GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE Q&A
The Giallorossi Yorkshire Q&A is heading to the States this week, with the next question coming from Joshua Shapiro. Thanks for the question!
Q: I’m fine with selling Dzeko at his peak value. I’m down with Monchi rebuilding the team in his image. He’s proved that he can build a team that wins silverware. That being said, I know nothing about what Monchi did at Sevilla. Based upon his past transfers, what do you think are some realistic transfer targets for Roma in January, but more importantly, in the summer? Thanks! A: Looking at his previous deals, it seems that his best contacts are in South America and Spain, so we could be looking at players from those locations being the most likely. For example, I read recently that Villarreal’s Mario Gaspar is a potential target. Gaspar is a Spanish right back who’s getting towards his prime years now. I think, if possible, it would be a good deal, as it would improve that position for Roma. Another good La Liga player who could be a good signing is Jose Luis Gaya. Certainly if/when the Emerson sale is completed, he would be a good replacement at left back. He’s experienced despite his young age, and will only go on to develop towards better things. It’s just a suggestion, but I think that’d be a realistic target, and a player of the required quality. Perhaps he will look at some other experienced La Liga players as well, ones who perhaps aren’t getting as much gametime currently. Aleix Vidal has been linked, and given that he brought him to Sevilla, I could see Monchi signing him for Roma. Maybe he could go for someone like Dani Ceballos or Mateo Kovacic in midfield, but those options may be less affordable. Perhaps Gerard Deulofeu at Barcelona; he did quite well in Italy at Milan, and has been rumoured to be of interest to Roma. Could Nico Gaitan be an option for the wing as well? A couple of years ago that would’ve been unrealistic, but now maybe there’s a chance. There’s also Nicola Sansone, who wouldn’t have any problems returning to Italy. Neither would Franco Vazquez, who Monchi also took to Sevilla. Please bare in mind these are just names I’m suggesting, and I haven’t seen anything concrete linking them to Roma (apart from Deulofeu and Vidal). Monchi has also signed some talents from the French leagues in the past, such as Geoffrey Kondogbia and Seydou Keita. I don’t know as much about Ligue 1 as other leagues, so can’t strongly suggest many specific names, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a player brought in from that league. I wouldn’t want to short change you though, so I’ve done a bit of research! Taking into account Monchi’s reputation for signing young talent, I’ve looked into some younger players in Ligue 1. One player I’ve come across is Issa Diop. He’s a French centre back who is tall and athletic, and his playing style almost reminds me of Antonio Rudiger. If Monchi wanted to sign a young defender, then from the videos I’ve watched, Diop could be an interesting idea. Also in the French league is a midfielder called Houssem Aouar. He’s an agile dribbler, although he looks a little bit raw at the moment. He’s getting decent gametime (and goals) at Lyon, which is a good sign of his progress. Finally, from elsewhere, there’s Dinamo Zagreb’s Ante Coric, who unlike Diop and Aouar, has actually been linked with Roma in the media. Dubbed the next Luka Modric, he’s a creative midfielder with good feet. He always looks to get on the ball. That’s a deal that could happen. So there’s plenty of names there, and I’m sure Monchi will already have a long list of ideas. Whether they crossover with mine or not, there’s no way of knowing yet. But I think any of the names here could be realistic options (more likely to come in for the summer, I'd guess). And they’d all have the potential to improve Roma’s squad, either now or in the future. Get involved below by suggesting which players you think Roma could realistically sign, as well as your thoughts on any players suggested!
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SamueL BannisterEnglish Roma fan and sports journalist. Archives
February 2019
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