Monchi confident in squad strength in depth

“We're here today to present two great players who need no introduction at all; two Italian players I would have liked to have many years ago," Monchi said.

"Now I'm very happy to have them here.”

Read what else the sporting director had to say...

What does Antonio Mirante bring to the team?

“Mirante has a lot of experience in the Italian league. We want a quality goalkeeper who inspires confidence. We're happy with him and we're sure we've made the right choice.”

What about Davide Santon?

“I've always been of the opinion that a player doesn't forget how to play. Sometimes players don't get the playing time they need to demonstrate what they can do. Sometimes you need a change to breathe new life into a player. Davide has played lots of games in Serie A and the Premier League and won lots of trophies. We're convinced he'll get back on track here.”

Walter Sabatini has said that Alisson will join Chelsea for €70 million. Are you surprised he said that?

“I read it and I'm used to reading all sorts. Since he's the man who brought Alisson to this club perhaps he knows something I don't! The stories going around don't always correspond to the facts. As far as Alisson is concerned, nothing has changed for us. Lots of clubs are looking for a goalkeeper and he's a fantastic keeper but that's all I can say. I have a lot of respect for Walter Sabatini.”

Has there been any progress in talks for Alessandro Florenzi's renewal?

“We've been in touch with his agent more frequently and I'm a bit more confident but we're not there yet. As I always say, you can't say the negotiations are over until it's actually signed and sealed. I'm confident but we still need to work on it a bit more.”

Is Domenico Berardi a player you're interested in?

“We have Cengiz [Under], [Justin] Kluivert, [Gregoire] Defrel, [Diego] Perotti, [Stephan] El Shaarawy, [Mirko] Antonucci, [Patrik] Schick… so we're not exactly short in that area. Sometimes we need to concentrate on improving what we have already and talk less about who could join. I'll remain on the lookout until the transfer window closes but let's not forget that we have some very good players here already.”

Lots of clubs are keen on Hakim Ziyech. Have Roma dropped their interest in him?

“I can answer this one in a similar way. We have [Ante] Coric, [Bryan] Cristante, [Lorenzo] Pellegrini, [Kevin] Strootman, [Nicolo] Zaniolo, [Javier] Pastore… I'm more than happy with what we have already and I think [Eusebio] Di Francesco is too. All we have to do is work out who our best players are. Let's focus on those we have in the squad.”

If Roma were to sell Alisson for a big fee, perhaps because the player wants to move, is Alphonse Areola still your first choice to replace him?

“Whether or not we sell Alisson depends on Roma. We weigh up any offers we receive and whether Roma will benefit. I don't want to talk about possible replacements because I think Alisson will stay with us. I'm not thinking about anything else. He'll join up with us in the States.”

Could Gerson leave? And if he stays, what does he need to do to step up a level?

“The club has 100% confidence in Gerson. As for his development, he perhaps needs a decent run of games. We're talking to him to work out what's right for him but we still believe he's a very good player.”