Soulé no longer untouchable as Roma seek buyers

Roma are intensifying their pursuit of attacking reinforcements as Gasperini's rebuild continues. Sporting director D'Amico is preparing a fresh attempt for Gittens while reassessing the Fofana situation after Lyon contacted the club this morning to enter talks; the offer exceeds €30 million but Roma have temporarily shelved that avenue. In defence, the club has accelerated negotiations with Marseille over Gianluca Balerdi and is close to sealing the deal. Balerdi, a versatile defender with strong distribution ability, can operate as backup to Evan N'Dicka or as the leading centre-back in Gasperini's three-man system following his spells under Tudor and De Zerbi. Meanwhile, Jan Ziolkowski will join Monza on loan with a purchase option set at €18 million, clearing space in Roma's defensive ranks after Nottingham Forest blocked the Morato route.

Leonardo Balerdi is on the verge of joining Roma on a loan deal with a right of purchase from Marseille, with the final details close to being settled. The move is structured as a loan with the right to buy becoming an obligation once certain conditions are met. In a separate development, the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer to Roma has unexpectedly revived after appearing to collapse days ago. According to reports from the Netherlands, Roma and Fenerbahce have reached a new agreement, overcoming the disagreements that had halted negotiations. However, the final piece remains outstanding: Oosterwolde's personal approval of the transfer to the Giallorossi is still required. Elsewhere, Paulo Fonseca addressed Malick Fofana's future ahead of Le Havre's match, saying: "We need to make a sale and selling Fofana is an opportunity, but he will be in the group with us for the next match." Roma has already agreed terms with the player, though Lyon continues to demand approximately €35 million to release him. In radio commentary, Pruzzo noted that Roma's Champions League path is challenging, with opponents of generally good quality: "You have to be ready to compete with everyone." Carina added that the draw could have been more favourable, with Fenerbahce being difficult to face away in Istanbul and Sporting Lisbon presenting another stern test.

Roma are pursuing Marseille defender Leo Balerdi as they search for reinforcements in defence following the collapse of their move for Jayden Oosterwolde, who failed his second medical. Balerdi has approved the transfer, and Marseille have opened negotiations over a loan with an option to buy, with talks progressing positively. The move comes after Roma's failed attempt to sign Nottingham Forest's Morato, who the club could not acquire on loan. The departure of Jan Ziółkowski to Monza has left the Giallorossi needing a defender of Balerdi's profile. Balerdi would slot in as a rotation option behind Evan N'Dicka, who is expected to be a regular in the back three. Roma already have a strong Argentine contingent, and the centre-back would strengthen that group.