Gittens prioritised over Fofana as Roma pushes to complete attack; Balerdi deal nearly done, Ziolkowski to Monza on loan

The race for Roma forward Robinio Vaz has intensified as multiple European clubs enter the hunt, putting the Hull City deal on hold. Hull remain the frontrunners after agreeing advanced terms with Roma for a loan with a €2 million fee and a €30 million buyout clause, but Vaz has not yet given his final approval to the move. According to FootMercato's exclusive reporting via journalist Sébastien Denis, fresh enquiries have arrived from Ligue 1, with Lorient already seeking information, from the Bundesliga, and from the Netherlands, where PSV Eindhoven are said to be particularly interested. The critical development concerns Vaz's own stance. The young attacker has signalled openness to leaving on loan but wants to assess all available options before committing, placing significant weight on the sporting project and the chance to secure regular playing time. Roma are willing to let him depart temporarily while maintaining a valuation that would allow them to recoup their investment should he be sold permanently in future.

Roma have put negotiations for Lyon winger Malick Fofana on hold over financial concerns, despite him being their primary target in recent weeks. The club has reportedly been in pole position for the Belgian forward, but Lyon's asking price exceeds €30 million and Roma are reconsidering the deal's economics. Lyon contacted Roma this morning to firm up talks, but the giallorossi have temporarily suspended the move while they reflect on the terms. Hull City have now entered the race and tabled a €35 million offer to Lyon, who need to sell for budget reasons. Manager Paulo Fonseca has opened the door to the winger's departure. Hull have held a video call with Fofana to present their project, and the player is now awaiting his response. However, Fofana has already agreed terms with Roma several days ago. Roma may pivot quickly to alternative targets, with Gittens emerging as a potential option. Other clubs besides Roma and Hull are also in the running for Fofana.

Leonardo Balerdi is on the verge of joining Roma on a loan deal with a right of purchase from Marseille, with the final details close to being settled. The move is structured as a loan with the right to buy becoming an obligation once certain conditions are met. In a separate development, the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer to Roma has unexpectedly revived after appearing to collapse days ago. According to reports from the Netherlands, Roma and Fenerbahce have reached a new agreement, overcoming the disagreements that had halted negotiations. However, the final piece remains outstanding: Oosterwolde's personal approval of the transfer to the Giallorossi is still required. Elsewhere, Paulo Fonseca addressed Malick Fofana's future ahead of Le Havre's match, saying: "We need to make a sale and selling Fofana is an opportunity, but he will be in the group with us for the next match." Roma has already agreed terms with the player, though Lyon continues to demand approximately €35 million to release him. In radio commentary, Pruzzo noted that Roma's Champions League path is challenging, with opponents of generally good quality: "You have to be ready to compete with everyone." Carina added that the draw could have been more favourable, with Fenerbahce being difficult to face away in Istanbul and Sporting Lisbon presenting another stern test.

Roma are pursuing Marseille defender Leo Balerdi as they search for reinforcements in defence following the collapse of their move for Jayden Oosterwolde, who failed his second medical. Balerdi has approved the transfer, and Marseille have opened negotiations over a loan with an option to buy, with talks progressing positively. The move comes after Roma's failed attempt to sign Nottingham Forest's Morato, who the club could not acquire on loan. The departure of Jan Ziółkowski to Monza has left the Giallorossi needing a defender of Balerdi's profile. Balerdi would slot in as a rotation option behind Evan N'Dicka, who is expected to be a regular in the back three. Roma already have a strong Argentine contingent, and the centre-back would strengthen that group.

AS Roma are signing Nicolás Balerdi from Olympique Marseille as financial pressure forces the French club to sell. The centre-back will arrive at Trigoria as backup to Evan N'Dicka but can play across multiple defensive positions, including right-side centre-back in Gasperini's three-man defence. Under De Zerbi last season, Balerdi was one of Ligue 1's standout defenders, recording a pass accuracy of 92% and recovering 5.4 balls per 90 minutes. He frequently operated as a primary playmaker from the centre, averaging 82 touches per match. Roma have struggled to build play from the back since Paredes departed and lack a recognised deep midfielder—Balerdi's range of passing and composure in possession could become a key asset in Gasperini's system.

Roma are evaluating Leonardo Balerdi, the Marseille captain, as a reinforcement for their defence in the closing stages of the transfer window. The 27-year-old Argentine central defender has been shaped by experience across South America, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, and offers tactical flexibility within a three-man defence. In Roma's thinking, Balerdi could numerically fill the position vacated by Jan Ziółkowski, who is currently completing a transfer to Monza. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees him primarily as competition for Evan N'Dicka, though his versatility would allow him to operate across multiple defensive positions. Balerdi was born in Villa Mercedes, Argentina, in 1999 and developed at Boca Juniors before joining Borussia Dortmund at twenty. His spell in Germany yielded limited continuity, but the move to Marseille in 2020 proved the turning point. In France he has become a cornerstone of the squad, earning the captain's armband under Roberto De Zerbi's management. The 2025–26 season saw him make 36 appearances for Marseille, scoring once and providing one assist, demonstrating the consistency he has achieved in his adopted league. As a right-footed centre-back, Balerdi combines physical strength, aggression and leadership presence. Beyond his core role, he can operate as a wide centre-back in a three, offering the flexibility Gasperini values for building play from deep and adapting to different defensive constructions. Balerdi made his Argentina debut in 2019 and has become an established international. His potential arrival would add depth and experience to Roma's backline during a season that includes Champions League football, allowing Gasperini to rotate his defensive unit without altering the team's structural shape.