While many expected Roma's first transfer window under Frederic Massara and Gian Piero Gasperini to be quick and decisive, the Giallorossi's new duo has experienced their first taste of life in the Italian capital. Rather than swooping in and signing a gaggle of new players tailor-made for Gasperini's high-intensity tactics, Roma's management has been sidetracked by a series of negotiations and half-measures that seem to trouble the capital club every summer.
Nonetheless, Roma has at least narrowed
their focus to four main targets: Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, Flamengo full-back Wesley, and Lens midfielder Neil El Ayanoui. While Ayanoui is likely Plan B for Rios, most transfer rumors have centered on these four names, so we'll limit our updates to that group.
Rios Wants Roma, No Deal Struck
While Rios seems ideally suited for the new look Giallorossi, that hasn't made the transfer any easier. With Palmeiras committed to their €30 million valuation, Roma's attempts to lower the price to €25 million or negotiate a complex deal that could eventually reach or surpass the €30 million mark have been unsuccessful. Palmeiras wants €30 million upfront, and so far, Rios's preference for Roma hasn't caused the Brazilian club to change their stance.
We've certainly seen Roma miss out on transfer targets in the past while they haggled over several million euros during negotiations, so let's hope Rios’ will is as strong as it seems.
El Aynaoui Stands as an Alternative to Rios
Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has emerged as a backup option behind Rios, but Roma's inability to advance €30 million upfront may jeopardize this secondary deal as well. However, that hasn't stopped the Giallorossi from trying. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma has submitted a formal offer for the 23-year-old French midfielder, believed to be €22 million upfront with a further €3 million in potential bonuses.
We can't verify the accuracy of these rumors, of course, but Roma's inability or unwillingness to close the five million gaps doesn't bode well for either of these potential transfers.
Roma Working on Ferguson Formula
Brighton's 20-year-old Irish forward may have been a surprising addition to the Roma rumor mill this summer, but the club is experiencing the same transfer headaches they're currently facing with Rios: money. As in, Roma aren't offering a sufficient amount.
While Ferguson appears to be leaning towards a move to the Italian capital, Roma and Brighton remain embroiled in a difficult negotiation. Not only are Massara and Gasperini trying to negotiate a discount on Brighton's €40 million valuation of Ferguson, but they are also attempting to acquire him on loan with an option to buy—a plan Brighton considers insufficient, as they prefer a mandatory purchase agreement.
So, whether it's a South American midfielder or a European striker, Roma's financial limitations may once again force their manager to lower his ambitions.
But let's end this on a positive note, shall we?
Wesley Deal Close?
Wesley Vinícius França Lima, better known simply as Wesley, has been Roma's top transfer target since Gasperini was first introduced as Roma's new manager. The 20-year-old Brazilian full-back has other suitors, of course, but he seems to have fallen for the charm of the Eternal City. According to multiple sources in Italy, Roma and Flamengo are negotiating a €25 million transfer for Wesley, who reportedly prefers the bright lights of the Stadio Olimpico over a move to Zenit St. Petersburg.
As the apple of Gasperini's eye, Roma appears poised to pull out all the stops in acquiring the dynamic young full-back, eschewing the typical transfer negotiation dance and meeting Flamengo's asking price.
Now that Gasperini's first training camp as Roma manager has begun, time is of the essence, so expect some actual traction on these deals soon.
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