Monchi: The targets I'm working on aren't in the press

The Spaniard declared his particular pride at being able to sign the Dutch full-back, who was wanted by a number of "big clubs".

“I’m happy and proud to have Rick [Karsdorp] with us today," Monchi said. "He’s one of the top right-backs in Europe and was wanted by some big clubs. He’s here today thanks to Roma’s efforts and Rick’s desire to come and join us.

"As sporting director, I’m particularly proud of this signing. We’ve signed a great player for the present and the future.”

Are the stories linking you with Florian Thauvin, Carlos Vela and Hatem Ben Arfa true?

“They’re all good players, but they’re not the players I’ve been considering and having conversations with Eusebio [Di Francesco] about. We’re working on players whose names aren’t out in the press. Vela, Ben Arfa and Thauvin are all good players, but they’re not Roma’s main targets. We’re working on a number of things, but rather than focusing on particular names I want us to create a competitive group.”

Will Leandro Castan stay at Roma or leave the club?

“Leandro and [Norbert] Gyomber are training with us right now. We’re waiting until next week to take a decision and they will be the first to know, out of respect and professionalism. Right now they are Roma players, but the decision will be made at the end of the Pinzolo training camp.”

Is Ricky Massara still working with you? Will he be replaced?

“It’s down to Ricky to decide his future. In 17 years as a sporting director, I’ve not met many people as professional, honest, well-prepared and loyal to his club as Ricky Massara. I know that for as long as he works for Roma, he’ll give his all and do only what’s best for the club. If we do have to find a replacement, we won’t rush into the decision. We are ready to deal with that situation.”

Are you considering giving Roma more of an Italian identity? Alessandro Florenzi is the only big-name Italian player here in Pinzolo.

“We’re still waiting for [Stephan] El Shaarawy, [Daniele] De Rossi and [Lorenzo] Pellegrini. It’s something I have in mind, but it’s not easy to achieve in the medium term. The idea of increasing the number of Italian players – and ideally Roman players – in the squad has to be a medium- to long-term objective.”

What is your view of Matija Nastasic? And also, could the winger you’re looking for come from the Bundesliga?

“He [Nastasic] is a good player. He’s experienced, he’s already played in Italy and in the Champions League and he has some really interesting attributes. We don’t have any targets in the Bundesliga in terms of wingers – you’ll have to look at other leagues!”

Read what Monchi had to say when he spoke to the media at Maxime Gonalons' unveiling on Saturday.