There are unconfirmed reports that top left back target Abdul Rahman Baba has given Roma an ultimatum: If Roma can't find an agreement with Augsburg for Baba's transfer by Saturday, then Baba will choose to sign with Chelsea.
Augsburg is demanding 20 million euros for Baba, but Roma has only offered as high as 16 million euros apparently (Baba's transfer value is 10 million euros).
As one door seems to be closing at left back, another one is opening in the form of Barcelona fullback Adriano. Adriano has already agreed personal terms with Roma, however Barcelona is demanding 8 million euros for the renaissance defender. Although he's 30 years old, Adriano plays both right and left back, and excels in both positions.
Adriano has played sparingly for Barcelona for obvious reasons (Barcelona is really, really good), so hopefully Walter Sabatini can work his magic and talk the price down a little bit.
Roma's other backup plan at left back is Arthur Masuaku of Olympiacos. Masuaku was heavily linked with the club earlier in the summer, and his name has recently resurfaced as a potential candidate for left back.
Masuaku is only 21 years old and is valued at 4.5 million euros, however Masuaku's agent claims Olymiacos wants 13 million euros for the starlet. Inter Milan has also been tracking him. Masuaku has played very well in Champions League for the Greek club, especially considering his age.
In 6 Champions League games last season, Masuaku scored one goal, recorded a 7.65 average game rating, and had two man of the match performances. Even more importantly, he had 3.5 tackles per game and 1.7 interceptions per game. At 4.3 dribbles completed per game with 80% passing efficiency, it seems as if he likes to get forward on the pitch from time to time as well.
Roma has also been linked with FC Porto left back Alex Sandro, but signing him seems like a pipe dream at this point. Sandro only has one year left on his contract with Porto, so the Portuguese club will be tempted to cash in on him this summer.
Juventus seems to be closest to signing Sandro at the moment, but Manchester City is also monitoring the left back's situation.
It's safe to say all of Roma's left back targets are probably an improvement over current left back Ashley Cole, so who does the chiesa prefer Sabatini sign?