Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma
AC Milan are one of the teams interested in trying to prise Niccolò Pisilli from AS Roma, according to a report.
Swiss source 4-4-2.com claim that Pisilli has become one of the most sought-after players in Italy. Although Roma see the youngster as a cornerstone of their long-term project, the concrete interest from Premier League and Serie A heavyweights is pressure on them.
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While Roma’s management and coaching staff want to keep the player at all costs, Europe’s top clubs are already working intensively behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for a potential transfer.
Milan in the hunt
In the English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest have held informal talks with the player’s representatives to assess the situation.
With the approval of their sporting management, Spurs have already taken one of the most concrete steps, inquiring about the financial terms of a potential deal. Forest, on the other hand, would prefer to integrate the midfielder into their squad via a loan with an option to buy.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are taking a more cautious approach: the Magpies have Pisilli on their scouting list, but have not yet sent a direct request, instead observing the development.
Niccolò Pisilli of AS Roma
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
The bidding war is also heating up in Italy: Juventus, Inter and Milan are all in the running for the 21-year-old. Juve sounded out Roma’s stance through intermediaries, only to receive confirmation that he is not for sale, while the Milanese clubs are ‘waiting for the right moment’ to move.
Roma’s management and staff remain firm on Pisilli’s position: he has a key role in their plans and they did not plan to let the homegrown talent go under any circumstances this summer. To change their mind in the future, an offer worth €60m or more could be needed.
The player himself is satisfied with his situation in the capital. Nevertheless, the youngster is aware of the interest from top European clubs and is by no means completely closed off to a compelling sporting project in the future.
Milan’s new recruitment strategy means they will pay what is required to get quality through the door, but it remains to be seen if that door is in fact even slightly open for Pisilli.