Roma target Vlasic as Torino move to secure midfielder

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Nikola Vlasic, Torino's Croatian midfielder, as a potential summer signing for AS Roma. Vlasic caught Gasperini's attention during Torino's Coppa Italia victory over Roma in the round of 16, where he provided two assists in a three-goal performance. The 27-year-old has established himself as Torino's technical leader this season, scoring eight Serie A goals and providing crucial assists throughout the campaign. A former West Ham and Everton player, Vlasic has proven experience in top-flight football and represents the calibre of player Gasperini seeks to elevate Roma's ambitions. Gasperini is building a squad capable of competing across three competitions, requiring a rotation of 15–16 players. Rather than arriving as a guaranteed starter, Vlasic would function as a versatile option for difficult matches where Roma need to unlock defences. His familiarity with Serie A and proven adaptability make him an appealing prospect. Torino values Vlasic highly and will not part with him easily—his contract runs until 2027, and the club aims to secure a renewal. However, the possibility of playing Champions League football could prove attractive to the player. Financially, the operation remains feasible. Vlasic could reportedly be acquired for €13–14 million, a relatively modest outlay for a player of his quality. Roma have not yet pushed decisively for his signature, but the club views him favourably and is likely to make an attempt to bring him to Rome in the coming weeks.

Artem Dovbyk's standing at Roma has deteriorated significantly in his second season. Purchased for €35 million, the Ukrainian striker scored 17 goals in 45 appearances during his first year—a respectable return given tactical constraints under previous managers. This season, however, has been marked by decline: in 14 matches, he has managed only 3 goals. An injury sustained against Lecce late in the campaign sidelined him for much of the remainder. The emergence of Donyell Malen as the preferred forward has further reduced Dovbyk's role, while his failure to convert key chances—including a missed penalty against Lille—has drawn criticism. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has attempted to support Dovbyk despite him not fitting the manager's preferred attacking profile. However, those efforts have yielded no turnaround. Roma now faces a difficult position: the initial €35 million investment has lost roughly half its value in just over two years. Club leadership is exploring limited options—either a permanent sale or a loan deal to restore the player's confidence and goal-scoring form elsewhere. Turkish club Trabzonspor has reportedly tabled an offer of approximately €10 million, which Roma considers insufficient at present. Dovbyk's salary of roughly €3.5 million net annually complicates potential moves, as few clubs can afford such terms. Rome's preference is to limit losses while enabling the player to rediscover form away from the Stadio Olimpico, with hopes of reassessing his future value afterward.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.