Roma have stepped up extension talks with midfielder Bryan Cristante amid growing interest from fellow Serie A rivals Milan and Juventus. As per Calciomercato, the Giallorossi chief Tiago Pinto met the player’s entourage Giuseppe Riso to discuss the renewal yesterday.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho has deemed Cristante vital to his tactical set-up and wants to extend his deal as soon as possible. The 27-year-old provided the backbone for the Giallorossi’s historic continental success in the Europa Conference League and their top-six run in Serie A this past season.
Cristante established himself as one of Mourinho’s most trusted allies in 2021/22, making a total of 50 appearances across all competitions, including 34 in Serie A. His consistent performances have been off the charts at the Stadio Olimpico, and Roma want to reward him with a new contract.
With his current deal having two more years left to run, Milan and Juventus are said to be contemplating summer moves to tempt Roma to sell their indispensable first-team star. Both sides are in the market for the midfield reinforcements, and Cristante ticks many of the boxes for the type of player they are hoping to recruit.
However, the Giallorossi have none of it. Instead, they look to renew Cristante’s contract by matching his annual salary with the one of Gianluca Mancini. The Italian midfielder could earn around €3m per year plus add-ons should he accept the offer.
Our take on Cristante’s future at Roma
Recent reports in Italy have suggested the Roma hierarchy will back Mourinho’s recruitment campaign this summer following an iconic Europa Conference League triumph.
The Portuguese manager already has a couple of potential midfield targets, including Douglas Luiz and Nemanja Matic. But Cristante has a special place in Mourinho’s project.
Therefore, the ex-Atalanta star is likely to commit his future to the Stadio Olimpico and help the Special One shape up a trophy-laden era in Rome.