Roma pursue Henrique loan as transfer window enters final days

Roma continue to pursue a left winger after weeks of searching, with Chelsea's Gittens emerging as a target. Gasperini's side want to bring the winger to the capital on loan, but Chelsea are reluctant to part with him on those terms. The situation hinges on Mudryk's future at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are working on an exit for the Ukrainian forward, who is being directed towards a loan move to Strasbourg despite his preference to remain in the Premier League. If Mudryk leaves, Chelsea will have fewer options on the wing, with Rogers as the main reference point and Gittens as an alternative—precisely what makes it difficult for Roma to negotiate his departure. Roma's search for the right winger has been ongoing for months. Earlier targets including Fofana fell through after the Friedkin Group decided against pursuing the player due to physical condition concerns. With the transfer window closing soon, convincing Chelsea to release Gittens on loan will prove extremely challenging. Roma are trying, but the outcome depends on what happens with Mudryk first.

Jamie Gittens has struggled to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form since joining Chelsea in summer 2025 for more than €50 million. The English winger, who arrived at Dortmund from Manchester City's academy in 2020 at age 16, had emerged as one of Europe's most exciting attacking prospects during the 2024–25 season, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists while leading the Bundesliga with an average of 4.2 successful dribbles per match—well ahead of rivals Jamie Leweling, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman. He also ranked second across Europe's top five leagues for successful dribbles that season with 76, behind only Lamine Yamal. At Chelsea, however, Gittens has managed only 29 appearances, two goals and six assists, hampered by muscular injuries and rotation policy despite the arrival of manager Xabi Alonso. The 2004-born winger's career at Dortmund was marked by repeated setbacks—a serious ankle ligament injury early in his development and a shoulder injury interrupted his progress before his breakthrough in the 2023–24 Champions League season. Gittens scored in a crucial match against AC Milan at San Siro that helped Dortmund reach the knockout stages. His 2024–25 campaign under Nuri Sahin and then Nico Kovac saw him finally deliver on his enormous potential with clinical finishing and elite dribbling. The article suggests Gian Piero Gasperini and Roma could provide the right environment for him to rediscover that form and reignite his trajectory.

Roma have been offered Oosterwolde, the Fenerbahçe defender who can also operate as a left-back, as the club continues to search for reinforcements with eleven days remaining in the transfer window. The Dutch defender has long been on Roma's radar, but his current status is a concern: he is out with a muscle problem, and Roma will conduct fitness evaluations before making any move. Any deal for Oosterwolde would have to be structured as a loan, matching Roma's approach to other potential signings. Luis Henrique is also being pursued on a temporary basis, though negotiations with Inter remain difficult—the Nerazzurri want to include a €28 million obligation in the agreement, creating distance between the clubs. Moves for Cacciamani and Udogie are considered unlikely.

Jan Ziółkowski has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Neom, with Roma valuing the centre-back at approximately €20 million. The Polish defender found limited playing time last season and has not fully convinced head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, prompting the Giallorossi to consider offers for him. Several clubs from Saudi Arabia have already expressed interest in the 2005-born player. Gasperini would prefer to retain Ziółkowski over Daniele Ghilardi, but the Polish defender has a stronger market appeal due to his age, room for growth, and current involvement with the Polish national team. Roma's €20 million valuation also reflects a 10 per cent sell-on clause owed to Legia Warszawa from any future sale. Should Ziółkowski depart, Roma would be forced to pursue another central defender, likely targeting a loan arrangement with an option to buy rather than a permanent signing.

Roma face a critical fortnight in the transfer market with 11 days until the summer window closes and just over 72 hours before the 2026-27 season begins. The squad still lacks depth in two areas: a left-back and a left-winger. Head coach Gasperini wants at least two players for every position, so director D'Amico is exploring both signings and sales to balance the books. Jan Ziółkowski is the primary candidate to leave Rome. Although Gasperini prefers Ziółkowski over Ghilardi, the Polish defender has attracted more interest—particularly from Saudi Arabia, where Neom recently made an approach—because of his age and senior international experience. Roma are seeking €20 million for him, with 10 per cent of any future resale due to Legia Warsaw. Should Ziółkowski depart, Roma would need to find a replacement centre-back, likely on loan with a purchase option. Matías Soulé has also drawn fresh interest from Sunderland, managed by former Roma sporting director Ghisolfi, though no formal negotiations have opened. Gasperini has secured Manu Koné's future despite Manchester City's interest, viewing a replacement midfielder as impossible to source within the remaining timeframe. A double signing remains possible, but with left-back prioritized, the left-winger may only arrive following a departure.

Roma's pursuit of Malick Fofana from Lyon has cooled after the Friedkin Group failed to approve a deal worth approximately €35 million in fixed fees and bonuses. Positive talks had taken place with both the player and the club last week, but the ownership sign-off never arrived. Fofana was identified as a backup option should the Moya move collapse, but the prospect has now receded. Roma's primary focus has shifted to Luis Henrique, with the aim of strengthening the flanks with a player capable of playing as both a midfielder and attacking winger. A disagreement over structure remains the obstacle: Roma wants a loan deal—potentially with a fee attached—plus a right to buy, while Inter prefer an obligation to purchase under simple conditions. Other targets are becoming less viable. Cacciamani's stock is falling because Torino have erected a barrier to his departure, and Udogie is complicated, with both Tottenham reluctant to sanction a temporary move and personal terms unresolved. Roma are also working on outgoings. Jan Ziółkowski is the primary candidate for departure, though Gianluca Mancini is the coach's tactical preference. Ziółkowski's higher profile among national teams and youth appeal has attracted more interest. The club are seeking €20 million—with Legia Varsavia retaining 10 per cent of any future resale profit—to generate a useful gain. Matías Soulé remains at an impasse; AC Milan have expressed interest but have not made a formal approach, and Sunderland had also looked in.