Nikola Krstovic remains a prominent name on the list of preferred attacking reinforcements for Gian Piero Gasperini`s Roma. The Lecce striker seemed close to a move to Leeds, but that negotiation is now reportedly on hold. The player himself is said to prefer staying in Italy and has been sending clear signals on social media by training in the Giallorossi shirt of the capital club. The main hurdle, however, is Lecce`s valuation of the player.
As highlighted this morning on the front page of the local edition of the Corriere della Sera, the Salento club is reportedly unwilling to sell him for less than 40 million euros. Sporting Director Corvino reiterated this stance in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I observe that there are attackers who have scored fewer goals than Krstovic being valued at 35-40 million euros. Last year, Nikola scored 12 goals (one in the Coppa Italia, ed.) and provided six assists; statistically, he ranks as the eighth-best striker playing in Italy. Therefore, anyone interested must take this into account. We will do everything possible to accommodate the player`s wishes, so we may ask for slightly less than his true market value, but the purchasing club must also understand Lecce`s needs.”
