in gross wages per season. Just like last season, the Bianconeri are ready to hand over the attacker on loan, however, this time they want an obligation, not an option, to buy. Roma, though, can not take on Higuain’s wages as presently constructed (he has two-years of contract remaining). In order to make the operation work, Higuain’s wages will have to be spread out beyond his remaining two-years of contract: he will have to renew and extend the years on his contract. Juve will have to do their part to make this operation viable by either handing Higuain a large pay-out or, something that is more difficult, extend his contract to the point that the wages and amortisation are extremely diluted.
Nicola Higuain and Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici are scheduled to meet today before the team leaves for their Asian tour. The rest is up to Sarri, who will reluctantly tell Higuain he can no longer count on him. Juve has already identified the substitute of Higuain in Mauro Icardi, but they first must finalise the situation of the former Real Madrid striker.
