Chris Smalling is expected to leave AS Roma at the end of the 2022/23 season, and Serie A giants Juventus and Inter could be involved in a battle to sign the experienced English defender.
The 33-year-old has been with the Giallorossi since August 2019 and his contract with them will expire in June 2023. However, it is unlikely that he will remain in Rome beyond then and he could head to Northern Italy for a new challenge.
According to Calciomercato, AS Roma general director Tiago Pinto has identified Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior as a replacement for Smalling and the Aquilotti want €15 million for the Poland international.
Smalling may find a new home at Juventus or Inter
Despite his age, Smalling is still performing admirably for AS Roma and he has been an integral part of the Giallorossi defence under coach Jose Mourinho. Even though he might not remain in Rome beyond the 2022/23 season, his experience is clearly valued elsewhere.
Juventus are in need of further reinforcements in defence as Leonardo Bonucci has shown clear signs of decline while Matthijs de Ligt was sold to Bayern Munich in the summer.
Meanwhile, the futures of Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar at Inter have been in doubt for some time, and the Bianconeri beat them for the signature of Torino defender Gleison Bremer in the summer so the Nerazzurri will want to ensure they do not lose out to their Derby d’Italia rivals again.
AS Roma vs AC Milan and others for Kiwior
Kiwior has been one of the bright spots for Spezia in what has been a tough campaign for the Ligurian side and he has featured in all 15 matches for the Aquilotti throughout the 2022/23 Serie A season so far.
The 22-year-old featured for Poland at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting in all four games in defence for the Poles as they reached the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986.
His latest rise to prominence has attracted interest in the centre-back in Italy as well as abroad, and AC Milan look the most likely to challenge AS Roma for his signature.
The Rossoneri will aim to bolster the defence as they have had to deal with injuries throughout the season while the Giallorossi will be trying to sign someone who can improve the depth at the back and also be a potential starter.
