Roma eye a winger and a midfielder in January as Gasperini's squad runs thin

Roma are reportedly looking to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in January, with a high attacking winger at the top of the list. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is expected to pursue at least one wide attacker, with Chelsea's Jamie Gittens a target who was already chased during the summer transfer window. Endrick and Jamie Leweling are also among the names mentioned. The piece argues that Roma's first-half form, which has often been bright, fades in the second half against Europe's elite, as Real Madrid and a wounded Manchester United have shown. The writer, citing Alessio D'Urso in La Gazzetta dello Sport, says the squad was already short of two key pieces by the close of the summer window: a left-sided winger and another midfielder. The January window is seen as a potentially decisive moment for the whole season. The idea is that a fresh, quick attacking option, paired with a fast and technical midfielder, would give Gasperini the extra energy his system needs to turn Roma's impressive first halves into solid victories.

Roma are reportedly ready to exercise their option to buy Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille, with a fee of between 11 and 14 million euros depending on his number of appearances of at least 45 minutes this season. Balerdi was one of the standout figures in the 3-2 Champions League defeat at Manchester United at Old Trafford, playing very well for around 80 minutes before a costly error: he miscuffed a clearance, allowing Cunha to equalise and make it 2-2. Despite that moment, his overall impact at the club has been positive, and the Argentine is reportedly happy in the capital and the club is satisfied with his performances. Fabrizio Romano reported the story. The Italian press has also revealed that the 1999-born defender was sounded out by Inter in the summer, while Juventus had considered him on several occasions in recent years. The defeat in Manchester is quickly making way for preparations for Saturday's game against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, the eleventh round of Serie A. Roma will be looking to put the Old Trafford setback behind them and continue their strong start to the league season. The Lega Serie A has released the referee appointments for the fixture: Marco Di Bello of the Brindisi section will referee, with assistants Peretti and Scatragli and fourth official Abisso. Pezzuto will be at the VAR, with Guida as AVAR. Gazzetta Regionale reports that Roma continue to monitor Georgian talent Giorgi Kvernadze, whom the club have been tracking since last season. His contract, which runs until 2028, reportedly contains a 4 million euro release clause that can be activated next summer. A significant percentage would also go to his agent, the same agent who looks after the interests of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Il Tempo reports that Gasperini could have Manu Koné back at least on the bench against Sassuolo. Koné is very close to full recovery from the thigh muscle injury that kept him out for 20 days. Paulo Dybala has also resumed working on the pitch and could be available at the last minute to face the Emilia side.

Roma are keeping close tabs on Villarreal centre-back Pau Navarro as they look to strengthen a thin squad, with sporting director D'Amico working on options for both January and the summer. Roma's midfield targets are reportedly Doumbia and Wiafe, while in defence the club have been following Navarro for some time, according to tuttomercatoweb. The Spaniard, born in 2005, began his career as a right-back and is valued for his versatility. Roma's interest has been building, and the club need depth after a squad that is short in numbers. Juventus are also interested in the player, but they have other targets in mind before they turn to the defensive department. Navarro's coach at Villarreal, Inigo Perez, recently praised him, saying: "He is a player who listens, who learns, and who in many ways reminds me of Carles Puyol for his versatility. He started as a full-back, then played as a centre-back, and he has never complained." The player is young, can build play from the back and has the physicality that Gasperini asks of his defenders. His valuation is reportedly between 15 and 20 million euros.