Roma in advanced talks over Oosterwolde deal as Gasperini targets physical defensive upgrade

Gasperini is pursuing Oosterwolde as a defensive upgrade with rare positional flexibility. The 25-year-old can operate as a left-back across the full width of the pitch, as a centre-back in a three-man defence, or push forward on the left flank — a true utility player willing to play wherever needed. Standing 1.89 metres tall with pace and physical presence, he is difficult to beat and dangerous in transition, precisely the profile Gasperini seeks in his players. Oosterwolde is regarded as a superior version of Roma's Çelik with the same versatility but greater quality overall. His injury record appears clean: a cruciate ligament injury two years ago remains his only significant setback, and he has otherwise maintained consistent availability without long absences from play. At 25, he has the scope to develop further under Gasperini's coaching. Roma await his arrival.

Oosterwolde has set his sights on Roma and is pushing hard to join the club. Roma is attempting to close the deal as soon as today through sporting director D'Amico, with negotiations structured around a loan fee of €1 million plus €15 million for a mandatory purchase option. The Dutch player is currently sidelined by injury sustained in early August and will need approximately three more weeks to recover. Roma has already checked on his physical condition and shows no sign of stepping back from the pursuit. Oosterwolde is doing his part to force the move. He has turned down two other offers and made his ambition clear: he wants Roma. He has even asked Fenerbahce to release him, reportedly telling the Turkish club he wants the capital, wants Gasperini, and is done with Turkey. The club remains attentive to his recovery timeline despite the injury setback.

Roma have tabled a serious offer for Chelsea winger Gittens comprising €3 million for a loan and €40 million for a permanent option, but the Blues have rejected the approach outright. Director D'Amico is racing against time to deliver Gasperini two final reinforcements — a striker and a winger — yet the Gittens path appears blocked. Chelsea view the former Dortmund player as central to their project and are determined not to let him leave. Xabi Alonso has already assessed Gittens during pre-season and was impressed by what he saw, viewing him as the primary alternative to Morgan Rogers in the pecking order. Chelsea's stance has hardened further with Mudryk already heading for the exit door; the club has no intention of losing another attacking player in the same window. The message from Stamford Bridge is firm: Gittens is not available. Roma's pursuit continues despite the setback, but with the transfer window nearing closure, Chelsea are unlikely to abandon their preference to develop the winger in-house rather than loan him out.