After taking care of few roles, Roma will attempt to sign an offensive winger. They have shortlisted Porto’s Luis Diaz and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic. However, both players have rich price tags, and the Giallorossi have to sell Pedro first, Corriere dello Sport reports.
The attacker shined in the recent Copa America, where he was the top scorer of the tournament. He netted 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 97 matches in the last 3 seasons in Portugal. José Mourinho has maintained a strong connection with his old club, which could help the negotiation. The two sides will play a friendly in a week, which will represent the right opportunity to discuss the deal, according to Colombian outlet WinSportsTV.
Diaz has an €80M release clause in his contract, and Porto have asked for €35M to the other suitors. Roma are willing to offer €25M plus bonuses, Calciomercato.com informs. His agent Carlos Van Strahalen recently stated: “There have been some inquiries for him, but no formal bids yet. Clearly, after his great Copa, the interest in him has increased. But there is nothing really tangible yet.”
The alternative is Kostic, who has a lower price tag since he is 28 but is on the radar of multiple outfits. Roma are looking to add a pacey player to their trio of trequartisti: Nicolò Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Instead, Pedro is on his way out and is not practicing with the main squad. Genoa have recently set their eyes on the veteran attacker, Calciomercato.com informs.