Wednesday, 12th September, 2012
Serie A side Roma sent scouts to take in Switzerland’s 2-0 victory over Albania last night, with defender Johan Djourou and midfielder Valentin Stocker the players the Giallorossi were intent on watching.
Both Arsenal star Djourou and Basel man Stocker started the 2014 World Cup Qualifier in Lucerne, although the latter was withdrawn on the 79th minute, with Switzerland already having established a two-goal cushion.
Roma have already begun to actively scout new signings well in advance of the January transfer window opening – and Djourou and Stocker are high on the club’s watch list.
Centre-back Djourou is under contract with Arsenal until 2015, but the Swiss star has struggled to enjoy a regular run of games at the Emirates Stadium, managing just 18 appearances in the Premier League last season.
As recently as 31st May, Djourou gave notices of his unhappiness at Arsenal, stating "I hardly play and honestly I’ve had enough".
The 25-year-old may then be open to the possibility of moving to Roma, should the Giallorossi be able to agree a fee with the Gunners.
Stocker meanwhile is considered a key man at Swiss champions Basel and helped the side to a famous victory over Manchester United in last season’s Champions League.
The 23-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament injury towards the end of the 2010/11 campaign and, as a result, was restricted to just 15 Super League appearances in 2011/12.
He is under contract at St. Jakob Park until 2016.
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