Roma want £27m Arsenal target gone, with Chelsea, Man Utd raids eyed
Roma are willing to sell Arsenal-linked midfielder Amadou Diawara for £27million as they plan raids on three Premier League players, according to a report.
Diawara only moved to the Italian capital last summer but has struggled to stake a claim for a regular role. Indeed, two bouts of injury have not helped the Guinea international‘s cause.
Previous reports have indicated that Roma have now decided to part ways with the midfielder. The Serie A giants are uncertain his form will improve should he stay next season.
Those claims suggested they were “thinking” about a swap deal with Arsenal that would include Lucas Torreira.
Now, the Daily Express claims Roma are stepping up plans to offload Diawara. As well as being open to swap deals, they are willing to sell the midfielder outright for £27million.
Paulo Fonseca’s side want Diawara off the books so that they can fund a summer spending spree of their own.
Roma allegedly want to sign Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Chelsea midfielder Jorginho and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.
Smalling is a long-term target for Roma, given the Englishman’s successful loan spell there last season. However, without extra funds, the club are unwilling to splash out to match United’s asking price.
Jorginho, meanwhile, is one of several Blues midfielders fighting for game time under Frank Lampard. He was a target for former Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri, who was sacked earlier this month.
As for Sokratis, the arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes could shake up Arsenal’s defence. Lille defender Gabriel’s move will likely go through later this week, meaning other defenders could go.
Diawara, meanwhile, could emerge as a solid alternative for Arsenal to Thomas Partey. The Gunners have reportedly backed away from a deal for the Atletico Madrid lynchpin.
ARSENAL CRUISE TO FRIENDLY VICTORY OVER MK DONS
Elsewhere, Arsenal beat MK Dons 4-1 in their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Tuesday.
William Saliba impressed as the Gunners cruised to victory in their only outing before Saturday’s Community Shield against Liverpool.
First-team stars Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson were both on the scoresheet.