Roma pursue Luiz Henrique as summer window closes: Zenit fee gap narrows

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens of Chelsea remains Roma's primary transfer target, with sporting director D'Amico intent on strengthening the offer to the Blues by inserting a buyback option based on the English winger's appearances. Roma continue to press for the deal despite Chelsea's reluctance to sanction a loan, with Bynoe-Gittens preferred over Lyon's Fofana on both technical and physical grounds. The move forward may be aided by Robinio Vaz's imminent departure to Hull City, which could free up resources and space in the squad. Fofana remains a complicated alternative. Lyon are willing to sell but only on a permanent basis; D'Amico has secured agreement with the French club on a €30 million plus €3 million bonus structure but has not yet received approval from Roma's ownership to proceed. Both Hull City and Sunderland have registered interest in Fofana in recent days, adding competition to the pursuit. A surprise signing cannot be ruled out as Roma continue to reshape their attacking options.

Roma have completed the signing of Leonardo Balerdi on loan from Marseille. The Argentine defender will join on a loan deal worth €1 million, with a right of rescission that can become an obligation based on certain conditions. The rescission fee is variable between €12 million and €15 million. Balerdi will arrive at Ciampino airport and undergo medical tests before signing his contract. Balerdi is Roma's fifth summer acquisition, following Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina, and Rodrigo Mora. The club remains active in the transfer market with other targets still being pursued. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues to press for a left-winger, a position the club has lacked for six years. Sky Sport reports Roma are close to meeting Zenit's demands for an unnamed left-sided player, whose transfer fee stands at €40 million and who earns €4 million annually. Negotiations over player agreement are ongoing. In midfield, Roma hold an agreement with Fofana and are pushing for a loan with a right of rescission, though Lyon have not yet accepted this formula. Meanwhile, Sunderland have recently entered the race for a Belgian player as an alternative to Igor Paixao of Marseille, according to FootMercato. Hull City maintain strong interest and have already tabled a €35 million offer to the French club. Gigi Garzya, a former player with strong ties to Roma, stated on the remaining market window: "It is early to say where Roma can reach in their second year under Gasperini's leadership, and the market may not yet be finished. We must see what the other teams do by the closing date. Certainly we must do everything to maintain the Champions League position, because Roma must play regularly in this competition."

Defender Balerdi has arrived in Rome and undergone initial formalities with Roma supporters spotted greeting him at Ciampino airport. The Argentine will undergo medical examinations to complete his move to the club as a new reinforcement for coach Gasperini. The transfer is structured as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The deal represents a swift piece of business in the current transfer window as Roma continue to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026-27 season. Gasperini will have Balerdi available for selection once the medical process concludes and all paperwork is finalised.