Balerdi turned down Boca Juniors to join Roma

Panathinaikos have returned to the pursuit of Roma winger Salah-Eddine, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, with the Greek club evaluating the player as a potential signing. The wide player no longer features in Roma's technical plans, a position head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had clarified publicly in recent weeks. Greece's transfer window remains open until 15 September, and Panathinaikos are attempting to convince Salah-Eddine, who had previously rejected Greek approaches. The move would offer Salah-Eddine regular playing time and continuity after being sidelined in Roma's project. The outcome depends on the player's decision. Italian domestic transfers closed before this date, but players may still leave for moves abroad during remaining foreign windows.

Wesley's performances for Roma have attracted attention from outside Italy. Scouts from Arsenal and Atlético Madrid were reportedly in Istanbul on 10 September to observe the Brazilian defender closely during Fenerbahçe's match against Roma. Both Premier League and La Liga clubs are now monitoring Wesley's development with interest, and could attempt to sign him in the January transfer window. Roma, however, have no intention of letting him leave easily. The club's valuation is substantial: any potential sale would require an offer of at least €55–60 million.

Scouts from Arsenal and Atlético Madrid were reportedly at a stadium in Istanbul on 10 September to watch Wesley's performance, according to Turkish media outlets. The Brazilian defender has entered the radar of both the Premier League and La Liga, though the match itself was not a convincing display. Turkish sources suggest both clubs could make an attempt to sign Wesley in January. Roma's asking price is understood to be no lower than €60 million, reflecting the club's recent rejection of an offer from Chelsea.

Roma returned from their Champions League visit to Fenerbahce with a draw and an encouraging first-half display, though the second half brought frustration. Bryan Cristante opened the scoring, and the team showed positive signs as they began their campaign with a playoff objective in mind. The standout moment came when Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch in the 74th minute as a substitute for Gianluca Mancini, immediately catching supporters' attention with a composed defensive performance that sparked a wave of praise across social media. Fans seized on Balerdi's brief appearance to call for him to start matches regularly, with many suggesting he should displace either Mancini or Evan N'Dicka in the defensive lineup. The Argentine defender's composure against opposition attackers—notably withstanding challenges from physically demanding forwards—left Roma supporters convinced of his quality after limited exposure. His performance prompted widespread social media reaction comparing him favourably to the club's established defenders and arguing he warrants an immediate promotion to the starting eleven. Fan comments flooded platforms with phrases including: "He must be the starter, a WALL!", "I believe Balerdi is steel reinforced with titanium, how strong he is... Lukaku bounced off his legs, 2 metres by 100 kilos", "Balerdi must always play", and "Why is Balerdi on the bench? A phenomenon." Others added: "Why did Marseille fans thank us for taking Balerdi?! How that excites me." More pointed criticism followed: "Mancini every so often gets distracted, Balerdi I see as much superior", "For me Balerdi is stronger than two out of three defensive players, he comes on and the opposition attack is nullified", and "It's not conceivable that Balerdi is Mancini's backup now."

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Leonardo Balerdi has made a strong impression in limited appearances for Roma, playing 43 minutes across matches against Atalanta and Fenerbahce. The Argentine defender is now poised to start against Torino, potentially giving Gianluca Mancini a rest after the latter appeared below par in recent fixtures. Balerdi's statistics are striking: he completed all 31 of his pass attempts for a perfect 100% accuracy rate, enabling clean distribution from the back. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised him after the Atalanta match, and supporters on social media have already called for him to be handed the starting role. Breaking into Roma's back line is no simple task. Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso formed the second-best defence in Serie A last season, making competition for places intense. Balerdi was born on 26 January 1999 in Villa Mercedes, a town just over 30 kilometres from Córdoba, and holds Italian citizenship alongside his Argentine passport. He has arrived in Rome alongside his partner, model Giulia Ciancio, who was born in Milan but grew up between Venice and Sicily. Ciancio's striking appearance—particularly her eyes, which blend shades of blue and emerald green and have become her signature feature in various advertising campaigns—has already drawn attention from her social media followers. Following Balerdi's debut against Atalanta, she posted on Instagram: "Seeing you happy, you have no idea the joy it gives me. With you anywhere in the world, I am proud of you."