Gasperini seeks two fullbacks as Çelik exit forces Roma overhaul

Andrea Radrizzani, former Leeds United president, has endorsed Crysencio Summerville as a perfect fit for Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma, valuing the West Ham winger at €50 million. Radrizzani knows Summerville well from his time at Leeds, where the Dutch forward arrived from Feyenoord as a teenager for approximately €1.5 million. After struggling initially in English football and asking to leave in his first year, Summerville was persuaded to stay, made his debut against Liverpool under Marcelo Bielsa, and developed rapidly under the Argentine's management. Radrizzani highlighted Summerville's technical quality and physical attributes as particularly suited to Serie A's less physically demanding style. "Summerville has technical and physical qualities that are out of the ordinary," Radrizzani told Retesport. "In a championship that is a bit less physical like Serie A, he can explode even more. He strengthened his physique playing in England." After a difficult first season at West Ham, Summerville recovered from injury and was among the few bright spots in the club's struggling campaign. The former Leeds chief connected Summerville directly to Gasperini's tactics, stating: "In Gasperini's transitions he can have an important impact. I believe he is perfect for the football that the Giallorossi coach preaches, which I admire greatly because he has managed to combine strong working methodology with very important results at Atalanta and Roma." Radrizzani acknowledged Premier League valuations are inflated compared to continental markets, noting Summerville could command €70–80 million had he enjoyed a stronger season.

Roma are on the brink of signing Jarrad Summerville from West Ham, with the transfer entering its final stages. The clubs are in advanced negotiations following Roma's latest offer of approximately €47 million plus bonuses, which has narrowed the gap to West Ham's €50 million asking price. Summerville will sign a five-year contract worth €4 million per season once the deal is finalised. The signing represents a major statement of intent from Roma's new recruitment structure. Summerville will become the club's most expensive acquisition in their history and fulfils a long-standing requirement from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been seeking a right-footed attacking winger for the past year. The arrival addresses a specific tactical need in Roma's attack that has gone unmet since the start of Gasperini's tenure. Completion of the transfer could arrive as soon as the coming hours, with the deal described as nearly concluded. The signing marks the first major acquisition of Roma's new transfer operation.

Alejandro Garnacho has made Roma his preferred destination, but a transfer remains unsettled as Chelsea and the Giallorossi differ over the deal structure. The Argentine winger, currently at Chelsea and deemed surplus to requirements by Xabi Alonso, has communicated his openness to joining Roma through his agents. Aston Villa have also made contact with Chelsea regarding Garnacho as a potential replacement for Morgan Rogers, but the player has rejected their approach in favour of Roma. Roma submitted their opening proposal on 14 July on the basis of a loan deal with an obligation fee of €5 million plus a €35 million purchase option that could become mandatory under certain conditions. However, Chelsea are seeking a permanent transfer, while Roma are only willing to pursue a loan arrangement as they manage their financial resources carefully. This disagreement over the formula represents the main obstacle to a move progressing. Roma remain in contact with Garnacho's representatives and continue to explore the right structure to make the operation viable. The club views Garnacho as part of plans to strengthen the attacking department under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with the potential to bring in at least two wide forwards this summer.

Roma have identified Rafik Belghali as a candidate to fill the defensive gap left by Zeki Çelik's move to Juventus. The Algerian-born Belgian defender, who plays for relegated Hellas Verona, was previously admired by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director D'Amico during his time at the Veneto club. Verona have valued Belghali at €15 million, a fee Roma consider manageable, and relations between the two clubs remain strong following the earlier transfer of Daniele Ghilardi to the Giallorossi. Belghali's versatility across both flanks mirrors Çelik's position flexibility, making him an attractive option for Gasperini's tactical setup. Verona's relegation from Serie A has made the defender available on the market, with Roma leading the pursuit. The club's wage structure can comfortably accommodate his salary demands. However, Roma are also monitoring Nottingham Forest's Alessandro Savona as an alternative option, with the defensive recruitment drive partly motivated by concerns over the fitness and reliability of Angeliño following his extended absence.

