After weeks or even months of speculation, Newell’s Old Boys teenage striker, Ezequiel Ponce has arrived in the Italian capital to complete his transfer to Roma. It is understood that the 17-year-old was in the stands of the Rome derby on Sunday and will now undergo a medical before signing a five-year-deal.

Roma have beaten off stiff competition from the likes of Tottenham and Sampdoria to complete the deal which will see Ponce return to Rosario to continue playing for Newell’s during 2015. Roma have paid a fee of €5 million for 60% ownership of the player who will only turn 18 in March and has been one of the most sought after players in Argentina.

This aspect of the deal was what reportedly swung things in Roma’s favour with the player and his representatives keen to continue playing in Argentina. Ponce does not have a great deal of first team experience and so it will be valuable to both he and Newell’s to play regularly this season.