Transfers

Report: Roma and Chelsea interested in Wijnaldum but put off by demands

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Both Chelsea and Roma are reportedly keen on signing Liverpool’s Gini Wijnaldum on a free transfer this summer.

However, his contract demands are proving to be a stumbling block according to Gazetta dello Sport.

The Italian outlet has claimed that Wijnaldum has numerous other offers from the likes of Barcelona, PSG and Inter.

Yet like with Chelsea and Roma, these clubs are also put off by the Dutchman’s demands of a three-year deal worth €4m per season.

Roma will be managed by Jose Mourinho next season.

He is seemingly planning on rebuilding the midfield around Bryan Cristante. However, decisions are yet to be made on the likes of Jordan Veretout and Amadou Diawara’s futures.

If they leave the club, the Giallorossi will need new midfield recruits.

One option seriously being considered by the club is Wijnaldum, who they believe will add experience and charisma to the side.

Wijnaldum will have to lower his demands if he wants a big move

Graeme Souness has slammed Gini Wijnaldum for his lack of intensity this season
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barring a miracle, Wijnaldum will be leaving Liverpool this summer. Yet if he wants to find a new club, he will have to lower his contract demands.

Wijnaldum is a super player. He can do everything in midfield, as proven by how well he carries out his two completely different roles for Liverpool and Holland.

Of course, teams should be chasing him, especially when they do not have to pay a transfer fee.

The issue is his age. He will turn 31 in November.

It would not be sensible for teams to hand out a big-money three-year deal to a player that will be 33 by the time his contract ends.

Look at how it has worked out for Arsenal, with players like Willian and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gunners are basically stuck with the underperforming duo because nobody else is willing to pay them the money they demand.

Wijnaldum would be a useful asset for a short period of time, but not many teams are going to want to risk being stuck with a past-it player on huge wages a few years down the line.