Roma target Udogie for left-back role, but defence exit may be required first

Roma are exploring a move for PSV Eindhoven winger Ruben van Bommel ahead of the January transfer window, with the Dutch club valuing the 22-year-old at €25 million. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested reinforcement on the left wing, and van Bommel, son of former midfielder and manager Mark van Bommel, fits the profile. The right-footed winger, who plays predominantly on the left flank, has returned to action after a long knee injury and has recorded two goals and three assists in nine appearances so far this season. Van Bommel represents one potential solution to strengthen Roma's attacking department after the squad was not reinforced in that area during the last transfer window. Born in 2004, he developed through PSV's youth academy before emerging with MVV Maastricht and AZ Alkmaar. He rejoined PSV in summer 2025 and now wears the number 7 shirt. Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico has placed the youngster on his list as a candidate with both domestic and international experience across Dutch football. However, van Bommel is not the only player under consideration. Alternatives being monitored by the club's leadership include Kvernadze, Endrick, and Luiz Henrique—all identified as potential options to provide Gasperini with the left-flank reinforcement that remained unfilled in the most recent transfer campaign.

Roma are tracking Ruben van Bommel of AZ Alkmaar as a potential signing in the January transfer window. The 2004-born winger, son of former AC Milan player and current Netherlands manager Mark van Bommel, has returned to action this season following a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for an extended period. Gasperini has prioritised the addition of a right-footed attacking winger for the past two summers, a position Roma hope to strengthen when the January window opens. Van Bommel's profile has been on Roma's radar for weeks. The AZ Alkmaar player has registered 2 goals and 4 assists so far this season.

Wesley has attracted the attention of Manchester United, with the English club considering the Roma defender as part of their future recruitment plans. According to the British website Theatreofred.com, the Brazilian left-back has impressed Michael Sansoni, Manchester United's director of data. Sansoni joined the club in 2025 after spending 11 years with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, where he worked as a Senior Performance Engineer and contributed to eight championship-winning seasons with Lewis Hamilton. The approach marks a return of Premier League interest in Wesley following Roma's rejection of a Chelsea offer last summer. The 24-year-old joined Roma from Flamengo in July 2025 on a five-year contract, initially on a deal worth €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons. Manchester United's renewed pursuit suggests the Brazilian has made a strong impression in his first season in Serie A, though Roma are unlikely to consider selling one of their key defensive reinforcements from the previous transfer window.

AS Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for an event scheduled for 6 October surrounding the Argentina vs Benin match. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of Roma's official fixtures. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi, and the event carries significance for them. However, Roma's management determined that releasing them would conflict with the club's immediate competitive schedule. The decision reflects the tension between international commitment and domestic club priorities during a congested fixture calendar. The club issued an official statement saying: "AS Roma communicates that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organised in Argentina for the Argentina vs Benin match on 6 October. The Society recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The Club's choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."

AS Roma has confirmed that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for a farewell celebration organised in honour of Lionel Messi on 6 October, which coincides with an Argentina–Benin match. Both players, World Cup winners with Messi in 2022, had been invited to the event in Buenos Aires. With twelve Roma players on international duty across their respective national teams, the club is closely monitoring the situation of three Argentine internationals—Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé—all called up by the Albiceleste. Their return to Trigoria carries particular sensitivity given Roma's fixture against Como on 11 October, which falls just days after the players' expected arrival. Dybala and Molina's potential absence from training would have compounded the tight turnaround, creating further uncertainty over their readiness for the match. AS Roma released a statement explaining the decision: "The Club recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, related to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the maximum respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."

AS Roma has confirmed that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend the celebration event organized in Argentina for Lionel Messi's official retirement from international football, which coincides with an Argentina versus Benin match on 6 October. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup winning squad alongside Messi. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the demands of intercontinental travel and the proximity of Roma's upcoming official fixtures. In a statement, AS Roma acknowledged the significance of the occasion for both players and their connection to Messi. The club expressed its "maximum respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career," wishing him and the Argentine Football Federation "a special evening."