Roma target Zenit winger Luiz Henrique as possible final summer signing

Marten de Roon has completed his transfer to AS Roma from Atalanta and was expected to arrive at Fiumicino airport on 30 August. The Dutch midfielder spoke to Rai Sport after departing Bergamo, describing an emotionally complex move despite the appeal of joining the Giallorossi. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini played a decisive role in securing the player, with de Roon confirming that Gasperini "wanted me strongly at Roma" and that the move came about suddenly. De Roon's departure from Atalanta comes after a long association with the club, and the transfer represents another piece of Gasperini's squad-building at Roma following his appointment in 2025. The coach actively pushed for the midfielder, who was one of his most trusted lieutenants at Bergamo. The move offered de Roon a chance to begin a new chapter in his career, though the decision to leave was not made lightly. Speaking about his feelings on the day, de Roon said: "Sad day. It wasn't easy for how things went. This month was difficult after returning from the World Cup. I spoke to Gasperini: it was all a bit of a lightning move, he wanted me strongly at Roma. Given how the situation was here, it was the right solution. A difficult situation because discussing this with my family, the club, thinking also of the bond with the fans and the city. I should be happy, but it's a difficult day." De Roon was awaiting clearance procedures to become officially a Roma player.

Marten De Roon has joined Roma from Atalanta on a permanent transfer, reuniting with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini after years together at the Bergamo club. The Dutch midfielder spoke to RaiSport before his departure, describing an emotionally complex day despite the move's logic. "It's a sad day," De Roon said. "It wasn't easy given how things have gone. This month has been difficult after returning from the World Cup. I spoke to Gasperini: it was all a bit of a whirlwind, he wanted me strongly at Roma. Given how the situation stood here, it was the right solution. A difficult situation because I had to discuss this with my family, the club, and thinking too about my bond with the fans and the city. I should be happy, but it's a difficult day." De Roon reunites with Gasperini, under whom he spent significant years at Atalanta. The transfer adds midfield depth to Roma's squad as the 2026–27 season approaches.

Roma radio commentators have weighed in on the club's transfer activity, with consensus that midfielder De Roon's arrival was a logical step following Kessie's departure from Atalanta. Garbo praised De Roon as a trusted Gasperini ally with strong European experience, noting he "can serve in the dressing room too and can give a lot in certain matches." Pugliese flagged intense activity on the attacking front, suggesting Roma are poised for significant moves in the coming 72 hours. He indicated that two forward arrivals could follow if Soulé leaves the club. Gasperini continues to pursue a right-footed winger; Luiz Henrique, who plays on the right rather than the left, is under consideration, and work is ongoing on Gittens.