With Gianluca Petrachi officially hired and his first moves made this week, Roma’s mercato was officially opened. While it is still June, Roma have already shipped out Luca Pellegrini and brought in Leonardo Spinazzola. Meanwhile, if you follow the many Italian sports dailies, there are plenty of moves said to be in the works. So with silly season in full swing, let’s take a look at the most recent rumors swirling around Roma.
Manolas to Napoli Today
It looks like the Kostas Manolas to Napoli saga will finally conclude today. After reports earlier in the weekend that Manolas was digging in to hold out for a higher salary, it looks like the Greek has finally agreed with the Partenopei on a salary. Gianluca DiMarzio reports that it’s a question of hours before the deal is done. This is good news for the Giallorossi who are desperate to meet FFP regulations by creating a plusvalenza of €36m from this sale. Amadou Diawara will then move to Roma in a separate deal after July 1 when the new fiscal calendar year opens as part of the agreement.
Inter to Target Pellegrini
The latest reports out Corriere dello Sport claim that Inter could activate Lorenzo Pellergini’s €30m release clause if they lose out on Nicolò Barella to Roma. As we’ve reported in the last few days, word is that Roma have reached an agreement with Cagliari over Barella. It’s not believed that Inter is willing to increase its current €40 million bid for Barella—now all that stands between Roma and the Italian international is coming to an agreement on a contract.
Of course, even if Inter were to try and activate the release clause, Pellegrini would still have to agree to a move to the San Siro. That seems unlikely with the 23-year-old Roman in line to be the next captain of his hometown team. Corriere also states in its report that Pallotta is working on a new deal with Pellegrini.
Florenzi Not Untouchable
According to reports from Saturday out of Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Petrachi informed Alessandro Lucci, Florenzi’s agent, that the new Roman captain is no longer untouchable. Petrachi told Lucci that Roma would consider offloading Florenzi for the right price. Roma isn’t believed tot have received any official offers yet, but Inter is believed to have interest. Roma is believed to have a €30m price tag on Florenzi.
Betis Pair Carry Hefty Price Tag
It’s well known that Roma have strong interest in Real Betis pair Marc Bartra and Pau Lopez to replace Manolas and Robin Olsen, respectively. It’s even reported that the Giallorossi have even put in official offers for the pair of Spaniards: €20m for Lopez and €25m for Bartra. However, Spanish publication La Marca reports that Betis will hold out for both players’ release clauses: Lopez has a €30m clause, while Bartra’s is double that at €60m; certainly too rich for Roma’s blood. This could certainly be Betis posturing for better offers from Roma. However, if Betis does plan on holding out for the release clauses then Roma will have to look elsewhere to upgrade its rearguard.
Shanghai Relaunches El Shaarawy Bid
Just last week, many of us were in disbelief when reports stated that Stephan El Shaarawy would leave Roma and take his talents to China of all places. It looked like a pharaonic pay day would be enough to convince Il Faraone to leave European football in his prime for the Far East. However, after looking like a deal was done, El Shaarawy rejected Shanghai’s €40 million over three years.
The affair may not be dead just yet though. Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that Shanghai is ready to relaunch its bid for El Shaarawy. Time will tell if an increased offer will be enough to break the Italian’s resolve. For their part, Roma will be offered €15m plus €5m in virtually assured add-ons if El Shaarawy changes course.
Gerson Holding Up Moscow Move?
Just days ago it was reported that Gerson turned down a move to Genoa that would’ve netted Roma €10 million. Then just yesterday it looked like Roma had found a new landing spot for the unwanted Brazilian: Dynamo Moscow. Reports stated that Roma would get €10 million plus a percentage of any future sales for a player that cost it nearly €20 million in 2016. However, the latest reports state that Gerson could be holding up this deal as well. Gerson for his part wants better personal terms and to wait for a potentially better destination. It looks like Gerson won’t be leaving Roma quietly.
Update: Gerson may have finally consented to the move, which could be completed as early as Monday.
Kolarov Wants Roma Stay
Aleksandar Kolarov’s name has popped up a lot since the end of the season, as one of the veterans who would be sent packing. The likes of Inter and Fenerbahçe have been linked with the Serbian. However, despite the Turkish clubs best efforts, it looks like Kolarov wants to remain in Rome. Gazzetta reports that Kolarov will make a final decision next week, but a stay looks likely.
Roma Reject Bordeaux for Celar
Calciomercato.com reports that Roma have turned down a “strong offer” for Primavera striker Zan Celar. The 20-year-old Slovenian was a phenom for Roma’s youth side last term scoring 28 times in 27 league matches. It’s reported Roma will only let Celar leave on loan so that he can get regular playing time. Serie B sides Pescara, Crotone, and Frosinone are being floated as options.
Plenty to ponder here as Roma looks to reshape its squad it in the image of new manger Paulo Fonseca. So keep coming back to CdT for all of the mercato updates this summer.