New AS Roma manager Luciano Spalletti has admitted that Gervinho‘s head is not currently in the right place, as he eyes alternatives.
The former Arsenal striker was heavily linked with a move away from the club last week, with Chinese side Jiangsu Suning understood to have offered E10 million for his services.
The departure of former coach Rudi Garcia is understood to have severely weakened Gervinho’s position at Roma, with the French coach acting as something of a mentor for the Ivorian hitman. By contrast, Spalletti is understood not to be sold on the attacker, and the Giallorossi are prepared to cash in.
Speaking ahead of Roma’s match against Juventus on Sunday, Spalletti has admitted that Gervinho needs to improve his attitude if he’s to have an impact at the Stadio Olimpico.
The coach has also name-checked a potential replacement for the West African.
“Gervinho is disturbed at the moment by all the various reports,” the coach began, speaking to journalists in a pre-match press conference, as per Football Italia.
“We consider Gervinho to be a very important player for us, but in my view it is equally important that he wants to put his body, quality, mind and heart at the disposal of Roma. If he doesn’t do that, then we’ll go beyond him to see others with similar characteristics.”
Roma are understood to be keen to move for Milan attacker Stephan El Shaarawy on loan, with the former AS Monaco’s man’s arrival expected to be imminent.
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“I remember El Shaarawy in a very positive way. He has technique, quality, pace and can score goals. He lost his way a little, I had the chance to speak to him and he gave me positive signals,” Spaletti continued.
“If he comes here to play the final six months of the season and get back his image and a place in the Italy squad, he has to do well. There isn’t much time.
“Anyone can have moments where he delivers less than he is capable of in a profession and I think this happened to him too.”