The late U-turn about Leonardo Bonucci forces Roma to revisit their alternative defensive targets, but they haven’t zeroed in on one at this stage, and they’ll need to clear significant obstacles for a few of them. The Giallorossi are very keen on Arthur Theate, and they are trying to find a way to convince Rennes, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
The Belgian center-back has a €20M valuation and is a staple, but coming to terms isn’t impossible, especially should he ask out. His compatriot Romelu Lukaku has reached out to him to try to facilitate the move.
Rennes owe Roma the fee for the summer transfer of Nemanja Matic, and that’d be the first piece of the deal, on top of a likely convoluted formula. The potential departures of Renato Sanches and Leonardo Spinazzola would give the brass more leeway. They can spend just €1.5M for now.
The Giallorossi have shortlisted Oumar Solet but RB Salzburg are against an initial loan. Instead, Chelsea could send Trevoh Chalobah to them temporarily, but they need to open up a slot first, as they have used up all their six ones.
Our Take on Roma, Theate, and Their Other Options
While their call on Bonucci was defensible, the delay leaves them in a big pickle, as they are one yellow card away from having to field a ragtag backline. They need to land a sound contributor, and the Belgian would be just that, to make up for the suboptimal situation.
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