Roma accelerate Luiz Henrique pursuit as Zenit talks intensify

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a striker and a left-back as the remaining pieces needed to complete the squad ahead of tomorrow's away fixture at Lecce. Gasperini said: "To complete the team we need a piece that closes that section. A left-back and a forward have remained. Lulli has filled in somewhat, I have always believed in him, he is giving important responses but we cannot load such large responsibilities on him. Last season we had Angeliño, Tsimikas, Çelik, Wesley and also Rensch." Gasperini has most of his squad available for the trip to Via del Mare, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch expected to return to group training next week. Leonardo Balerdi was officially confirmed as a new arrival this morning, joining fellow recent additions Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora, Santiago Castro and Nahuel Molina among the squad.

Leonardo Balerdi has given his first interview as a Roma player, describing his arrival from Marseille as a move to convince Gasperini and climb the defensive hierarchy. The Argentine former Marseille captain spoke to the club's official channels about his childhood, Gasperini's interest dating back to his Atalanta years, and his experiences elsewhere. "I am truly happy and very calm," Balerdi said. "From the moment I arrived here in Rome they welcomed me with incredible affection and warmth." Bareldi is included in Roma's squad for the trip to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 for the second Serie A round. Roma come into the fixture on the back of a 4–0 home win against Fiorentina and aim to maintain that momentum. However, Devyne Rensch remains unavailable and will return to Gasperini's disposal on Tuesday; Lorenzo Pellegrini is also sidelined. Jan Ziółkowski and Robinio Vaz are absent due to transfer matters. Gasperini has already moved to strengthen the squad, completing the arrival of Marten De Roon from Atalanta within 24–48 hours. De Roon, who boasts over 60 international caps, was released by Atalanta after many years at the club and was not in their plans. Gasperini explained the reasoning behind the De Roon move at his pre-match press conference: "De Roon came about quickly in the space of 24–48 hours. He had a situation at Atalanta after many years and did not fit their plans. There was this opportunity and I made contact with Percassi. They made the decision very quickly and left him free to decide. So El Aynaoui has the chance of a new experience. From an economic perspective it is important because it gives us the chance to move on another role. De Roon is intact even if he is an advanced age; he will enter a strong group that wants to be protagonists. Two captains have arrived and I believe we give this squad a strong physical turning point that it needs, as well as personality. Marten is Dutch like Malen and balances out the Argentines. I am certainly happy and I think from this aspect we come out solid." With three days remaining in the summer transfer window, Roma continue to pursue reinforcements for Gasperini, particularly a left-winger with a right foot. The club is now pushing hard for Luiz Henrique, a Brazilian winger born in 2001 at Zenit. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks are ongoing between Roma and Zenit over Henrique, who has signalled openness to the move and made Roma his priority. The two clubs must now reach final agreement.

Leonardo Balerdi has made his first official statements as a Roma player, striking a measured tone in his approach to the club's fierce local rivalry. Speaking about his European pedigree and first impressions of the Stadio Olimpico, the Argentine centre-back recalled his previous appearance there as an opposing player with a knowing smile: "I've played in very hot atmospheres like Boca, Dortmund and Marseille. I've already been at the Olimpico as an away player but I played against the other team. I can't wait to feel all the warmth of the giallorosso fans on my side." The comment deftly avoided naming Lazio while making clear reference to the Derby della Capitale. Balerdi's remarks reveal a player already attuned to the sensitivities of Roman football. The 1999-born defender arrives from Marseille and brings significant experience of high-pressure environments across European football. His background—from Boca Juniors' Bombonera through Dortmund's Bundesliga and Marseille's Vélodrome—equips him with the tactical maturity and mental resilience required to integrate quickly into Gian Piero Gasperini's defensive unit. Such qualities are essential for managing the intensity and tactical demands of Roma's backline. Balerdi's comments reflect a natural and direct communication style suited to navigating the complexities of Roman football culture without resorting to empty declarations. His track record demonstrates an ability to perform under sustained pressure—a characteristic essential for rapid integration into Roma's defensive structures.