Al-Ahli set to sign Roma defender Roger Ibanez

Al-Ahli are set to sign highly sought-after Roma defender Roger Ibanez, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Saudi Pro League club have agreed a deal worth an initial €28.5 million plus add-ons that could take the total package to €30m for Roma.

The 24-year-old centre-half has already agreed a four-year deal with the Middle East club and will now undergo medicals before signing on the dotted line.

Ibanez has been courted by several European clubs after being deemed surplus to requirements at Stadio Olimpico.

Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were all interested in luring the Brazilian to the Premier League but failed to table an acceptable proposal to Roma.

Ibanez impressed for Jose Mourinho’s side as they finished sixth in Serie A last season after scoring three goals and creating one big chance in 32 league appearances.

However, Roma’s precarious financial situation left them powerless to resist Al-Ahli’s eye-catching transfer package.

The Giallorossi already have a replacement for the Brazilian, having signed Evan Ndicka on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Ibanez will be the fifth Europe-based player to join Al-Ahli this summer, following in the footsteps of Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.

However, the Saudi-based club are still plotting another Serie A raid with Napoli contract rebel Piotr Zielinski firmly on their radar.

The Polish midfielder was a primary target for Lazio, but the Biancocelesti were reluctant to match Napoli’s exorbitant asking price considering the player has just one year left on his contract.

There are also reports claiming Zielinski had performed a U-turn and is close to pledging his allegiance to the Scudetto winners.

However, a move to the Middle East could also be on the cards. Romano claims that Al Ahli will focus on signing the 29-year-old midfielder once the move for Ibanez is finalised.