Serie A giants Roma have established themselves as frontrunners in the race to sign Boca Juniors defender Nicolas Valentini. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Daniele De Rossi wants a reunion with the Argentine rearguard to address Giallorossi’s defensive shortcomings.
De Rossi shared the dressing room with the 23-year-old during his brief spell at La Bombonera. After cutting ties with Roma at the tail-end of his playing career, the Italian moved to Boca Juniors, where he had a chance to witness Valentini’s development first-hand
Valentini has yet to make a senior appearance for Argentina, though he’s won eight caps for his country’s U23 side. Despite his relatively modest background, De Rossi sees him as a decent candidate to strengthen his defensive options. It’s now up to Roma to come to terms with Boca.
Given Valentini’s contractual wobble, it shouldn’t be an issue. His deal in Buenos Aires runs out in January 2025. Therefore, the Argentine powerhouse cannot afford to push Roma around in potential negotiations. Unless they offload their homegrown star in the coming months, they’ll lose him on a free transfer next winter.
But Roma aren’t the only Serie A team interested in Valentini. Napoli, Como, Lazio, and Fiorentina are also in the mix. With De Rossi in charge, the Giallorossi are in pole position to see off their domestic rivals in this pursuit.
