DiMarzio: Roma in Pole Position for Nicolas Valentini

With reports indicating that Roma is seeking to move on from Chris Smalling and Dean Huijsen returning to Juve after his loan spell, the Giallorossi will likely be seeking the services of at least one center-back this summer. Free agent Mats Hummels has been linked for weeks, but things have been quiet on that front, with Smalling still on Roma’s payroll.

Now, reports indicate that Diego Llorente will not be back on a permanent deal after 18 months on loan in the Italian capital. With that, the Giallorossi have begun to evaluate other options as they seek to reinforce a backline led by Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka. The latest name to emerge comes from South America.

For years, many Romanisti have bemoaned the lack of Walter Sabatini-esque signings of young South American talents on affordable deals a la Marquinhos and Erik Lamela. That may finally change as Gianluca DiMarzio reports that Roma is in pole position to land Nicolas Valentini of Boca Juniors.

Valentini, a member of Argentina’s U-23 squad, is a player De Rossi is familiar with from his spell with the Argentine giants. Valentini was among the club’s top youth prospects while De Rossi wore blue and gold. The now 23-year-old Argentine's contract expires in December, but Roma wants to bring him to Rome during the summer mercato.

DiMarzio didn’t reveal a price tag for Valentini, who Transfermarkt values at €6 million. But the expiring contract should mean a fairly affordable price for a Roma side on a budget. DiMarzio did report that a meeting is expected soon between the club and Valentini’s agents and that Roma is favored to land his signature ahead of Napoli and Como.