Roma eye Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, but a move may wait until late January

Radio commentators have linked AS Roma with a number of attacking targets, with Kvernadze, Gittens and Endrick named as the main options for a left-sided attacker. Speaking on Radio Radio Pomeriggio, Pugliese said: "For the trip to Parma, Svilar and Dybala will be available again. Paulo will start, while Soulé could start from the bench after his commitments with Argentina. For Roma, the most important presence remains Koné." He added that Gasperini wants three players to complete the squad: a midfielder, a wide man and the much-discussed left winger. However, Pugliese believes it is very likely Roma will only be able to sign the offensive winger. On Marten de Roon, Pugliese said there is nothing concrete yet over a new contract. The player reportedly wants to stay for another season but has not spoken with the ownership since April, and no official talks are currently taking place. Pugliese said: "The main names are Kvernadze, Gittens and Endrick, but I do not rule out some surprise." Sabatini focused on Kvernadze, saying there is a release clause of around €4 million. He said: "If Roma came in with an offer of €8-10 million, they could sign him straight away." Sabatini also said Soulé has played matches at levels similar to Dybala and that their output does not double when they play together, sometimes performing better without Paulo. On goalkeepers, he said Vásquez could have been mainly responsible for the defeat at Manchester, but conceded goals he could do little about, and that Gollini has been surprising in some games. Ferrajolo said Vásquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but that Svilar's composure is a different thing. He said Gollini was unlucky because he was playing well before his injury. Ferrajolo said: "I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the game, because I do not think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing." Melli said Malen has blossomed under Gasperini, having previously played mainly as a winger, which explains why he does not perform for the national team as he does at Roma. He said: "Gasperini's contribution to his growth has been fundamental." Vocalelli said everyone has scored under Gasperini, and that the decision to deploy Malen as a centre-forward was decisive. He said Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's, and that Vásquez saved a penalty, which was retaken, and had little responsibility for the goals conceded. Orsi praised Malen as a great player whose qualities emerge especially inside the box, describing him as a true centre-forward rather than a deep-lying striker, unlike Castro, who tends to move more outside the area. He added: "Gasperini wants to strike back against Inter."

Roma have reportedly put the brakes on their pursuit of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to Spanish daily SPORT, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly identifying other priorities for the squad. The update, dated 11 November, comes after Roma had been linked with the Spaniard as they look to strengthen ahead of the January transfer window. Sporting director Tony D'Amico had reportedly been weighing up Balde, a left-back who could leave Barcelona as early as January. The deal was first proposed by agent Jorge Mendes, and D'Amico reportedly rated the player's qualities positively. However, Balde's high wage demands and Roma's current market needs have reportedly cooled negotiations. Gasperini has reportedly asked the club to focus on two offensive reinforcements with very specific characteristics, and is willing to drop the Balde option to concentrate resources on other targets he considers more functional to the technical project. For now, the Spaniard has reportedly fallen off Roma's list of priorities. Earlier, on 7 November, SPORT had reported that D'Amico had already made a first contact with Balde's agent to test whether the operation was feasible. At Barcelona, the need to raise funds is reportedly colliding with head coach Hansi Flick's wish to invest in a new centre-back. With only 124 minutes played so far this season, Balde has reportedly become one of the main candidates for sale. Barcelona's valuation is said to be around €40 million, though a loan with a conditional obligation to buy could reportedly suit both sides. The background is a difficult spell for Roma. Earlier, on 23 October, Il Messaggero reported that a growing injury list, including Pellegrini, Dybala, Svilar and Koné, had left Gasperini forced to rethink his attacking midfield, with only Mora and Soulé behind Malen and Cristante even considered further forward. The club was reportedly expected to invest in at least two reinforcements between attack and the flanks in January, with Gittens and Leweling on the notebook and Endrick as a complicated option. Oosterwolde was also mentioned as a left-sided target alongside Balde.

Roma and Bologna are set to hold talks in the coming weeks to discuss the future of striker Artem Dovbyk, according to Matteo Moretto. Bologna are reportedly beginning to doubt that Dovbyk is the right striker for their side, in light of the difficulties he has encountered settling in so far. Roma, however, have not planned for the Ukrainian's return in January. The Giallorossi have set their annual sporting plan without including the reintegration of the former Girona forward at mid-season. The upcoming talks between the two clubs will establish the best solution for all parties involved. Dovbyk joined Roma in July 2024 from Girona in a deal worth €38m, and he is on loan at Bologna. The coming discussions will decide whether the centre-forward's situation is resolved before the winter window.