Pizarro, who would return to play under his former Udinese Coach Luciano Spalletti, is the first name on Roma’s wish list of midfielders, but his transfer to the Eternal City may not be an easy task.
Patrick Vieira’s move to the Nerazzurri outfit has cast a doubt on the future of the 27-year-old Chilean, who was often left out of the side last term. But Inter may not be willing to sell him to Roma, who are now their direct opponents in the race for next year’s Scudetto. The Giallorossi boss has made no secret of his admiration for Pizarro and has admitted his interest in bringing him to Rome since last March.
Roma’s other target is 25-year-old French international Diarra, who seems to be very close to an agreement as the player himself has outlined. “At this moment I am a Lens player, but I have the opportunity of going somewhere else and I will do so if I can,” said Diarra to L’Equipe. “To play with Roma is a challenging opportunity and I am very interested in finalising my transfer,” he added.
“Roma are an ambitious team, they will play in the Champions League and the Italian Championship is a high level tournament, I think I could do well.” Diarra has also been courted by Turkish champions Galatasaray, but the player admits that he would prefer Roma. “I can only say that my future will be decided in the next few days and I will choose my final destination,” he concluded. Roma are expected to offer Diarra a five-year contract, but Lens will not let the World Cup finalist leave for less than £4.2m. |
