Roma's rebuild on hold: Gasperini forced to work with incomplete squad

Roma's transfer window remains stalled a month into the season, with no new signings completed despite ongoing talks. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has prioritised the signing of a left winger, a position the club has been actively pursuing following the collapse of moves for other targets. Napoli offered Roma the services of Noa Lang, who spent the previous season on loan at Galatasaray and is surplus to requirements under Napoli's new manager Allegri. However, Roma's leadership immediately rejected the proposal, with Gasperini particularly unconvinced by the Dutch winger's profile. The top target remains Antonio Nusa, though RB Leipzig is demanding at least €60 million for the player.

Roma have turned down the opportunity to sign Noa Lang from Napoli as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's hunt for a new attacking winger continues. Transfers for Mason Greenwood and Yankuba Summerville have fallen through, leaving the club focused on other targets. The Dutch winger does not appeal to Gasperini and will not be considered for selection. The primary focus remains on securing a long-term solution on the flank for the coming season. Lenny Nusa of RB Leipzig continues to be viewed as an ideal fit, though negotiations are proving difficult due to Leipzig's high demands—the German club is seeking approximately 60 million euros. The challenging valuation has stalled progress on that front. Lang, who spent the latter part of the previous season on loan at Galatasaray, does not feature in Napoli's plans going forward under manager Allegri, making him available for transfer. However, Roma's decision to decline the offer signals Gasperini's specific tactical and stylistic preferences for the role.

Leading voices on Rome's radio stations have cast doubt on winger Nusa as a genuine target for Roma, with several pundits suggesting the club is using the link as cover for its actual recruitment plans. Francesco Balzani declared: "I think Nusa is all smoke and mirrors, I believe there are few chances of seeing him at Roma." The debate reflects wider concern that Roma are behind schedule in their summer transfer strategy, with concerns also raised about the club's economic competitiveness against European rivals and the risk that players are using Roma as leverage to secure better deals elsewhere. Lorenzo Pes was most direct on the Nusa question: "Nusa doesn't convince me from a physical standpoint. I think Nusa is a smokescreen to try to stay more hidden on the real targets. For me the real names are others." The panel highlighted a broader recruitment puzzle under new head coach Gasperini, with confusion over whether the club intends to pursue marquee forwards such as Castro or instead focus on second-tier talent with upside. Mario Mattioli stressed that Italian football cannot compete economically with Europe and that chasing top-tier players is futile. Roberto Pruzzo was more critical of Roma's approach, suggesting players may be exploiting the club: "When you have an agreement with the player you feel protected, but it's not like that, and the recent situations are proving it."