would be a very good signing but roma are hardly putting up a fight to keep hold of one of their home-grown talents and that worries me. normally they would move heaven and earth to keep hold of someone like aquilani but their willingness to sell unsettles me somehow,do they know something we don't? or is he just another overhyped youngster who's developed as far as he ever will?
Roma are hardly putting up a fight? I disagree... They've denied every approach to date, the coach and ownership have said that Aquilani is not for sale, that he's fundamental for the future and will be staying. This is despite the fact that they're strapped for cash, and need quality reinforcements for their attack... they could REALLY use the 25-30M from Aquilani's sale, and yet they still haven't pulled the trigger (A testament to their belief in the quality of the player). The only 'indication' otherwise, was Spaletti saying that he couldn't FORCE Aquilani to stay, if in fact Alberto wanted to leave - which is pretty obvious, and doesn't really need to be stated at all. Clearly, AS Roma is strapped for cash and they're trying to set a precedent: you have to earn your place, before you're paid like a star.
I really don't think this player is going anywhere... more media BS. This is just hardball negotiating, between two sides who know how much the other side has to lose and are banking on them eventually caving in.
Aquilani was set for a break out year in 07/08 and then he got hurt, which greatly disrupted his progress. When he came back, Spaletti reintroduced him slowly, as the team had been playing quite well without him. That may have affected his confidence a bit... It really should be said that there's NO WAY that he's reached his full potential at 24... he just needs some continuity.