Roma €5 million short in pursuit of Mason Greenwood as Marseille hold firm on €50 million valuation

Roma has presented a formal contract renewal proposal to Zeki Çelik's representatives and reached a preliminary agreement, but the deal remains unsigned as bureaucratic formalities have delayed progress. The Turkish defender's situation stands in contrast to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose renewals are finalised and set to be announced by the club in the coming days. With Çelik currently without a contract, rival clubs have begun making direct contact with the player during this period of standstill. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Roma and Çelik share full understanding and contacts remain positive, though the transaction cannot yet be considered complete. The Giallorossi are keen to accelerate the process and aim to definitively secure the defender and resolve all renewal matters within the coming days to prevent unwanted competition from other suitors. The club's urgency reflects concern that extended delays could invite interference from interested parties.

Roma are pushing to resolve Zeki Çelik's contract renewal in the coming days, with optimism filtering through that a deal will be struck, though the matter remains unsigned. The club sent a formal proposal to the Turkish defender's agent in recent days and received a positive response, but administrative formalities are delaying completion. The situation has attracted attention from other clubs, who have begun making direct contact with Çelik, currently without a club. Meanwhile, Roma have already settled terms with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with official announcements expected shortly. However, Çelik's negotiations have proven more protracted. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, there is mutual understanding between Roma and the player and optimism surrounds the renewal's closure, but it cannot yet be considered done. The Giallorossi are determined to accelerate the process and aim to wrap up the renewal chapter within days.

Mason Greenwood is Roma's primary transfer target, with head coach Gasperini having worked on the deal for weeks and convinced the English winger of the club's project. While several other attacking options have emerged—including Garnacho, Summerville, Adingra, and Tel—these are viewed as opportunities rather than priorities. Roma's plan remains unchanged: a significant portion of the attack budget is reserved for Greenwood, whom Gasperini considers the right investment despite the importance of spending wisely. Negotiations with Marseille are ongoing, and a wage agreement with Greenwood's representatives must be finalised following the player's latest salary demands. Gasperini has repeatedly stated the principle guiding Roma's strategy: spending large sums matters less than spending them correctly. Greenwood embodies this philosophy—an important but justified investment that aligns with the club's vision. Once the Greenwood situation is resolved, Roma will address other attacking targets, including wide players and a backup for Malen. The English forward remains the singular priority for the Giallorossi.