Roma's Leandro Paredes has set his sights on remaining in the capital despite apparent continental interest.
The Argentine youngster spent last season on loan with Empoli and asserted himself as one of the best young talents in Serie A with many stellar performances alongside Piotr Zielinski and Riccardo Saponara in the azzurri midfiel.
Strong interest remains in particular from Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg who are said to be willing to offer upwards of €20 million for the former Boca Juniors starlet.
Chance at Roma
With the departure of Miralem Pjanic to Juventus earlier in the mercato, the giallorossi are yet to sign up a replacement for the influential Bosnian who dominated the midfield throughout his spell.
A void is therefore there to be filled and Paredes, albeit in his fledgling career, could be the one and then go on to cement his place in the side for years to come. A fully fit Kevin Strootman would walk right into the team ahead of Paredes but with recurring injuries continuing to trip him up as it looks like he's seen the back of them, Paredes may have to wait for an opportunity.
The 22-year-old spoke with Retesport and couldn't make it any clearer what his plans where, "I want to stay, that has always been what I've thought."
Furthermore he added that "There is still nothing on the transfer front" contrasting the aforementioned Zenit links which have been heavy all mercato. "I am a Roma player and I will continue to only think of that in my work" he added.
Paredes follows Dzeko in wanting to stay
Edin Dzeko spoke with Corriere dello Sport and announced he would like to stay despite ongoing rumours linking him with a departure.
The Bosnian told the outlet, "My future is with Roma, the talk is only speculation" and admitted that if he had wanted to have departed the Stadio Olimpico he'd "have done that as early as January. I'm training, but Spalletti will decide whether I start."