Roma might turn to former AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini for midfield reinforcements as the the market draws to a close. Sinisa Mihajlovic and Torino are also keeping an eye out for Frenchman but it all depends on his wage and availability.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Roma have turned to 32-year-old Frenchman since their spending power has been curtailed after an ignominious Champions League qualifier exit at the hands of a mediocre FC Porto team. The Frenchman has already had a spell in Italy sandwiched between two spells in England. However, he is currently out of contract and will be available for a very nominal fee should the club decide to go after him.
The Issue of Squad Depth
Roma have been looking at various names in the midfield who would bring age and experience along with them. The idea is to have an understudy for their relatively young and inexperienced midfielder Leandro Paredes. The Argentine enjoyed a great season at Empoli and is already being talked about among the fans as the potential successor to Miralem Pjanic.
Roma had been looking for an experienced midfielder in the market but their efforts to sign Fiorentina’s Borja Valero had hit a brick wall. Moreover, the current state of financial instability means that they have to locate cheaper alternatives in the market. Roma are simultaneously playing three tournaments at the same time and if they want to succeed in Europa League, they desperately need a bench that would enable them to do so.
Torino’s Interest
Sportitalia pundit Alfredo Pedulla claims that Roma are not the only club after the former Marseille man. Torino are reportedly looking to sign Flamini to add some experience to their ranks. Torino’s midfield comprises of two of the most exciting young Italian starlets in the league – Marco Benassi and Danielle Baselli. Benassi was hugely successful last year and Baselli has already scored 2 goals in as many matches, one of them against AC Milan. Flamini would add some balance to a midfield that already contains this much quality.
Flamini is out of contract and looking for a club. While the Frenchman might be able to add something to a midtable club like Torino, one remains very much sceptical about what he could do for a club like Roma who will be looking to challenge Juventus and Napoli for the scudetto. Any potential solution would have to be a temporary one. Needless to say Flamini’s days in the top European leagues are numbered.
