Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Evan N’Dicka, with Roma forced to consider an ‘immediate’ sale of the central defender this summer.
N’Dicka enjoyed an outstanding season in Serie A last term and was one of only two outfield players to be on the field for every single minute of the top-flight campaign, along with Lecce’s Federico Baschirotto.
The 25-year-old’s performances in Italian football over the last two years have naturally attracted the attentions of a number of top teams across European football, including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.
Last month, the Gunners were said to have made an enquiry to gauge N’Dicka’s potential availability, with the club looking to bring in added support and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the back.
Subsequent reports suggested Roma had no plans to cash in on N’Dicka given the centre-back was deemed to be one of eight ‘immovable’ players at the Stadio Olimpico.
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But according to Corriere dello Sport, Roma’s hierarchy have been forced to dramatically change their stance on N’Dicka’s future as they must make a quickfire sale in order to comply with financial fair play regulations.
It’s claimed the €30million (£26m) raised from the recent departures of Enzo Le Fee and Samuel Dahl – and the imminent sale of Nicola Zalewski – will not be enough to get Roma out of trouble.
Roma had been relaxed about the situation given Angelino appeared set for a lucrative move to Al-Hilal, but that proposed deal has fallen through. The Saudi Pro League outfit could renew their interest in the left-back after the Club World Cup.
To avoid sanctions, Roma must consider consider the ‘painful but understandable’ sale of N’Dicka, who was this week named Ivory Coast’s Player of the Year.
It’s claimed Roma chiefs are exploring the English market with a view to coaxing offers from the Premier League for N’Dicka, which could bring Arsenal back into the picture for the former Eintracht Frankfurt centre-half.
Roma stand to make a significant profit on N’Dicka, should they decide to sell, considering the Ivory Coast international joined the club on a free transfer two years ago.
In a recent interview with L’Equipe, N’Dicka refused to be drawn on speculation surrounding his future and insisted he remained fully committed to Roma.
‘I’m not pretending that I don’t see the rumours,’ Ndicka told the French publication last month.
‘But I have respect in Rome and I respect them
‘I have three years remaining on my contract, we will see what happens later.’
Ndicka’s current contract in the Italian capital runs through to June 2028.
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