Roma are not messing around this summer, as witnessed by the acquisitions of Nemanja Matic and Paulo Dybala. As per ForzaRoma, the Giallorossi have turned their attention towards reinforcing their backline with Manchester United’s Eric Bailly.
Last season’s Europa Conference League winners are simultaneously working on several deals. While negotiating Georginio Wijnaldum’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, Roma consider pitching Man United with an offer for Bailly.
Dan-Axel Zagadou has been listed as a potential target after Borussia Dortmund released him this summer. However, Jose Mourinho has a more proven defender in mind. The ‘Special One’ hopes to reunite with Bailly at the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho was at the helm at Old Trafford when Man United forked out £34m to sign Bailly from Villarreal. The move has not panned out as planned. The 28-year-old has failed to live up to the billing due to recurring injury issues.
New Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is on the verge of landing his Ajax pupil Lisandro Martinez. In addition to Bailly, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane are the Dutchman’s remaining centre-back options. So someone has to leave to make room for the Argentine.
The Ivory Coast international could fall victim to Martinez’s imminent arrival. Man United have informed Roma that they are ready to offload Bailly if they pour around £10m into their coffers. Given today’s market prices, United’s valuation sounds reasonable.
Roma could offer Bailly regular first-team football, something he is unlikely to get at Old Trafford next season. Last season, he only made seven overall appearances, including four in the Premier League. And things won’t change following Martinez’s arrival.
There is a feeling that Roma could pull this one off.