According to recent reports, AS Roma has reached a verbal agreement with RC Lens for the transfer of Neil El Aynaoui. The deal is said to be worth €25 million plus bonuses. This development comes as Roma grows increasingly frustrated with Palmeiras over the potential transfer of Richard Rios.
The Italian club had initially offered the same amount to Palmeiras for Rios. However, the Brazilian team continues to raise their asking price, seemingly using Roma`s interest to spark a bidding war. Palmeiras is reportedly encouraging competition between Roma, Benfica, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Nottingham Forest, hoping to secure a deal worth €30 million plus add-ons.
Roma`s Ultimatum to Palmeiras
Growing tired of the prolonged negotiations, Roma has now set a Friday morning deadline for Palmeiras to accept their offer for Rios. If no agreement is reached by then, the Italian club is prepared to move forward with their alternative option – El Aynaoui from RC Lens.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Roma`s verbal agreement with Lens for El Aynaoui is already in place. If Palmeiras fails to respond positively by the deadline, Roma is expected to finalize the deal with Lens, making El Aynaoui their new midfielder.
This strategic move by Roma demonstrates their determination to strengthen their midfield, whether with Rios or El Aynaoui, while also sending a clear message about their unwillingness to be drawn into a protracted negotiation process.