Dubai: Reports from the Argentinian press suggest Mariano Donda could be an Al Wasl player by Wednesday, while coach Diego Maradona will not arrive in Dubai until Thursday.
Donda, 29, had told the press recently that he hadn't been able to speak with officials at his current club Godoy Cruz about the offer from Al Wasl as chairman Mario Contreras would not pick up the phone.
"I have phoned him 73 times and I am hoping he will pick up by the hundreth," Donda had apparently told Los Andes.
The midfielder was either looking for a release from his contract, under which he still has a year to serve, or a renewed contract at the club with an increased salary based on interest and performance.
After finally speaking to the chairman over the weekend, it seems Donda has been allowed to leave.
Diariouno.com said: "The player was able to converse with Mario Contreras after several weeks and in the coming days could define his move to Al Wasl."
"On Wednesday, the pass will be defined to the Asian club as the proposal is sound — the player is under contract with the club for another year. Godoy Cruz leaders seek financial compensation to let go of the player."
Compliment
"We met with Mario Contreras, these days the pass is defined," said Mariano Donda, who spoke to Diego Maradona yesterday. "Diego called, I could not believe it, it was a compliment," said the former Bari and Nueva Chicago player.
Diariouno.com confirmed: "The representative of Donda is in Europe and in the coming days will come to Argentina to set up the playmaker's pass. Donda was one of the club's best players and this will be a huge loss one week before the season starts."
Another website, Mdz.com reported: "Donda explained his desire to play for Al Wasl. The UAE club's offer is firm and the economic gap with respect to what it gains in Godoy Cruz is enormous."
"Donda made clear that the situation will be resolved by Wednesday, given the start of the season, August 6. The playmaker was also willing to stay but with a substantial economic improvement in his contract."
El Patagonico.net interviewed Godoy coach Jorge Da Silva about his playing staff crisis with Donda's imminent move.
"We need to fill some key positions but so far no news and that worries me," he said.
