AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham are keen on signing him.
According to a report from Siamo La Roma, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Roger Ibanez. And AS Roma value the Brazilian international at around €35 million.
It will be interesting to see if the three clubs come forward with a concrete proposal to sign the South American defender in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Tottenham have been linked with the Brazilian international for a long time.
Chelsea need to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer, especially with Kalidou Koulibaly leaving the club. In addition to that, talented young defender Wesley Fofana has picked up an ACL injury, and the Blues need more depth in their defensive unit.
As far as Crystal Palace are concerned, they were quite vulnerable defensively last season and they need to tighten up at the back before the new season starts. Furthermore, Joachim Andersen has been linked with a move away from the London club, with Tottenham coincidentally one of his suitors. So Crystal Palace will have to replace him adequately.
Tottenham have been linked with a number of defenders as well. They conceded 63 goals in the league last season and will have to improve in that department if they want to get back into the Champions League. Players like Edmond Tapsoba Micky van de Ven have been on their radar as well.
Ibanez has proven himself in Serie A with AS Roma, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for all three clubs. The reported €35 million asking price seems quite reasonable for a player of his quality, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
All three clubs would represent an exciting opportunity for the player. But he will probably hope to compete at a high level. So Chelsea and Tottenham could have an advantage over Crystal Palace in the transfer race. Tottenham will need to bring in a quality partner for Cristian Romero this summer, and signing a central defender will be their top priority.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham had underwhelming 2022/23 campaigns, and they will look to bounce back strongly next season. They need to bring in the right reinforcements in order to do well. And someone like Ibanez will certainly help them improve.
I hope they get him. He’s to slow for the type of football we want to play and too slow for the Premier. Looks good in Italy but if he was quality Mourinho wouldn’t be so quiet about his potential transfer.