From Velez to Bologna: the rise of Santiago Castro

Roma have paused negotiations for Sassuolo winger Tresoldi and pivoted to Bologna's Mateo Castro as their preferred option to provide competition for Donyell Malen. Sporting director D'Amico is working on multiple fronts in the transfer market, but an attacking reinforcement remains a priority alongside securing a deputy for Malen. The Tresoldi operation ground to a halt in recent hours because Club Brugge's asking price of €50 million proved prohibitive; despite reaching personal terms with the player, Roma decided to explore alternative targets. Castro, an Argentine forward, has emerged as the leading candidate. Gasperini is keen on the profile, and initial contact has already been established. Bologna value the 23-year-old at approximately €40 million. Further talks are scheduled for the coming days as Roma look to strengthen their forward line before the squad departs for Wales on Friday. Gasperini is hoping to welcome at least one new signing before that departure.

Roma's hopes of signing RB Leipzig winger Nusa have become significantly more difficult following Real Madrid's interest in the club's other star player, Diomande. Roma have been in contact with Leipzig for several days regarding the Norwegian winger, born 2005, but there is no formal negotiation under way. Leipzig have no intention of selling Nusa unless offered at least €60 million — a fee Roma are unwilling to pay. The situation has been further complicated by Real Madrid's readiness to table €100 million for Diomande, Leipzig's other marquee asset within the Red Bull group structure. Leipzig are now reluctant to lose both players in a single transfer window, leaving Roma's recruitment plan in jeopardy. This represents another setback for Roma's transfer business, following missed moves for Greenwood and Summerville, with the Serie A season beginning in less than a month.

Manchester United have offered Marcus Rashford to Roma as the two clubs explore a transfer corridor in the coming days. The 27-year-old winger, who featured for England at the World Cup, is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford following Barcelona's decision not to activate a purchase option. United manager Carrick has placed him on the exit list. Rashford represents a quality signing with significant international experience, but Roma face a major obstacle: his current salary of approximately €11 million per year is unaffordable for the club. Any potential deal—whether permanent or on loan—would require United to contribute substantially toward his wages. Manu Koné has simultaneously attracted interest from United, suggesting a possible player-exchange axis between the clubs.