Leao declines Fenerbahce approach as Milan stay becomes likelier; Roma remain watching brief

Marten De Roon's arrival at Roma in the final days of the summer transfer window had raised eyebrows among supporters, not least because of the departure of Neil El Aynaoui. The 35-year-old Dutch midfielder faced scepticism over his age and a history of social media provocations directed at Roma following clashes between his former club Atalanta and the Giallorossi. But in his early appearances, De Roon has already justified Gian Piero Gasperini's decision to reunite with him. Gasperini has deployed De Roon more frequently than any other player across his managerial career—361 appearances, compared to Toloi's 289—demonstrating the depth of their working relationship. De Roon left Atalanta after falling out of favour under Sarri, and Gasperini brought him to Roma on what amounted to a free transfer within 48 hours. His arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase due to past social media friction, but De Roon apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his competitive minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and Champions League—his early impact has been positive, with Gasperini appearing to orchestrate play from the dugout with precision. De Roon brings valuable experience to a squad that is shorter than last season but higher in quality. After Paulo Dybala, he holds the second-most Champions League appearances in the group with 44, offering younger players like Niccolò Pisilli the chance to develop under an established presence. His integration has helped stabilise a Roma side operating with Gasperini's direct tactical methods.

Marten De Roon has arrived at Roma to rejoin Gian Piero Gasperini, the coach who has deployed him more frequently than any other manager in his career. The 35-year-old midfielder left Atalanta after Sarri and D'Amico determined he no longer fit their plans, and Roma secured him on what was reportedly a nominal fee within 48 hours. His exit from Bergamo prompted Atalanta ultras to unveil a pointed banner: "You chose to pass through our history but not to belong to it. Goodbye little flag." Gasperini responded swiftly: "Should he have become an old shoe gathering dust in a cupboard? He didn't leave of his own accord." De Roon's arrival initially unsettled Roma's fanbase, given tensions dating back to social media provocations in previous years. He apologised immediately and made himself available. Though his minutes remain limited—35 across Serie A and the Champions League—his impact has been positive. De Roon understands Gasperini's system instinctively; the coach appears to operate him with remote-control precision from the bench. The squad is smaller than last season but superior in quality, and his presence is a luxury. He has brought experience to the group: after Paulo Dybala, he ranks second for Champions League appearances with 44, and younger players such as Niccolò Pisilli can develop optimally alongside him.

Marten de Roon has rejoined Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma, reuniting with the coach he knows best after 361 appearances together across their time at Atalanta—far more than any other player Gasperini has managed, save Toloi with 289. The 35-year-old's departure from Bergamo drew sharp criticism from Atalanta's ultras, who unveiled a banner stating: "You chose to pass into our history but not to belong to it. Goodbye flag-carrier." Gasperini dismissed the barb, saying: "Should he have become an old shoe in a cupboard? He did not leave by his own choice." De Roon exited because he no longer fitted Sarri and D'Amico's plans at Atalanta, allowing Roma to bring him to the club quickly and at minimal cost in the space of 48 hours. De Roon's arrival initially caused unease among Roma's support, given his history of social-media provocations toward the club's fanbase, but he apologised immediately upon joining and has made himself available to Gasperini. Playing time has been limited—35 minutes across league and Champions League matches so far—though his impact has been positive. Gasperini appears to conduct de Roon almost telepathically, the midfielder knowing the coach's system inside out. Roma's squad is shorter than last season but measurably stronger in quality; having de Roon is described as a luxury. Beyond his tactical nous, he has brought experience: after Paulo Dybala, he holds the second-highest tally of Champions League appearances in the squad with 44, and younger players like Niccolò Pisilli can benefit from his presence as they develop.