Juan Jesus accepts Genoa offer
Monday 14th September
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was a difficult season for Juan Jesus in 2019-20, with Paulo Fonseca giving the Brazilian very few opportunities.
Nonetheless, the defender has so far rejected offers to leave the club – until now.
According to SportItalia journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Jesus has accepted an offer from Genoa – who are also negotiating with Roma to sign Rick Karsdorp.
Now, the two clubs must find an agreement, and then Jesus’ adventure in Rome could finally be over.
Mandzukic remains on the agenda
Monday 14th September
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma remain in the market for a new striker, with Arkadiusz Milik still top of the shortlist. However, even if he arrives, the Giallorossi will still need another reinforcement.
There has been speculation that Nikola Kalinic could return to the club after being on loan last season. But another Croatian striker remains on their radar as well.
According to Corriere Della Sera, Roma are keeping an eye on Mario Mandzukic. The former Juventus striker is a free agent after leaving Al Duhail.
He earnt wages of €6m-per-season in Qatar, but if Roma sell Dzeko to sign Milik – who earns €3m-per-year less than the Bosnian – there could be funds left over to lure Mandzukic. Either way, the veteran striker would be willing to lower his demands.
Roma, if genuinely interested, will face competition from Lokomotiv Moscow for Mandzukic.
Premier League interest in Under
Monday 14th September
Embed from Getty ImagesCengiz Under scored in Roma’s most recent pre-season fixture, but his future still seems to lie away from the capital.
The winger struggled for gametime after Paulo Fonseca switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation, although he could receive more opportunities during Nicolo Zaniolo’s time on the sidelines.
However, that seems unlikely. While he is no longer part of talks with Napoli for Arkadiusz Milik, Cengiz is now attracting interest from the Premier League.
According to Inside Futbol, Newcastle have made an approach to sign Under on loan. However, Roma want a permanent sale – in the region of €25m.
Leicester are also keeping an eye on the latest developments, with Hertha Berlin still interested in taking him to the Bundesliga as well.
Biraghi on the radar again?
Monday 14th September
Embed from Getty ImagesThere was talk earlier in the transfer window of a potential swap deal with Fiorentina between left-backs Leonardo Spinazzola and Cristiano Biraghi.
According to La Repubblica, Fiorentina are still trying to tempt Roma into that swap. However, Spinazzola seems to have nailed down the starting left-back role as his own following the departure of Aleksandar Kolarov.
Indeed, it is the right-back role that needs more attention, with Rick Karsdorp and Davide Santon surplus to requirements even after Alessandro Florenzi left for PSG.
It is added that Roma still like Verona captain Davide Faraoni, who could reinforce the right-hand side.
Kumbulla an alternative to Smalling
Monday 14th September
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma and Hellas Verona have already negotiated for a defender during this transfer window, with Mert Cetin heading north on loan.
Now, depth is needed back in the capital, with Chris Smalling still the main target after his impressive loan last season.
Roma have been growing optimistic in their efforts to bring Smalling back, but Il Messaggero say an offer of €9.5m plus €2m in bonuses has been rejected by Manchester United.
Therefore, Roma are having to look for alternatives, just in case they can’t meet an agreement. And the Italian newspaper suggests Roma will follow the latest developments around the future of Marash Kumbulla.
The Albanian defender impressed for Verona last season, but would cost €25m. However, given that he is only 20 years old, it could be a worthwhile investment for the long-term.
Inter Milan appear to be the favourites for Kumbulla so far, though. This may just be a contingency plan in case Smalling cannot arrive – although hope remains that he will.
In fact, a new offer could be made to United by Wednesday.
Roma to lure Izzo with swap offers?
Monday 14th September
Embed from Getty ImagesNews emerged over the weekend that Roma were weighing up a bid for Torino defender Armando Izzo in addition to their pursuit of Chris Smalling.
Paulo Fonseca wants defensive reinforcements capable of playing in either a back three or a back four, and Izzo fits the bill.
However, Torino have set a high price tag for the Italian, which Roma may need to reduce.
According to Il Tempo, Roma could sign Izzo on loan with an obligation to buy next summer for €20m. Players could be included in the opposite direction to lower the sum.
Corriere Dello Sport also claim a cash-plus-players swap could be on the cards, highlighting Bryan Cristante, Juan Jesus or Justin Kluivert as the potential makeweights.
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