Arabian Gulf League challengers Al Jazira’s ambitious pursuit of Roma forward Gervinho is expected to come to a head in the “next two to three days”, an agreement with Roma still to be reached.
– From Drogba to Robinho – Stars who could be moving in and out of Asia
The Pride of Abu Dhabi have been in talks with the Serie A outfit for several weeks about landing the former Arsenal wide man, a €13 million (Dhs53m) fee previously reported to have been settled upon.
It was hoped that the 28-year-old would travel to the UAE for a medical after his international duties concluded on June 14 with Ivory Coast’s goalless 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw with Gabon, yet no movement has occurred.
Jazira first-team manager Ayed Mabkhout revealed that a deal has been reached with the player over a rumoured four-year contract and is hopeful consensus with the Giallorossi over a fee will soon be reached.
He said: “We are still negotiating with Roma, until now there is nothing official. Everything with the player is agreed, now the two clubs need to come to a full agreement.
“Inshallah, everything can be agreed to conclude this deal. The negotiations are ongoing and we are trying our best.
“In the next two to three days we will know, Inshallah.”
Another summer of extensive change is taking place at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium as Jazira look to improve on last season’s second-placed finish.
Brazilian club legend Abel Braga has returned as coach in place of Eric Gerets, while playmaker Thiago Neves has been snapped up from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal for €11m (Dh45m).
