Roma eyes Martinelli discount as Arsenal contract winds down

AS Roma have already opened talks over a contract extension for defender Mario Hermoso, according to La Repubblica, with the Spaniard's current deal due to expire in June 2027. The discussions are reportedly at an advanced stage, with both sides keen to reach an agreement that would secure the defender's long-term future at the club. Hermoso has become one of the fixed points of Gian Piero Gasperini's side this season. He has earned the coach's trust through consistent performances and his ability to contribute in attacking phases, a level of form that is carrying growing weight both in team selection and in the club's thinking about the future of the squad. Gasperini is reportedly the main driving force behind keeping the player, having already pushed for him to stay at Trigoria last season. The coach's faith has been repaid on the pitch, and a renewal would strengthen one of the key figures in the back line. The report does not contain any details on the length of a new agreement or its financial terms. Hermoso joined Roma in July 2024 as a free transfer from Atlético Madrid, and his contract expiry in June 2027 makes the renewal a priority for the club as the season progresses.

Mario Hermoso scored the opening goal in Roma's 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a strike that came almost as if from a midfielder and underlines the freedom Gasperini gives the Spaniard within the Giallorossi system. Hermoso has become one of the symbols of Gasperini's Roma, operating as a centre-back, full-back, ball-playing presence and, when needed, an attacking threat. Gasperini has repeatedly described him as "the perfect example". According to Niccolò Maurelli of La Repubblica, the coach is pushing for Hermoso's contract to be renewed. The Spaniard's deal currently runs until 2027, and dialogue over an extension is reportedly already well advanced. Hermoso is now one of the players the coach regularly calls part of the "nucleo portante", the core of the squad, and is a reference point in the dressing room for his attitude, availability and performances. Hermoso's importance is also reflected in his numbers. Across Serie A and the Champions League, he has missed only the match against Cagliari and has scored three goals, against Atalanta, Slovan Bratislava and Sassuolo. Gasperini had wanted to keep him at Trigoria a year ago, and Roma are now working to secure him for even longer. Hermoso is 31.

Roma moved into second place in Serie A with a comfortable win over Sassuolo, a result built on a collective display that bears the imprint of Mario Hermoso. The Spanish defender broke the deadlock against Sassuolo with a striker's finish, combining with Malen before scoring. It is his third goal of the season, a return that pairs defensive solidity with a significant attacking contribution, and he has become one of the immovable pillars of Gian Piero Gasperini's side. La Repubblica reports that Hermoso's journey at Trigoria represents a gamble that has paid off for the coach. After a difficult period following his arrival in September 2024 and a subsequent loan to Bayer Leverkusen, the defender has regained his place in the team and his motivation under Gasperini. The club's push up the table is built on a solid, confident group capable of shrugging off setbacks and looking ambitiously towards the top of the standings. The squad has also shown important contributions from those behind the starters, as confirmed by the team's positive run and its handling of the key moments of the match against Sassuolo. Hermoso spoke about the change in his situation: "I had the feeling the club was looking for different profiles, but when the new season started, thanks to Gasperini, everything changed," he said, expressing great gratitude to the coach for giving him back the pleasure of playing without fear. With his contract running until 2027, talks to tie him down and keep him in Rome are already well under way. Looking ahead, sporting director Tony D'Amico has set out the club's clear line for the January transfer window, confirming the intention to bring a new attacking winger to Gasperini.