Bologna expect Thiago Motta to leave amid PSG interest

Bologna FC 1909 are increasingly pessimistic over their capacity to retain Thiago Motta as their head coach, according to a report from Foot Mercato. The Brazil-born Italian midfielder is reportedly a strong favourite to replace the departing Christophe Galtier in the PSG dugout, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said to be pushing for the move to materialise. Porto’s Sergio Conceição is also in the race whilst PSG Sporting advisor Luís Campos has held talks with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Talks between PSG and Julian Nagelsmann have broken down, so it won’t be a surprise if Motta were to force a move to the Ligue 1 champions.

Bologna are already bracing themselves for this very situation to happen. The outlet report that I Rossoblù expect Motta, a former PSG player and U-19 coach in the French capital, to meet Les Parisiens’ hierarchy next week. The former Italy international and 2010 Champions League winner with Inter is reportedly waiting for the Qatari ownership to green-light his appointment. Foot Mercato add that talks between Motta and Bologna regarding the club’s transfer activity this summer have broken down. Motta is said to have set high demands regarding Bologna’s transfer funds, a stance seen as an ultimatum by the board.

The outlet understands that Bologna have already drawn up a list of potential coaches to replace Motta. The shortlist reportedly includes former Spezia boss Luca Gotti, former Hellas Verona manager Gabriele Cioffi and Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval