Roma submit offer to Atlético Madrid for Molina as Read pursuit continues

Nahuel Molina's credentials as a left-back continue to impress despite scepticism surrounding his move to Roma. According to Opta Paolo, the Atlético Madrid defender ranks second among La Liga defenders for combined goals and assists since 2022, with a total of 25 (9 goals, 16 assists). Only Koundé surpasses him in the Spanish league, with 10 goals and 22 assists. Molina is now on the verge of joining Roma, a move that addresses lingering doubts about his attacking output and defensive reliability at the highest level. The 26-year-old Argentine's track record in La Liga demonstrates consistent offensive contribution from the full-back position, a quality that could strengthen Roma's wing play under Gasperini. The statistics underline Molina's value as a progressive defender capable of generating both goals and chances. His campaign in Spain since 2022 positions him among Europe's most productive defenders, reinforcing Roma's investment in his profile as the transfer nears completion.

Nahuel Molina is set to become Roma's third summer signing, after Castro and Koulierakis, following an agreement in principle with Atlético Madrid for a permanent transfer worth approximately €13 million plus €4 million in bonuses. The Argentine right-back will join fellow countrymen Dybala, Soulé and Castro at Trigoria. Molina's path to Roma appeared written in the stars. In February 2025, the 2022 World Cup winner dined at a restaurant on Rome's Colle Aventino, a known favourite among Roma players and staff. At the time, he was still wearing Atlético Madrid's colours and could not have imagined the Giallorossi would become his new home. Social media images from the evening have since surfaced, capturing a moment that preceded his move to the Italian capital.

Roma's pursuit of Givairo Read has collapsed after Feyenoord unexpectedly raised their demands during final-stage talks. Roma had offered approximately €28–29 million in total, including bonuses, moving closer to Feyenoord's initial €30 million valuation and exceeding rival offers from Nottingham Forest. After requesting a night to consider the proposal, Feyenoord shifted position dramatically, demanding €30 million plus bonuses to reach nearly €35 million—a move that reportedly frustrated Roma's hierarchy. The sudden escalation prompted Roma to immediately abandon the Read option and pivot to pursuing Molina instead. The breakdown underscores the volatility of late-stage transfer negotiations and the tactical positioning often deployed by selling clubs to maximize fees. Roma's swift decision to walk away suggests the club's preference for alternative targets over capitulating to what they viewed as unreasonable late demands.