Castro arrives at Roma to rapturous welcome from fans at Termini station

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of a new right-back after Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer. Sporting CP's Ivan Fresneda, a Spanish winger born in 2004, has emerged as the club's primary target, according to reports from Matteo Moretto. Sporting are holding firm on an initial valuation of 25 million euros for the young talent, and Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico is currently assessing the financial viability of the move ahead of a potential bid in the coming days. The search for Fresneda underscores Roma's determination to reshape their right flank and bolster their attacking unit. Gasperini has made clear his desire for swift action in the transfer window, particularly as the squad prepares for their training camp in Wales. The head coach believes the recent arrival of Santiago Castro alone is insufficient to complete the squad, and he is pushing for decisive acceleration in recruitment timelines. D'Amico is weighing up both the cost and economic sustainability of pursuing Fresneda at Sporting's asking price. The club's emphasis on the right side comes as part of broader summer restructuring that extends beyond defensive needs.

Roma are actively searching for a replacement on the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus on a free transfer. The leading target is Ivan Fresneda, the Spanish defender born in 2004 at Sporting CP. Director of sport D'Amico has identified Fresneda as a priority and is currently assessing the feasibility and costs of a deal. Sporting have set an initial valuation of €25 million, and while Roma are considering their options, the club may attempt a move in the coming days. Gasperini is pushing to accelerate business in the transfer market ahead of the pre-season training camp in Wales. The coach has flagged that the current squad lacks depth across multiple positions and cannot rely solely on recent signing Castro to address all the gaps. Roma's recruitment team is working across multiple departments to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Roma have completed the Santiago Castro signing for €35M including add-ons and will resume their search for a fast attacker, but Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford remain unrealistic targets. Both players earn around €11M gross annually, significantly more than Roma's top earners—a wage gap that also prevented Mason Greenwood from moving to the Italian capital. Artem Dovbyk is departing on loan to Bologna with a €17M option to buy, where he will work with coach Giovanni Tedesco to revive his career. Antonio Nusa currently leads Roma's shortlist as an alternative, though RB Leipzig are in advanced talks to sell Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, which could complicate the pursuit. Rashford's name emerged during discussions with Manchester United over Manu Koné, but the club have not aggressively pursued the Frenchman despite his impressive Barcelona loan spell—14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances. Roma's investment in a centre-forward after a summer spent hunting for a winger appears strategic; Castro and Donyell Malen can both operate as mobile forwards. Matías Soulé remains at the club, and Roma may yet explore another attacking addition depending on tactical requirements.