Keeping pace with the other top four clubs Roma have signed young attacking protege, Jérémy Menez, from Monaco to strengthen their frontline.

The French starlet, barely 21 years of age, is seen as one of Europe’s brightest prospects and is being labelled the next Zidane.  A key man in the middle of the park for Monaco, Menez can provide a creative spark for Roma.

Starting his Ligue 1 football at Sochaux, Menez made 55 appearances scoring 27 times for the club.  The youngster would maintain a similar performance while at Monaco netting 34 goals in 54 appearances.

Menez was being shown interest as early as January of this year by several clubs, including Inter (also Man United, Portmouth and Liverpool the price tag left Wenger and Arsenal off the list), but Les Rouge et Blanc were originally asking no less than €15 million to give away their young jewel and priced the player outside the market.  It’s now reported Monaco initially priced the Giallorossi out of current contention by upping their price to €25m, but finally reduced their fee to €15m.

Arrival of the Frenchman should end rumours of either Hernan Crespo or David Suazo making their way to the Eternal City, unless of course a free loan is in the cards but I doubt it.  Now the door opens for Suazo or Crespo to head to Palermo or perhaps one of the other middle table clubs.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, if all you’ve heard about from French footie recently is the name Benzema, then keep an eye out for Menez, as this is an excellent addition for Roma and I’m hoping they treat the young man better than his countryman Ludovic Guily.

Jérémy Menez Video Profile

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Additional video links – interview with coaches,teamates and Menez (video in Francais)

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Goal.com – Monaco Raise Menez Asking Price