After the arrivals of Ante Ćorić and Ivan Marcano, Roma sporting director Monchi is still hard at work to improve the Giallorossi this summer after a successful season. The latest chatter regarding potential arrivals in the Eternal City involve Ajax pair Justin Kluivert and Hakim Ziyech. The respective situations of the pair are unique, but nonetheless, Roma have made it clear that their sights are on the highly rated winger and the technically gifted midfielder.
Roma’s greatest needs this summer almost entirely revolve around creativity and scoring. The Giallorossi’s attack ranked fifth in Serie A, however, there was a lengthy stretch between November and February where Eusebio Di Francesco’s side were unable to score more than one goal in a match – one of the reasons why they fell out of Scudetto contention just after the New Year.
Monchi’s focus this summer will undoubtedly surround reinforcing Roma’s attack and improving the creativity in the midfield and supply from the wing. With Cengiz Ünder having firmly cemented his place as the first choice right winger in Di Francesco’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, it’s clear that Roma need a player on the left with better overall quality than what Stephan El Shaarawy and Diego Perotti currently offer – enter Justin Kluivert.
Monchi has already taken concrete steps to try and acquire the young Dutchman. The Spanish director flew to Montecarlo yesterday to meet with Kluivert’s agent Mino Raiola, with whom he has a good relationship with. The meeting between the pair resulted in the sides finding an agreement to personal terms on a contract – turning the Giallorossi’s attention to Ajax as they must now find an agreement with the Dutch side. The sense, though, is that this deal will ultimately close, however, it will certainly take some time to find an agreement with Ajax on a fee.
Things aren’t nearly as advanced for Ziyech. The former Twente man has long been on the list of Monchi and even nearly joined the club late last summer. Ziyech has made his intention of wanting to leave this summer clear – potentially paving way for a move to Roma; though, there are still no agreements between any of the parties. Ziyech’s agent, Mustapha Nakhli, was present at the Stadio Olimpico during the Giallorossi’s 0-0 draw with Juventus on 13 May, which heightened the rumors of a potential switch to Serie A for the Moroccan.
Nevertheless, Monchi will continue to try for the Ajax duo as he looks to reinforce Roma and gift Eusebio Di Francesco two new options.
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