Roma will attempt to add multiple defenders in January and have identified Fluminense’s Nino as an affordable target. There’s a €7M release clause in his contract. However, a few sides are after him, such as Feyenoord, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and Liverpool, Ansa informs.
Instead, the center-back has turned down a move to Zenit because he doesn’t want to transfer to Russia. He has appeared 57 times this year, scoring 5 goals and collecting two assists. He has been at the club since 2019 and joined permanently from Criciuma in a €1M deal 12 months later. The 26-year-old debuted with Brazil in November.
While the talks between Roma and Leonardo Bonucci are progressing, Nino isn’t the only other option on their wish list. According to Sportitalia, they have rekindled their interest in Trevoh Chalobah, who will likely leave Chelsea to seek more playing time.
In addition, they have shown interest in Merih Demiral. He left Atalanta to join Al-Ahli last summer but played just seven times due to a meniscus injury.
Our Take on Roma and Nino
The acquisition of Bonucci would be more digestible if it were accompanied by another defender, also because, while he’s healthier than Chris Smalling, he wouldn’t be able to feature all the time; plus, they’ll lose Evan N’Dicka due to AFCON. Even though he’s been up-and-down, he has been an ironman. It looks like they are eyeing proven players only, probably because they are gettable on loan or for cheap, unlike touted prospects.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |