A recent meeting between the agent of Chris Smalling and Roma didn’t lead to an agreement to extend his expiring contract amid the interest from Inter and Juventus. However, he’s currently negotiating just with Roma, Alfredo Pedullà reports.
The center-back can stick around even without a new deal, thanks to an option. He has to sign off on activating it. The capital side proposed to add another year regardless of that but lowering his wages from €3.5M to €2.5M, which he refused.
It’s not out of the question that Smalling might leave Roma to join Inter on a free down the line. Though, he’s not in direct talks with the Nerazzurri at this stage. Instead, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who pulled such move last summer, already had an agreement in place with La Beneamata before the European Conference League final.
The defender will take his time before making the call. The interest from Premier League sides, the future of José Mourinho, and where the Giallorossi will finish in the standings figure to all be factors.
Our Take on Smalling, Roma, and Inter
It’s not hard to imagine that the Nerazzurri will go after him. Their strategy inevitably relies heavily on signing quality free agents, even more so given Milan Skriniar and Stefan De Vrij‘s situations. The Slovak will leave, but the ex-Manchester United star is more of a replacement for his teammate since he occupies the central role in a three-man defense. It’s probably a sign that the Dutchman has indeed yet to decide his future; otherwise, Giuseppe Marotta and co. would have already accelerated on this front. The Giallorossi better not waste their advantage.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |