Roma is very close to finalizing the signing of Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta, who has already agreed to personal terms with the Giallorossi according to the Manchester Evening News. The two clubs are close to reaching a transfer fee of around €3 million for the Argentina international.
Roma and City have formed a functioning relationship in recent seasons with both Maicon and Eden Dzecko leaving the Premier League side for Serie A. Both clubs are optimistic they can reach another quick agreement.
With new blues boss Pep Guardiola ready to implement his high pressing and intensity style that has been so successful during his time at Bayern Munich and Barcelona with the likes of David Abala and Dani Alves playing more like extra attackers than conventional fullbacks, it has been suspected that Zabaleta was no longer going to be a priority for the citizens.
Despite a decrease in playing time last season, Zabaleta is a fan favorite at the Etihad Stadium, having played more than 300 times for the blues and helping them lift two Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the FA Cup in 2011. With Maicon’s Roma exit already confirmed, Luciano Spalletti is looking for a new right-back to not only replace the Brazilian, but to ensure Alessandro Florenzi can play in his favored midfield position and not in defense, as he was forced to do with far too much regularity last season.