Wednesday Updates: Bustos Price Set, Ferrari for Defense, Raggi's Dossier & More

We're three months or so into this pandemic and so far each month has had it's own distinct feel. March was a slog unlike any other month I've ever witnessed while April swept by in the blink of an eye, but May? I'm not sure how to qualify this month. It started with snow and is ending with mid-August heat. As strange and as horrible as 2020 has been, I am extremely curious to see how future historians contextualize this unique point in human history.

While I'm having trouble making sense of May, it has brought a shred of normality back into our footballing lives. Serie A has been on the shelf since March, but the rumor mill is plugging away like nothing has changed at all. Even though no one knows what the economics of the sport will look like beyond this summer, waking up to the same menu of rumors we see summer after summer has been oddly reassuring.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some recent Roma-related rumors.

PSG Target Pellegrini and Calafiori

We've known for a few months now that PSG are interested in exploiting Lorenzo Pellegrini's ridiculously low €30 million release clause, but the Parisians might attempt a double swoop of Roma youth.

According to the GdS, PSG are eyeing Roma youngster Riccardo Calafiori, the star left-back of Alberto De Rossi's Primavera side. While Calafiori is under contract through 2022, PSG are reportedly considering making a bid for the 18-year-old. The odds that PSG can offer him first-team football before Roma are slim, but resisting an injection of capital might be impossible for Roma at the moment.

Stadium Dossier Goes to Raggi for Approval

Have you heard? Roma are building a new stadium. The next step in this ceaseless process will see a dossier delivered to Roma mayor Virginia Raggi's desk, who in turn will decide if the documents are sufficient to put to a vote in front of the appropriate municipalities and committees.

In short, more red tape. Don't hold your breath.

Valencia and Roma chase Pezzella | Football Italia

This one is from yesterday, but it speaks to everything we've been discussing about Roma's possible transfer plans this season--affordable.

We threw out Pezzella as part of a player swap last month, a double swap actually: Spinazzola and Florenzi for Pezzella and Biraghi, but even as a straight €15 million purchase, German Pezzella would be a solid addition, giving Roma an in his prime defender to pair with Gianluca Mancini.

It wouldn't garner many headlines, but Pezzella would be smart, solid signing for Roma.

Roma Look to Ferrari

RomaNews throws another defender’s name to the fire; Sassuolo’s Cian Marco Ferrari. The 28-year-old defender would come cheap (€10 million) and could be an easy purchase given the relationship between the two clubs. And, if it helps pave the way for Jeremi Boga to join him, so be it.

Roma eye Argentine pair? | Football Italia

We covered Talleres striker Nahuel Bustos a couple weeks ago, but he is not the only under publicized Argentine in Roma’s cross hairs. With an aging and uncertain defense (bar Mancini), Roma are reportedly interested in River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel, a 5’9” 23-year-old right back who has made over 50 appearances with the Buenos Aires club.

The Corriere dello Sport, the original source here, indicates that Roma are willing to pay as much as €11 million for Montiel. We have no idea who Roma’s starting right-back will be next season, but it’s looking increasingly likely to be an outside hire.

Exclusive, ag. Nahuel Bustos: “Italy would be a welcome destination”.

Speaking of Bustos, RomaPress spoke to the players agent about a possible move to Europe. Ignacio Campo spoke highly of Bustos, citing his technique and speed as calling cards, and believes a $10 million offer would be enough to secure the 21-year-old talent, who some have compared to Lautaro Martinez.

We profiled Bustos a couple weeks ago, and if nothing else, he looks like a kid who knows how to finish.