Roma bid rejected for Chelsea winger Gittens; Blues demand permanent deal or obligatory purchase

Roma are close to finalizing the arrival of Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahçe as the club moves decisively in the final stretch of the transfer window. The 25-year-old Dutch defender will join on a loan deal worth approximately €1 million with a rescission right valued between €15 million and €16 million, convertible to an obligation under certain conditions. Oosterwolde will sign a four-year contract plus one optional year on wages of roughly €1.6 million net. He is currently sidelined by a muscle injury but is expected to be available by mid-September. Oosterwolde's imminent arrival has opened the door to Jan Ziółkowski's departure. The 21-year-old Polish centre-back has attracted interest from Neom, with Roma awaiting an offer in the region of €16 million. Ziółkowski was purchased from Legia Warsaw approximately a year ago for around €6 million, meaning his sale would generate a significant profit to reinvest in the squad. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini would lose a central defender in the deal, but Oosterwolde's versatility should provide adequate defensive cover. Roma continue to pursue Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari, 22, of Brighton, who impressed at the recent World Cup. Ayari's contract expires in a year and he is not currently inclined to renew, but Brighton maintain a valuation between €40 million and €45 million. Borussia Dortmund remain strong contenders for the player's signature. The Giallorossi are also pushing hard for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 22, but Chelsea have rejected a Roma proposal of €3 million for a loan plus €40 million for a rescission right, instead demanding better terms—preferably an obligation that would guarantee permanent transfer. Roma continue dialogue and hope for a shift in circumstances in the final days. Paris Saint-Germain are considering young Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, for a departure, and his situation could present an opportunity for Roma in the closing window if conditions favour a move.

Roma open their 2026–27 season against Fiorentina today but continue to work the transfer market. Director D'Amico is hunting a final signing to complete Gasperini's squad—a left-sided winger—after closing the deal for Oosterwolde, who is expected to arrive in the capital in the coming days. Gasperini has not abandoned hopes of securing Endrick from Real Madrid, according to La Repubblica, and is awaiting one last effort from the club. However, the Luis Henrique pursuit has collapsed: Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Inter left-back's move is officially off, as the player rejected Roma's terms despite Milan's willingness to sell. The lateral route has grown steeper, with the Chelsea winger Gittens a harder target after the club rejected Roma's opening offer. Il Messaggero reports that Lyon's Fofana remains a possible alternative, though much depends on whether the French club qualifies for the Champions League—a verdict comes Wednesday in their second leg against Fenerbahce. Oosterwolde will be Roma's fifth summer signing and is set to arrive today or tomorrow at the latest, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. D'Amico continues work on the attacking flank: after Chelsea rebuffed the first offer for Gittens, Roma are preparing a fresh approach at more acceptable terms for the Blues. The club also have Brighton's Ayari on their radar for midfield reinforcement.

Roma are stepping up their pursuit of a left winger to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with the signing of Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce imminent. Gasperini has been seeking a quick, direct attacking wideman capable of creating numerical superiority down the left flank since the start of the summer, and director Tony D'Amico is working to deliver the profile before the transfer window closes, ideally through a sustainable financial arrangement without a heavy immediate outlay. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens of Chelsea is currently Roma's primary target. The club has tabled a proposal to Chelsea comprising 3 million euros for a loan with a fee and 40 million euros for a purchase option, but the offer has been rejected. Chelsea, who invested approximately 60 million euros to sign Gittens just a year ago, are unwilling to let him leave on terms that grant Roma full discretion over the buy option; they are demanding either an outright sale or an obligation tied to straightforward conditions. D'Amico intends to continue pushing, hoping Chelsea's position may soften in the final days of the window. Malick Fofana remains a viable alternative. The Belgian returned to goalscoring on Saturday against Toulouse, and his situation is closely tied to the Champions League playoff second leg between Lyon and Fenerbahce. Roma continue to monitor him, though rendering the transfer concrete would require Lyon to open discussions on a loan formula. To date, Lyon has preferred to pursue a more lucrative sale, and Fofana's future could shift following the European verdict. Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain is also retained on Roma's list as a potential late-window opportunity, as the young left winger is viewed as surplus to PSG's requirements. D'Amico is keeping multiple channels open with a clear strategy: Roma want to give Gasperini a left winger, but without compromising on cost and formula. Gittens remains the hottest lead, Fofana the biggest name in reserve, and Mbaye a possible last-minute opening should favourable conditions emerge in the closing days.