Roma bolsters Argentine attack with Castro but Soulé's future remains uncertain

Santiago Castro has joined the ranks of Roma's costliest acquisitions, with the club paying 33 million euros in fixed fees and bonuses to secure him. He now ranks fifth in the club's transfer history, sitting between Gabriel Batistuta and Antonio Cassano in the all-time spending table. Patrik Schick remains Roma's record signing at 42 million euros in summer 2017. Artem Dovbyk, who arrived in 2024, cost 41.1 million euros and sits second, followed by Tammy Abraham at 41 million euros in August 2021. The article notes that aside from Abraham's strong first season, all three have delivered performances well below expectations. Gabriel Batistuta was signed for the equivalent of 36.15 million euros in 2000, while Antonio Cassano cost roughly 31 million euros in 2001—both figures now adjusted for inflation and the pre-euro era. Leonardo Spinazzola ranks seventh at 29.5 million euros in summer 2019, though Luca Pellegrini's inclusion in that deal reduced Roma's net outlay to 7.5 million euros. Matías Soulé, who arrived alongside Dovbyk in summer 2024, cost 28.6 million euros and ranks eighth. Steven Nzonzi (26.65 million euros, summer 2018) and Marash Kumbulla (26.5 million euros) complete the top ten.

Roma are working to complete the permanent sale of Anass Salah-Eddine, with director of sport Tony D'Amico negotiating an advanced deal with Olympiacos. The left-back returned to Trigoria after a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, where he made regular appearances and gained valuable minutes in his development as a player, operating primarily as a left-back and occasionally as a left-sided midfielder. Salah-Eddine featured consistently in the Eredivisie and European competitions for PSV, contributing assists and solid defensive displays during his loan period. Roma are now actively moving to offload the Moroccan defender as part of their efforts to clear out surplus players from their squad. The negotiations with the Greek club have progressed to an advanced stage as the Giallorossi seek to finalise his permanent exit from the club.

Roma's transfer chief Tony D'Amico is actively working to bring a new attacking winger to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Nusa remains under consideration, but the club is also tracking Ezzalzouli of Real Betis, valued at €60 million. Roma are attempting to negotiate the asking price down to €45 million. A new option has emerged in Fresneda, a product of Real Madrid's academy now at Sporting CP, who is priced at €25 million—though Roma hope to pay less. On departures, Salah-Eddine is heading for the exit after interest from Olympiakos intensified in recent days, with negotiations now active. Manu Koné is also expected to leave, with Manchester United showing the strongest interest. Roma value the midfielder at over €50 million. Chelsea and Arsenal have also made enquiries, while Koné hopes for a proposal from Paris Saint-Germain to return home. In the background, Belghali remains on Roma's radar as an alternative option.