Transfer Updates: Florenzi to PSG & Possible Returns of Smalling and Kalinic

With the season just over a week away, the rumor mill continues to churn out plenty of potential moves for the Giallorossi. A few of these seem like they could happen sooner rather than later.

Report: Florenzi Heading to PSG

Seemingly out of the blue, the Florenzi transfer saga has taken a new twist. Once rumored to be heading to Atalanta, Fiorentina, or Everton, Roma’s former captain looks like he will indeed be on his way out, but to an entirely different and more glamorous locale.

In fact, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, whish has also been corroborated by multiple sources including transfer guru Gianluca DiMarzio, Florenzi may be on his way to Paris Saint Germain

Up to this point, Florenzi hadn’t been linked with the Parisian mega club, but after the French club failed to land Hector Bellerin from Arsenal they shifted their focus from London to Rome, seeing Florenzi as a replacement for Dortumund-bound Thomas Meunier.

Florenzi would move to PSG on one-year, €2 million loan, after which PSG will have an option to buy the Roman on a permanent deal. For Florenzi, the goal remains securing a place on Italy’s Euro 2021, which would be difficult to attain remaining at the Olimpico.

Smalling One Step Closer to Roma Return

If it feels like the Florenzi transfer saga has dragged on for sometime, how about the back and forth between Roma and Manchester United over Chris Smalling? It’s seemingly gone on about as long as the current global pandemic, but it looks like there is finally an end in sight.

The latest reports today suggest that a permanent move for Smalling is indeed imminent as the Englishman missed United’s Thursday training session. And the best part for Roma would be the reported figures of the deal.

According to reports, Roma would land Smalling for just €12 million. If that is indeed the case it’s a win for Roma considering United seemed to be set on there €25 million asking price for quite some time.

In the end, Smalling’s will to stay in the Italian capital probably pushed this one over the line and gave the Giallorossi some negotiating power they wouldn’t have otherwise had. If the move is completed in the coming days, Paulo Fonseca should have his preferred trio of Smalling, Mancini, and Ibañez ready to go for the opening week against Verona.

Kalinic Also Pushing for Roma Return

With Zaniolo injured and talks with Napoli for Arkadiusz Milik sputtering out, Edin Dzeko looks more likely to stay in Rome, but the club will need an additional striker whether Dzeko stays or not.

While there have been names such as Olivier Giroud and Nahuel Bustos mentioned, the Gazzetta points to a different possibility. GdS reports that Nicola Kalinic has turned down other options in hopes of returning to Roma after last year’s loan spell.

It may not be the solution Romanisti were hoping for but if Dzeko stays then Kalinic makes sense in the same role as last season. With a quick turnaround before the new season, he’s already familiar with Fonseca’s style of play, which could be a benefit. Stay tuned to see if Kalinic does in fact make a somewhat unexpected return.