Mudryk's Chelsea exit could block Roma's path to Gittens

Jamie Gittens has struggled to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form since joining Chelsea in summer 2025 for more than €50 million. The English winger, who arrived at Dortmund from Manchester City's academy in 2020 at age 16, had emerged as one of Europe's most exciting attacking prospects during the 2024–25 season, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists while leading the Bundesliga with an average of 4.2 successful dribbles per match—well ahead of rivals Jamie Leweling, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman. He also ranked second across Europe's top five leagues for successful dribbles that season with 76, behind only Lamine Yamal. At Chelsea, however, Gittens has managed only 29 appearances, two goals and six assists, hampered by muscular injuries and rotation policy despite the arrival of manager Xabi Alonso. The 2004-born winger's career at Dortmund was marked by repeated setbacks—a serious ankle ligament injury early in his development and a shoulder injury interrupted his progress before his breakthrough in the 2023–24 Champions League season. Gittens scored in a crucial match against AC Milan at San Siro that helped Dortmund reach the knockout stages. His 2024–25 campaign under Nuri Sahin and then Nico Kovac saw him finally deliver on his enormous potential with clinical finishing and elite dribbling. The article suggests Gian Piero Gasperini and Roma could provide the right environment for him to rediscover that form and reignite his trajectory.

Roma have been offered Oosterwolde, the Fenerbahçe defender who can also operate as a left-back, as the club continues to search for reinforcements with eleven days remaining in the transfer window. The Dutch defender has long been on Roma's radar, but his current status is a concern: he is out with a muscle problem, and Roma will conduct fitness evaluations before making any move. Any deal for Oosterwolde would have to be structured as a loan, matching Roma's approach to other potential signings. Luis Henrique is also being pursued on a temporary basis, though negotiations with Inter remain difficult—the Nerazzurri want to include a €28 million obligation in the agreement, creating distance between the clubs. Moves for Cacciamani and Udogie are considered unlikely.

Roma have revived their interest in Fenerbahçe defender Jayden Oosterwolde as the summer transfer window enters its final stages. The Dutch centre-back, born in 2001, remains on the club's radar after Roma approached him in June. Oosterwolde is a versatile defender capable of playing centre-back, left-back, or left winger, a flexibility that appeals to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma look to strengthen their defence. Roma first targeted Oosterwolde in April, when Turkish outlets reported Fenerbahçe were demanding at least €20 million for the player, though some sources valued him closer to €15 million. The club rejected Roma's initial approach in the January window, and Roma are now preparing fresh attempts to convince Istanbul to part with him. A complicating factor is that Parma retain 30 per cent of any future resale proceeds after selling Oosterwolde to Fenerbahçe. Several Premier League and La Liga clubs have also expressed interest, intensifying competition for the defender. Oosterwolde's physicality, pace and tactical versatility make him an attractive option for a Roma defence that struggled at points last season. However, securing a deal before the window closes will depend on bridging the valuation gap with Fenerbahçe.