Gian Piero Gasperini's wing options have been severely depleted after Zeki Çelik's surprise departure, leaving the Roma boss to pursue reinforcements in that area. The squad reported for pre-season with Wesley, Devyne Rensch, and Angeliño as available options. While Wesley remains reliable and Rensch offers a capable alternative, Angeliño has failed to convince. Last season was troubled for the Spanish left-back, who started Roma's opening five league matches but managed only thirty minutes in the field across games against Lecce and Pisa in March and April, hampered by persistent physical problems from which he never recovered. Gasperini has been monitoring him closely during pre-season training, but even in Thursday's friendly against the Primavera, Angeliño showed no encouraging signs. Kostas Tsimikas, who departed to Liverpool without lingering regret, will not be available this season, though Salah-Eddine is expected to return. Gasperini has identified the wing positions as requiring a complete overhaul, given that attacking midfielders have historically been central to his tactical approach. The club's primary target is reportedly Moreira, though Strasbourg's demands of at least 50 million euros present a significant obstacle. Roma are also interested in Savona and Belghali. The club needs to recruit at least two wide players, with at least one capable of operating as both full-back and centre-back, or across both flanks—a versatility Çelik possessed before his sudden exit despite a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2029.

Roma and Inter are both tracking Verona right-back Rafik Belghali as a potential signing, according to reports from France. The 2002-born Algerian defender has impressed in his first Serie A season and recently scored for his national team at a World Cup match against Austria. Belghali could be a candidate to replace Zeki Çelik at Roma, following the defender's unexpected departure to Juventus after a contract renewal fell through.

Gian Piero Gasperini's wing options have been severely depleted after Zeki Çelik's surprise departure, leaving the Roma boss to pursue reinforcements in that area. The squad reported for pre-season with Wesley, Devyne Rensch, and Angeliño as available options. While Wesley remains reliable and Rensch offers a capable alternative, Angeliño has failed to convince. Last season was troubled for the Spanish left-back, who started Roma's opening five league matches but managed only thirty minutes in the field across games against Lecce and Pisa in March and April, hampered by persistent physical problems from which he never recovered. Gasperini has been monitoring him closely during pre-season training, but even in Thursday's friendly against the Primavera, Angeliño showed no encouraging signs. Kostas Tsimikas, who departed to Liverpool without lingering regret, will not be available this season, though Salah-Eddine is expected to return. Gasperini has identified the wing positions as requiring a complete overhaul, given that attacking midfielders have historically been central to his tactical approach. The club's primary target is reportedly Moreira, though Strasbourg's demands of at least 50 million euros present a significant obstacle. Roma are also interested in Savona and Belghali. The club needs to recruit at least two wide players, with at least one capable of operating as both full-back and centre-back, or across both flanks—a versatility Çelik possessed before his sudden exit despite a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2029.

Angeliño has drawn close scrutiny from Gasperini during the early weeks of pre-season, with the Spanish left-back seeking to rebuild after injury limited him to extended spells on the sidelines last season. His performance in a friendly against Roma's Primavera raised concerns: he offered little attacking thrust down the left flank and displayed a physical condition below optimal levels, prompting the coach to continue assessing his progress throughout the week. Gasperini's wide players operate as full-backs fundamental to his tactical system, and Roma remain actively hunting for reinforcements on the left wing. Diego Moreira of Strasbourg is among the names being tracked with particular interest. An alternative scenario could unfold if Roma acquire a starter for the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure; Gasperini might then deploy Wesley regularly on the left after his strong performances last season. Either option would significantly reduce Angeliño's pathway to minutes, potentially prompting him to consider leaving Trigoria. Spanish clubs including Deportivo La Coruña, Espanyol, and Betis have already made enquiries about the player.

