Oosterwolde: Gasperini's speed demon and how he will play at Roma

Roma director D'Amico has made Chelsea winger Gittens his top target and is working to bring him to the Stadio Olimpico, but the Blues have rejected the club's initial offer of €3 million for a loan plus €40 million to buy. Xabi Alonso regards Gittens as the ideal alternative to Morgan Rogers and views him as central to Chelsea's plans. Roma are not discouraged by the refusal. According to Alfredo Pedullà, the two clubs are set to hold fresh talks in the coming days. D'Amico wants to understand Chelsea's reasons for turning down the bid and, critically, whether there is room to reopen negotiations. The first rejection will not deter Roma from pursuing their target. Gittens, an English player, has not expressed a desire to leave Chelsea, but the chance to play as a protagonist in the Champions League could shift the dynamic. A stronger offer might persuade Chelsea to reconsider—and possibly convince the player as well. Roma are waiting. D'Amico is pressing ahead. Gittens remains firmly in their sights.

Roma have completed the signing of left winger Jayden Oosterwolde from Parma on loan with a right of purchase valued at €15–16 million, with a contract running until 2031. The Dutch winger was among the final names on Roma's shortlist, which also included Luis Henrique, Cacciamani and Udogie. However, Luis Henrique will remain at Inter after the club's demands proved too steep; Roma would have taken him only on loan with a right to buy, but Inter stood firm in their refusal. With Oosterwolde's arrival, Roma's search for a left-sided option is now complete, and manager Gian Piero Gasperini has his new utility player. Oosterwolde is expected in the capital in the coming days.

Roma are working on a proposal to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leão in the final days of the transfer window. The Portugal international is on the periphery of Milan's plans under new coach Amorim, and the club will sell him if a suitable offer arrives. Roma's proposal, according to Sportmediaset, centres on a loan deal worth €4 million with a conditional obligation to buy set at €41 million, totalling €45 million and narrowing the gap to the €50 million Milan demanded in recent weeks. Roma would cover 80 per cent of Leão's wages in the first season, allowing the club to exploit the benefits of the growth decree tax incentive.