Over the weekend, Tiago Pinto will try and close the deals for Xhaka and Rui Patricio. Both players are waiting for the official go-ahead to join the Roman club. With Pau Lopez and Cengiz Ünder headed to Olympique de Marseille – the keeper with an option to buy at 15mln, while the Turkish winger leaves Roma permanently for 8mln + 2 in bonuses with 20% on future sale – Pinto is determined to continue off-loading players.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, the usual suspects are Nzonzi, Santon and Pedro. Nzonzi is closely monitored by Pinto’s former club, Benfica. The Portuguese side are currently looking for a reinforcement for their midfield and Nzonzi might be the least expensive option. Meanwhile, Santon is tempted by a number of clubs in Turkey. No official offer has come yet.
Finally, in order to make an offer for Filip Kostić of Eintracht Frankfurt, Roma will first have to deal with the likes of Pedro and/or Carles Pérez. Both Spaniards are on the way out of the club. Thus, sales first: that’s Roma’s present motto.
