Roma shift to Plan B after Summerville deal collapses: targets Nusa and Godts

Roma are pursuing four key transfers to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the new season. The priority signings are Nusa, Castro of Bologna, a right-sided midfielder, and an attacking winger, with combined spending expected to reach approximately €110 million. Nusa remains a top target despite Roma's previous €47 million offer for Summerville having expired. Castro is being negotiated at a base of €30 million plus bonuses to serve as an understudy to Donyell Malen—a role Gasperini insists must be filled by a player of equivalent quality to manage both Champions League and Serie A without hesitation. A right-sided midfielder is valued at around €35 million, with Moreira of Strasbourg among candidates following an initial €50 million asking price that was reduced to approximately €40 million plus add-ons. For the right-sided attacking role, Roma are exploring a loan deal—potentially including a two-year term with a purchase option—for Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa from Real Madrid, similar to the arrangement Real Madrid structured with Como for Nico Paz. The plan involves three permanent purchases and one loan. Gasperini also wants Lorenzo Pellegrini to sign a new contract, with the coach urging the club to accelerate negotiations with the former captain. Roma also need to move quickly on exits: Matías Soulé is available, and further sales may be necessary to meet Financial Fair Play requirements by 30 July, with any proceeds to be reinvested. A sixth centre-back is also targeted, likely on loan.

Roma are actively working to sign Santiago Castro from Bologna as a potential understudy to Donyell Malen. According to reports, contacts between the two clubs remain live as Roma look to strengthen their attacking depth. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear the priority: finding a forward who can deliver goals, intensity, and consistency when Malen is unavailable. The Giallorossi had previously pursued Tresoldi, but Brugge's €50 million valuation stalled that move. Bologna now represent a warmer option, though negotiations carry significant obstacles. The Emilian club have valued Castro at approximately €40 million and show no willingness to discount. One element appears settled: Artem Dovbyk will not be offered as a makeweight in any deal. The Ukrainian striker remains available on the market but will not be used as a counterpart in a potential Bologna transfer.

Roma's summer transfer market remains frozen with no new arrivals by late July, frustrating head coach Gasperini who expected reinforcements at Trigoria. Targets Mason Greenwood and Luis Summestre have already fallen through, while director D'Amico searches for the opening piece of the window. El Mala and Alexander Nusa top the priority list, though the Norwegian's high asking price and injury history give The Friedkin Group pause—they are reluctant to take on another injury-prone signing and have delayed movement. Nusa has not yet signalled openness to Roma. The pursuit of Tresoldi has become complicated despite the German's willingness to join. Club Brugge's steep demands are slowing negotiations. Fresh names emerging at Trigoria include Castro and Oscar Bobb, while midfielder Franck Kessié remains a live possibility. Noa Lang was offered to Roma in attack, but the club rejected the proposition, seeking different profiles for the forward line. Patience is wearing thin both among Roma supporters and sections of Everton's fanbase, who have begun to lose confidence in the Americans' transfer strategy. Ryan Friedkin has returned to the United States.