Spalletti on Grenier and Paredes

Luciano Spalletti hopes Roma can revitalise Clement Grenier the way they did Federico Fazio and won’t deny a Leandro Paredes sale.

This morning Grenier completed his medical and is expected to sign the contract today, arriving on loan from Lyon with a €3.5m option to buy.

“He is a player who Milan sought to replace Andrea Pirlo back in the day,” noted Spalletti in his Press conference.

“He had a shaky moment in his career that he can get back on track in an environment like Roma. Clearly we need to see him in practice and how he works with his teammates.

“You can compare him to Fazio – barely playing over two years, came here without much fanfare, but deserved all the attention he is now getting.

“We have great faith in Grenier and I am convinced that in a few training sessions he’ll rediscover his enthusiasm, quality and effort that can give us a hand.”

With Grenier coming in and bids for Bologna’s Godfred Donsah and Sassuolo winger Gregoire Defrel, it seems as if Paredes is on the way out for €25m.

“I did not ask for Paredes to be sold,” noted Spalletti. “If there is an analysis of the dynamics of the transfer market and the desire of the player, then that must be asked of the club or the player.

“I think being able to replace a player who leaves is a quality in itself. You are not alone, you must always deal with all the other elements that pass by in life and preparation makes the difference in these situations.

“I think Roma are working well. We’ve sold players with a good future ahead of them, but Roma always had a solid campaign in a difficult league.

“Paredes is a great midfielder, the perfect playmaker. He showed no desire to leave. If the club has to sell in order to balance Financial Fair Play, then that’s another thing to be evaluated.”

Spalletti was asked if he would like Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie.

“Ya don’t say?” smirked the Coach.