Monchi insists Roma remain ambitious as Liverpool close in on Alisson

Roma sporting director Monchi insists the impending exit of Alisson does not demonstrate a lack of ambition as the goalkeeper closes in on a world-record move to Liverpool.

The Premier League club have long been linked with the Brazil international and a deal - rumoured to be for £67million - is nearing completion.

Alisson enjoyed an impressive 2017-18 season with Roma after taking over as first choice from the departed Wojciech Szczesny, and his arrival at Anfield could finally solve a problem position for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Monchi confirmed the player has travelled to Liverpool after the Serie A side decided to accept a "very substantial bid" for the 25-year-old.

"We haven't finalised anything yet [with Alisson]. But it is true that the negotiations are advanced and he's over in Liverpool now," Monchi - speaking at a press conference to welcome new signing Justin Kluivert - told the media.

"When a very substantial bid comes in, you have to consider it. We thought about the pros and cons and decided to talk to Liverpool about the deal."

Alisson's switch to England, where he will join up again with former Roma team-mate Mohamed Salah, comes after Radja Nainggolan was allowed to join domestic rivals Inter in June.

However, while understanding the frustration from fans at another major departure, Monchi has rejected the suggestion Roma have become a selling club.

The Spaniard has made additions ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, with winger Kluivert and midfielder Javier Pastore - signed from Paris Saint-Germain - among the new faces at the Stadio Olimpico.

"Selling Alisson would not show a lack of ambition. For me, ambition is about doing the right thing after thinking everything through," Monchi said.

"I came here to build a strong team, not just for one year but for many years to come – and I'm 100 per cent sure that will be the case.

"I understand the fans' view. I want them to know we're working to build a stronger team.

"Some people never thought we'd be able to sign Kluivert. The same goes for Pastore. Perhaps today is tough for some fans, but we've brought in top players."

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed