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Despite the growing narrative that Jadon Sancho is set to leave, his eventual destination remains one of the enduring mysteries of this summer’s transfer window.
It’s not that no one wants Sancho. Top European clubs have explored the possibility of signing him, but almost every one has encountered obstacles.
Beyond being selective about his next club, Sancho’s high wages have proven a major stumbling block.
Euro giants circle Sancho
Chelsea were willing to sign him permanently after his loan spell last season. However, Sancho’s refusal to accept a pay cut led the Blues to pay a £5 million fine and opt out of the obligation to buy.
Then came Juventus, widely tipped to secure his signature, with Sancho’s camp even flying to Italy for talks. But nothing materialised, with reports suggesting Juve needed to sanction player exits before finalising the deal.
While Juve dithered, Borussia Dortmund, Besiktas, and AS Roma entered the fray.
Roma relentless in the pursuit
Dortmund have shown little intent to re-sign the 25-year-old, while Besiktas were informed they are not his preferred destination, leaving Roma as the standout contenders.
Roma have pushed hard to convince Sancho, registering their intent with a £20 million offer. INEOS are thought to be satisfied with the Giallorossi’s bid and willing to send Sancho to the Stadio Olimpico.
However, the player has yet to greenlight the move. Despite video calls with Gian Piero Gasperini and chats with Leon Bailey aimed at luring him to Serie A, Sancho remains undecided.
Roma were described as hopeful, with Gasperini viewing Sancho as his marquee signing this summer.
Roma consider alternatives
But that hope may be fading. Roma are now contemplating a move that could spell the end of the Sancho saga.
As Sky Sports Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio reveals:
“Roma are considering the idea of Elmas to strengthen the wingers.
“Given the difficulties in the negotiation for Jadon Sancho, who has not yet given the green light, the Giallorossi are sounding out other solutions.”
Eljif Elmas, currently at RB Leipzig, is also a top target for Napoli.
However, with Romelu Lukaku sidelined, the Serie A champions are prioritising a striker with United’s Rasmus Hojlund their top target.
Napoli are pushing hard to land Hojlund, with talks centred around a loan deal including an obligation to buy.
While they work on that, Roma are to attempt to beat them to Elmas’ signature.
Di Marzio suggests that if Roma propose a permanent deal to Leipzig, they could win the race with ease.
Given the stalled Sancho pursuit and the looming transfer deadline, splashing cash on the North Macedonian winger would be understandable.
INEOS left frustrated
Roma’s shift in focus will frustrate INEOS. They will be asking themselves what more they must do to move Sancho on. Their hope now rests on the player finally saying “yes” before Roma commit elsewhere.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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