Having missed out on other big targets this summer, Roma now look close to completing a move for Sevilla’s Steven Nzonzi.
The saga surrounding Brazilian midfielder Malcom’s move to Roma, which turned into a move to Barcelona, has left a sorrow taste in the mouths of both the fans and club hierarchy of Serie A side Roma.
Reports now indicate however that Roma fans may soon have something to cheer about in a transfer window that has seen the club lose starting keeper Allison and miss out on the aforementioned Malcom.
According to Angelo Mangiante of Sky Sport, Roma are close to finalizing a €25 million deal that will see Sevilla and France midfielder Steven Nzonzi move to the Italian capital.
#Monchi sempre più vicino in queste ore a #Nzonzi per rinforzare il centrocampo (€25m + bonus).
— Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) July 28, 2018
Si lavora in silenzio stavolta per evitare un"altra vicenda Malcom e prima deve uscire #Gonalons che ha rifiutato diverse squadre. #Bailey piace, ma per ora costa troppo. @SkySport pic.twitter.com/uJFwKMa00K
Mangiante goes on to report that although a deal is in place to bring Nzonzi to Roma, the move hinders on the exit of fellow Frenchman Maxime Gonalons from Roma, who only joined Roma in 2017 from Lyon.
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The likes of Crystal Palace and Everton are reportedly interested in the latter with Gonalons’ exit needing to take place before any deal for Nzonzi can be finalized. Gonalons has reportedly refused offers from a few clubs already, adding to the frustration at Roma.
Additionally, it is reported that the Italians are keen on Bayer Leverkusen sensation Leon Bailey but are not ready to pay the high fee that the Germans will seek.
The word is that Roma are working as quickly as possible to secure deal in order to avoid another Malcom-esque situation. Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that an agreement has been made in principle between Nzonzi and Roma executives.
This news comes a blow to Arsenal as the Gunners were heavily linked with the World Cup champion for sometime now with new manager Unai Emery hoping to reunite with the Nzonzi, who he coached at Sevilla.
It is thought that the Londoners are unwilling to meet Nzonzi’s £30 million release clause, yet at the same time are keen to add him to the squad. It is yet to be seen whether or not Arsenal will make another push to sign Nzonzi.
Will Roma sign the long time Arsenal target or will the Gunners make another move for him and have Roma lose another signing at the last hour?