Roma defeated the Primavera side 6–0 in an internal friendly at Trigoria under the watchful eye of director Tony D'Amico, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating the performance. The match was played in four slots under Gasperini's new-look system. Roma struggled initially in the opening 20 minutes, with Artem Dovbyk spurning a clear chance in front of goal. Once Gasperini reshuffled the lineup around the quarter-hour mark, Dybala took control. Matías Soulé opened the scoring by heading in a Dybala cross, before Soulé himself added a second from a Dybala assist at the 44-minute mark. In the second half, Dybala converted a penalty won by Cherubini and added a fifth with a left-footed half-volley from Soulé's assist, demonstrating the twin's telepathic understanding. Bryan Cristante also scored from a distance, with Dovbyk adding the sixth late on. Angeliño featured for just one half, while Wesley played on the right flank in place of the injured Çelik. Hermoso led the defensive line with authority and precision. Gasperini granted the squad a day's rest following the exercise, with training resuming tomorrow at 18:00.

Gian Piero Gasperini's wing options have been severely depleted after Zeki Çelik's surprise departure, leaving the Roma boss to pursue reinforcements in that area. The squad reported for pre-season with Wesley, Devyne Rensch, and Angeliño as available options. While Wesley remains reliable and Rensch offers a capable alternative, Angeliño has failed to convince. Last season was troubled for the Spanish left-back, who started Roma's opening five league matches but managed only thirty minutes in the field across games against Lecce and Pisa in March and April, hampered by persistent physical problems from which he never recovered. Gasperini has been monitoring him closely during pre-season training, but even in Thursday's friendly against the Primavera, Angeliño showed no encouraging signs. Kostas Tsimikas, who departed to Liverpool without lingering regret, will not be available this season, though Salah-Eddine is expected to return. Gasperini has identified the wing positions as requiring a complete overhaul, given that attacking midfielders have historically been central to his tactical approach. The club's primary target is reportedly Moreira, though Strasbourg's demands of at least 50 million euros present a significant obstacle. Roma are also interested in Savona and Belghali. The club needs to recruit at least two wide players, with at least one capable of operating as both full-back and centre-back, or across both flanks—a versatility Çelik possessed before his sudden exit despite a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2029.

Crysencio Summerville has fuelled Roma transfer speculation with an enigmatic social media post as the Dutch forward edges closer to joining the club from West Ham. The attacker shared a series of recent photographs accompanied by the caption "Infinitely blessed, forever grateful" — a message that has sparked excitement among the Roma fanbase. Devyne Rensch, a current Roma player, liked the images, adding further intrigue to the posting. Summerville has been closely linked with a move to the Giallorossi in recent weeks, with the West Ham striker representing a significant attacking prospect for the capital club. The post's vague but emotional tone has become the subject of intense speculation among supporters, who are eager to interpret its deeper meaning regarding the player's future. The timing and wording of Summerville's message suggest developments may be imminent, though the player stopped short of making any explicit announcement. His activity on social media will likely intensify focus on the transfer corridor between Rome and England as negotiations continue.

Crysencio Summerville is poised to join Roma from West Ham, and the timing carries symbolic weight — the Dutch winger was born on 30 October 2001, the exact day Daniele De Rossi made his debut for the Giallorossi in a Champions League match against Anderlecht. Summerville also shares his birthday with Diego Armando Maradona. The 24-year-old left-winger, who cost West Ham €30 million, has been sidelined by a thigh injury that kept him out for the second half of last season, during which West Ham were relegated. He scored 21 goals in a single Championship season at Leeds, winning the division's Player of the Year award in 2023–24, and contributed seven goals across the Premier League and FA Cup during his first campaign with the Hammers. Summerville's arrival addresses a pressing need in Gasperin's squad. A right-footed left winger, he excels at dribbling past defenders and cutting infield to shoot near post or curl shots towards the far corner. He scored twice and provided two assists during the Netherlands' World Cup campaign in America, and contested the 2023 Under-21 Euros with fellow Roma signing Devyne Rensch, earning three caps together. Notably, Summerville faced Donyell Malen — now also at Roma — only once in the Premier League when Aston Villa beat West Ham 3–2 on 14 December 2025, a month before Malen's move to the capital. Having progressed through Feyenoord's academy, Summerville won the 2018 Under-17 Euros in England, scoring in the penalty-shootout final victory over Italy.