Monchi issues updates on Florenzi's contract, transfer rumours and more

Before discussing recent rumours surrounding the likes of Emil Forsberg, Hakim Ziyech and Dries Mertens, the Spaniard expressed his delight at being able to sign the two young players who sat alongside him.

"William Bianda and Ante Coric are examples of the sort of players Roma wants to sign in the future: to sign established players like Antonio Mirante, Bryan Cristante, Ivan Marcano and Javier Pastore and youngsters with a huge future ahead of them," Monchi said.

"I am pleased to have the chance to welcome Ante and William. Signing them was not easy, because there were a lot of other sides after their services.”

Who can we compare Bianda and Coric to?

“I don’t like to compare different players, unfortunately, because every man is different. They have to follow their own paths and I think they both have huge room for growth and great ability.

"William is a centre-back with good feet, he’s strong physically and fast as well. Ante has great technique and personality, good feet but can still develop physically. He has a great future ahead of him.”

Is the squad already complete?

“I think that we have done exactly what we wanted to do up to this point. A club like Roma never stops, however, you need to continue observing and considering everything up until the end of the window. In that regard I can announce that we have agreed to sign a third goalkeeper, Daniele Fuzato, from Palmeiras. He will arrive in the next few days. We will never stop working. Until the end of the window we will always be ready to take advantage of any interesting opportunities that may arise.”

Would the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo for Juventus bring a lot to Italian football?

“I have not had the time to follow it all, luckily I have a lot of work to do as it is. If he arrives, for the Italian league it will be a good thing. What Cristiano has done in his career is huge. But I cannot give a deeper opinion because I have been very busy over the last few days.”

What is the latest with Alessandro Florenzi’s contract renewal? Has there been an ultimatum from Roma?

“It is at the same point it was in our last press conference, to present Javier Pastore. We have not moved forward much – it’s a difficult negotiation because Florenzi is a great player. I think that Roma have made a strong offer to him, a very good offer, but I understand that he too has his thoughts and requests. I am confident, but not much has changed in the last few days.

"There will never be an ultimatum, Alessandro is a son of this club. What will happen will happen, I am fighting every day to get the renewal done and I have faith. But we are still a little apart.”

Alisson’s World Cup is now over: what is the situation with him, and is there a price at which you would allow him to leave?

“I am sorry for yesterday’s loss, I was supporting Brazil because of Alisson. Like Florenzi, there is not much new there. We have not received any offers, so it’s difficult to have an idea about figures if there has not been any offer. Now Alisson will go on holiday and he will join up with the squad after that. If something comes up then we will evaluate it, but today I can say that nothing has changed from a few days ago.”

Today England play Sweden – will you watch it to scout Emil Forsberg?

“I’ll watch it because it’s an interesting game; Forsberg I already know well, without needing to watch him today. I never like to buy players based off a good World Cup. You need to differentiate between the players that you like and the players that you want to take, otherwise you would buy 100 players. I like Forsberg. I also really liked the kid from Belgium, [Eden] Hazard… but it does not mean that I will buy him!”

Could Bianda go out on loan to gain experience?

“No, the idea is for him to remain here. It is difficult to find better teachers than Eusebio Di Francesco and his coaching staff. He is a kid, but he has a lot of potential and it is hard to think of a better way for him to improve.”

Is Dries Mertens a transfer target?

“No.”

Is Hakim Ziyech a target?

“No, we are covered in his role. Hakim is a player I have always liked. I cannot say ‘no’ with 100% certainty, but today in his role we already have enough players.”