Loading ...Jul 25 2008
Roma’s Options, After Mutu
While they have lost out on Adrian Mutu, AS Roma’s pursuit of a second attacking threat has not ended. According to coach Luciano Spalletti, the club is looking to sign two more players. It’s possible each of those players will be attackers as i Giallorossi seeks to replace Mancini and add another complementary piece up front for Francesco Totti.
On name that’s been linked with Rome for the last week is Chelsea’s Florent Malouda. Malouda has been a disappointment at Stamford Bridge since his move from Ligue 1. He has not adjusted to the hyperactive pace of the Premiership but may be a better fit in Serie A. With the France international on the verge of losing out on playing time to Salomon Kalou, Chelsea is seeking to off-load the winger. Since they don’t want to take a huge loss on the 20 million Euro fee they paid to Lyon, Chelsea may want to keep Malouda (just in case) and loan him out. Roma would be a very good fit.
Another name being mentioned is Andrei Arshavin. The Russian and Malouda shouldn’t be viewed as mutually exclusive. Arshavin would play higher-up, in a partnership with Totti (a partnership with possibilities that should make every football fan excited). Arshavin is also being mentioned in connection with Tottenham. Than again, who isn’t? The Russian Prince has expressed a reticence to the Serie A, but that was back when La Liga and Premiership sides were lining-up for his services. With Zenit sticking to their asking price of £21.5 million, the suitors have dwindled, and Serie A sides are back in the picture. Arshavin’s style, however, might not be the best fit for Italy, though he has the talent to improve any club, anywhere.
Real Madrid’s Julio Baptista has also been mentioned, though for a squad like Roma this move makes less sense. Yes, Baptista could fit in tactically as a second striker, but “The Beast” is three years removed from his last strong season, having failed to make the expected impact at either Real Madrid (where he moved from Sevilla in 2005) or Arsenal (where he spent 2006-07 on loan). Nobody questions Baptista’s talent, but Roma needs to have a little more certainty in the players they acquire. These are not chances they’re taking. They’re looking for contributors, players who will provide them something which will elevate them to a Scudetto and past the Champions League quarters. There is little to say, from his performance over the last three seasons, that Baptista’s that player.
Then there is Klass-Jan Huntelaar, the Ajax star who has been linked with a move to the Premiership. Having been named captain at Ajax by new coach Marco van Basten, its seems his club is intent on keeping the striker, who is entering the last year of his contract. Spalletti hinted at interest in the Dutch international, who profiles as more of a lead striker than the other linked options. He would play in front of Totti and push the defence. It’s a role that would serve will for Totti, who is more comfortable and creative playing off a strong number nine. Whether Roma can swoop for Huntelaar is the question, as both Manchester United and Arsenal are unlikely to let their long-term target quietly slip into Serie A.
The final option being mentioned in Juventus’s Vincenzo Iaquinta, who scored eight goals in 24 league matches for Juventus. Seemingly stuck behind the Old Lady’s power duo of David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero, Iaquinta was the subject of much speculation earlier this summer. Since then he has affirmed his desire to stay with the Turin club, and with Juventus returning to Champions League player this year (and the age of the two main guys) Iaquinta will see a decent amount of time. Because of that, Juventus not needing any other players, and their unwillingness to help a rival unless necessary, Iaquinta seems unlikely to move one season after switching from Udinese to Juve.
The last, lingering option here is Thiago Neves, a name I hesitate to keep bringing up, but Roma has been linked with the Brazilian winger for some time. They need a left wing. They need a second striker. Neves can be either, and he is the one person on this list that is both good and available. He may also be the cheapest, save Malouda. Neves would adapt well to the Italian league and benefit from the opportunities players like Totti and Daniele De Rossi can provide him. Whether Rome is the right place for a player with his backstory would ahve to be a concern. Neves also carries with him some of the same concerns that would come with Baptista. Can he contribute immediately, at a high level? For the price, Neves would be worth the risk, especially considering you would also be able to afford a back-up plan.
The best option amongst these is Arshavin. He’s the best player, the one option on this list that can steal points by himself. After that, Neves should be the choice. Malouda is the best fit tactically, better addresses a need (with Mirko Vucinic still able to play up top) while Huntelaar is the next best player. Iaquinta is unlikely to be a real option. Any of these options would improve Roma enough for the 2008-09 season to justify picking them to win the Scudetto. But seemingly, for depth if nothing else, they need to make some move, even if it’s for Baptista. If they can get two from this list, all the better.
Quotes
“We will sign a pair of players.” - Spalletti
“Right now we have to look elsewhere but calmly because there’s still time.” - Spalletti
“Baptista? I’ve never said anything about him. Baptista is a good player who has strong characteristics (but) we are strong in central midfield.” - Spalletti
“Huntelaar is a very good player but we will have to see and there will be no panic buys.” - Spalletti
” . . . we have not made a formal bid for [Vincenzo] Iaquinta but we consider him a strong player.” - Spalletti
Links
Roma accept Mutu defeat
Roma To Hunt Klass-Jan?
Spalletti admits defeat
WFP Related Posts
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