Il Tempo journalist Alessandro Austini has released an update on the transfer market of Roma.
There are eight days left to try to give another piece to Spalletti, otherwise, Roma will have until 31 Augudt regardless of the outcome in the Champions League Playoff.
After Vermaelen, Sabatini wants to bring in a new player by 16 August. A full-back is needed, while a midfielder can wait. Roma is looking for a versatile defender, possibly one who is capable of playing both flanks, but it is possible that eventually two “specialists” are brought in. Among the profiles Roma are following with great interest is Frenchman Benjamin Pavard, ’96 class defender of Lille, who has been on Sabatini’s radar for over a year. Perfectly double footed, he started as a left-back and then played with more continuity as a central defender. He can even play as a wide midfielder but costs about €10 million. Roma has established contact with the boy’s agents and received a positive response, although, it will not be easy to find an agreement on the boy’s price since many throughout Europe like him. The key to lowering the price is that his contract with Lille expires in two seasons.
Sabatini is following many names, but there is Danish left-back Nicolai Boilesen, who is on a free after his contract expired with Ajax after he refused to renew win the Dutch club.
Turning to the midfield, the strategy is revolving around the “usual” two: Paredes being sold and Diawara coming in. Two days ago, Sabatini, again, met the Guinean’s agents. The agreement with the player has been found on the basis of a five-year contract worth around €1 million (net) per season, but Napoli seemed to have surpassed the Giallorossi with a proposal to Bologna for more than €15 million. Now that the Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club seems to have pulled back, Roma are back in pole position and expect to close the transaction on loan with the an obligation to buy, with Sadiq joining Bologna on loan. But first, Paredes must be sold. He is wanted by Milan, Juventus, Sampdoria and Zenit. The Argentine, who obviously has not fully convinced Spalletti or the executives, will likely remain for the first set of matches, however, could be put to auction before the deadline.
