AS Roma suspend sporting director as Pedro signing hangs in the balance

Chelsea winger Pedro had reportedly agreed to sign with AS Roma earlier this week, which, if true, would basically end his Chelsea career in 12 days. He would have little reason to keep playing for Blues and risk injury for short-term gains when a two-year well-paying deal is waiting for him in the Italian capital.

But yesterday, Roma dropped a bit of a bombshell by suspending sporting director Gianluca Petrachi after a “furious row” with team president James Pallotta. Italian reports claim that the row was centered around the team’s recruitment policy, with the president favoring a more bold approach over Petrachi’s reasonable sell-to-buy stance. The team’s not exactly in the greatest financial shape and amidst a pandemic, it only makes sense to tread lightly and cautiously.

Right now it’s unclear if this will affect Pedro’s move, especially as Pallotta’s reportedly the one pushing for the signing of the veteran winger, but it’s not exactly a stable situation, which could conceivably make Pedro rethink his options.

While the reports don’t seem to indicate that Pedro would change his mind about finishing out the season with Chelsea, the Mail do remind us that the 32-year-old has plenty of other options for his next move, including Valencia, Sevilla, and Real Betis, all of whom could use this opportunity to jump in. We might remember that Chelsea gazumped Manchester United at the eleventh hour for the former Barcelona lucky charm back in 2015, which could serve as inspiration for others in 2020 as well.

Choose wisely, Pedrito!