From Leonardo Bonucci to Trevor Chalobah; Roma’s short-list of central defenders

With the Giallorossi fragile in the back-line as they lack a great deal of quality and depth, it is seemingly no surprise that Roma have prioritized the acquisition of a central defender in the January transfer window. 

ForzaRomaInfo reveals that the capital club are monitoring the situation of numerous defenders as coach Jose Mourinho side is eager to acquire two defenders for reinforcement heading into the second half of the season.

Leonardo Bonucci

After six-months since departing Juventus in favour of Union Berlin in order to attain more playing time, the veteran defender is reportedly unhappy and is keen on a return to Italy in the winter transfer window.

As a result, Roma have held constant contacts with the 36-year-old and are very close to finalizing the deal as Bonucci is eager to put pen-to-paper on a six-month contract with the Giallorossi, with the option of extending his stay for an additional year.

With the Italian international having only made a total of seven appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfits, Bonucci has his mind set on parting ways despite having joined only a very short time ago in order to regain form to potentially feature in the Euro 2024 with the Azzurri.

Merih Demiral

Roma are also keeping their tabs open for former Atalanta defender Merih Demiral as a possible signing in the defensive department of the squad.

Since joining Saudi side Al Ahli on a €20m transfer move, the Turkish international has only made six appearances as a result of suffering an injury early on in the season.

However, the player has seized an assist in his most recent display and was superb in defence, catching the attention of the Special One as he is enthusiastic of having the 24-year-old’s services within his squad.

Trevor Chalobah

The primary target for the Portuguese tactician is Chelsea’s promising defender Trevor Chalobah.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Giallorossi have been monitoring the situation of the 24-year-old and have maintained contacts with Chelsea over a possible winter transfer move.

With the English defender desperate for more playing time as he has not featured regularly for Chelsea this season, Roma view his current situation with the London Blues as pivotal factor that could play a vital role in turning the negotiation talks within their favour, a deal that could very much also take the form a short-term loan.

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN