Roma are preparing a summer overhaul, keeping in mind a top-four finish next season after a somewhat shaky 2021/22 campaign. With their next season targets clear, Jose Mourinho and the Giallorossi management have reportedly contacted a certain Barcelona player who has been outcasted this season by coach Xavi Hernandez.
According to Catalonian outlet El Nacional, 22-year-old Riqui Puig is the subject of interest from the capital club and especially Mourinho, who believes Puig has the ability to become one of the best on the world in his position. Barcelona’s strong midfield means that the La Masia youth product has failed to find regular playing minutes – with just over four hours of game time this campaign, despite being convinced by Xavi’s presence.
Roma enquired about Puig earlier in the winter market but he rejected the Giallorossi’s advances. His current situation on the bench pushed Mourinho to enquire his availability once again, to which the Spaniard has responded by giving the same answer – a hefty no. With the starlet’s contract expiring next season, Roma may approach Barcelona president Joan Laporta later with an offer, but for now he looks hell bent on staying put at Camp Nou.
Puig is not the only Barcelona player that interests Mourinho, with Dutch-American wingback Serginho Dest also on the radar. When it comes to the American international, he believes it would be a good chance to prove his worth once again, after being pushed down the pecking order by Ronald Araujo and Dani Alves on the right flank.
Mercato Roma, dalla Spagna: Puig ha detto no a Mourinho, più facile con Dest#ASRoma #Calciomercato https://t.co/rLRDOyNDtJ
— Forzaroma.info (@forzaroma) March 30, 2022
While one can write off Puig’s arrival, Dest cannot entirely be ruled out as a potential transfer in the summer.