Roma have been searching for a distributor in the midfield for over a year and have zeroed in on a Maxime Lopez. José Mourinho talked highly of the Sassuolo linchpin in a previous presser. The two teams have been in touch for a couple of months. The negotiation will heat up in the early stages of the transfer market window, Corriere dello Sport relays.
The player suspiciously posted the picture of a wolf on Instagram when the rumors surfaced. The Neroverdi signed him for cheap from Olympique Marseille. Therefore, his price tag is not too high, and he could transfer for around €15M.
Roma have a pair of advantages that could help them land Maxime Lopez. They have a tight relationship with Sassuolo, which took in a few of their youth products in the past. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matteo Politano cut their teeth in Emilia. The Neroverdi acquired Riccardo Ciervo in January. Moreover, the Giallorossi are owed 30 percent of the future sale of Davide Frattesi. They could give it up as part of the package for the teammate.
The Frenchman has an edge on the other options also because his wages are low, €600k. A five-year contract would not be too expensive even by doubling them. Roma are facing less competition for Maxime Lopez because Lazio, which were after him as well, are in advanced talks to purchase Marcos Antonio from Shakhtar Donetsk, Sky Sport reports. The Giallorossi remain interested in Nemanja Matic as they could have a pair of exits in the midfield.