Roma will have to improve their offer to sign West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca after their opening bid fell flat. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Europa Conference League winners have rebuffed the Italians’ initial proposal to bring the player back to Serie A on loan.
Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto flew to England to arrange Scamacca’s return to his homeland a few days ago. But despite striking a verbal agreement with the player’s camp, negotiations with West Ham went south. Pinto’s idea was to take the 24-year-old on loan, yet the Hammers seem to have other plans.
After shelling out £30.5m to sign Scamacca from Sassuolo last summer, they are desperate to recoup that figure. While they remain open to the prospect of letting their highly-paid flop leave on a temporary basis, selling him outright still tops David Moyes’ agenda. Unfortunately, a transfer fee could pose an issue.
There’s no doubt Roma must sign a new marksman to lead the line after Tammy Abraham picked up a nasty ACL injury against Spezia on the final day of last season. Jose Mourinho has earmarked Scamacca as an ideal solution to his problems. However, Roma chiefs have struggled to agree on a formula for the deal.
It promises to be a busy summer for Roma. After securing the services of Houssem Aouar on a free transfer, they are looking to address other shortcomings within the squad. Finding a prolific goal-getter is one of Mourinho’s priorities. After Andrea Belotti and Abraham failed to deliver the goods, the Giallorossi are in the market for a new No.9.
Despite his underwhelming spell at West Ham, Scamacca would be a massive upgrade on Belotti. The ex-Torino man did nothing to convince Roma to extend his short-term contract at the Stadio Olimpico. And while he should flee the capital, it remains to be seen whether they can capture his younger countryman.
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