Greenwood Deal Stalls: Roma Eyes Ndoye, Leweling and Antony as Alternatives

Rome's radio stations offered contrasting takes on Roma's prospects heading into Sunday's visit to Como, with Endrick dominating transfer discussion and debate over the unconventional international break shaping preparation. Piero Torri suggested Endrick could develop into Gasperini's answer to Juan Fernando Muriel, saying: "Endrick for me could become the new Muriel of Gasperini, another player who, like Malen, when he gets the ball his first thought is the goal regardless of the role he would play." Lorenzo Pes compared the situation to last summer's protracted Zirkzee saga but expressed cautiously optimistic sentiment: "Endrick as a telenovela is very similar to Zirkzee's from last year, and I think we'll carry it with us for a long time. Last summer if he had left on loan there would have been excellent opportunities. Endrick is not playing despite Mourinho wanting to keep him, and Roma are watching. I hope the ending is not the same as Zirkzee—this time there are better foundations: Roma wants to sign a player there. If the squad stays close to the top of the table, I think you'll have to make an effort. Endrick has all the characteristics that appeal, and he is intrigued by Roma. Behind closed doors the contacts continue, it's a profile that appeals greatly." Torri added that Wesley has been in contact with Endrick, relaying: "There have been some conversations between Wesley and Endrick: 'Come here and have fun, with Gasp you score and play Champions League.' That's fine, in all transfer dealings these dynamics exist. For January I think there is the owner's willingness to make an effort." Alessio Nardo countered that Endrick does not match Roma's ideal profile, as "he is not the left-winger with right foot, he is not a winger." Gianluca Piacentini raised concerns about fielding Leonardo Balerdi and Matías Soulé together: "They are not Svilar and Koné. What scares me more is what the Argentines will do after the match than during it." Francesca Ferrazza noted the Como fixture's kickoff time as problematic: "How do you put a big match like Como–Roma at 12:30?" Stefano Carina praised Aurélien Tchouaméni's performance in international duty, saying "Doumbia is the best on the pitch, he has elegance and physical strength, you can see he is a top-level player. Our clubs slept, and Sporting took him away for €20 million. You'll see, they'll sell him for €50 million now." Roberto Pruzzo questioned the reported €600 million squad valuation, and Nardo Orsi observed that Como's squad, also valued at €580 million, was assembled far more economically—built from youth development at roughly €10 million outlay versus Roma's €400 million spend.

Roma could reopen talks with Jayden Oosterwolde during the winter transfer window after a summer move collapsed over medical concerns. The club had scheduled the defender's medical examinations before completing the deal, but assessments revealed a significant muscle tear that required surgery and an estimated three-month recovery. Roma chose not to proceed at that point, but have kept the 2001-born left-back on their radar. Director of sport Massimo D'Amico continues to monitor Oosterwolde's progress, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had already approved the move when it was being considered in summer, signalling how highly the former Parma player was valued for the project. The failed summer operation has not damaged relations between the parties. Roma will reassess Oosterwolde once he returns to full fitness and provides sufficient physical guarantees, with the January window offering a chance to revive negotiations that seemed all but done before the injury setback. A recent sign of sustained interest came during Roma's Champions League fixture against Istanbul, when Oosterwolde greeted several Roma players and subsequently held talks with Gasperini and his staff. Much will depend on the Dutch defender's recovery and Roma's own evaluation, but he remains a profile to watch for the giallorossi's left flank.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for a return fixture against Como on Sunday, determined not to repeat the defensive confusion that haunted last season's meeting. The Italian manager joked about studying Cesc Fabregas's tactical setup like a Subbuteo game, but behind the quip lies serious intent: Roma must arrive prepared for Como's constant rotations and mid-match adjustments. Gasperini said: "Domenica sarà diverso" — Sunday will be different — signalling he will not allow Fabregas to seize control as he did before. Last season's encounter exposed a key weakness: the absence of Evan N'Dicka. The Ivorian defender sat out that match, and when Como pressed forward, Roma lacked the physical presence needed to contain Fabregas's attacking focal point. N'Dicka's presence proved crucial in the opening fixture of the previous campaign, shutting down opponents and frustrating Fabregas throughout. Now, with the rematch approaching, N'Dicka's physicality and ability to win defensive duels looms as a potential difference-maker. Balerdi offers greater speed, but the Ivorian possesses the frame to challenge Como's strikers — both the threat of Artem Douvikas and potentially Moise Kean — in direct contests. Gasperini has six days to finalize his blueprint. Roma's squad contains attacking talent — Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Wesley all carry above-average quality — but the match against Como requires more than technical excellence. It demands a willingness to battle, to win contested moments and to disrupt play when necessary. Last season, Douvikas's goal sparked Como's comeback, opening spaces that multiplied as the match progressed. That pattern must not repeat. The away support will follow Roma to Como; the visiting fans' section is already sold out.

Radio commentators Simone Valdarchi and Piero Torri have offered contrasting views on Roma's squad and management in separate interviews. Valdarchi addressed the relationship between head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Como's Cesc Fabregas, stating: "Between Gasperini and Fabregas there is a bit of tension, it is something known for some time. Various episodes have shown it: missed handshakes and comments on each other's football. There is certainly technical respect, but if we look at the Subbuteo episode it fits into this context." Torri, speaking on Radio Manà Manà, expressed his unwavering faith in midfielder Manu Koné, saying: "Doumbia seems strong to me, but I find it absurd to think of a life after Koné. I am completely in love with Koné as a footballer. I would never consider the idea of selling Koné, but if someone comes with 100 million you have to sit down and I think it is almost inevitable. The objective, in my opinion, is to prevent his departure." On prospective forward Endrick, Torri added: "For Roma, Endrick would not play 20 matches out of 20. If there are two spots up front they are booked by Dybala and Malen."