AS Roma Close In On Former Juventus Defender
Written By Onyeka Daniel
Despite a 2-0 win over Napoli recently, Italian side, AS Roma knows that they are really short staffed in their team, especially in the defense where injuries has really wrecked the most havoc, which is why the club’s management is looking to bring in at least one signing during the coming winter transfer window.
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According to reports, the Giallorossi and former Juventus and Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci remain in close contact over a potential move to the Stadio Olimpico in January.
Jose Mourinho and his team are in desperate and relatively immediate need of defensive reinforcements, with Chris Smalling out indefinitely and Evan Ndicka set for a significant spell away during the Africa Cup of Nations in mid-January.
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Bonucci, now 36 years old, left Juventus under unceremonious circumstances at the end of last season and he has spent the last six months in Germany with Union Berlin, although the legendary former Bianconeri centre-back has been called upon for just seven out of 16 Bundesliga matches so far in 2023-24.
Reports suggest that Bonucci and Union could part ways in January and that a termination of contract, which runs until June 2024, is a growing possibility. Assuming that he were to become available on what would likely be a free transfer, Bonucci could be an ideal fit for Roma, who are still restricted in the market due to their financial situation.
Il Corriere dello Sport report that the Giallorossi sporting director Tiago Pinto has been in contact with Bonucci’s entourage for over a week and that the club is working hard to bring him to Rome in the new year, with their manager also in approval of the deal after growing frustrated with Smalling and his persistent injury problems.
Meanwhile…
Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas is just one step away from officially being announced as a new RB Leipzig player, and will officially join the Bundesliga sign upon the opening of the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has already been in Germany to undergo his medical examinations on Saturday morning.
Photographs of his contract signing began to appear online shortly afterwards, although officially, the deal has not yet been completed. It has been reported that Napoli will receive a fee of €25m in compensation.
Read Also: AC Milan Back In For Young Striker, Left With Just One Centre-Back Before Their Final Game Of The Year
Elmas is currently in the final stages of recovery from a recent hamstring injury, but it is expected that he will return to fitness by the end of the calendar year. According to reports, Elmas could join up with his new teammates as early as January 2 at Leipzig’s winter training camp in La Manga, Spain.
RB Leipzig return to Bundesliga action on January 13, when sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt visit the Red Bull Arena. Napoli president, Aurelio de Laurentiis also confirmed his impending exit in a recent interview.
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