Zeki Çelik

Zeki Çelik's unexpected departure has forced Roma to accelerate their search for reinforcements on the flanks, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini requiring at least two new fullbacks to complete the defensive unit ahead of the new season. Wesley remains the main established option alongside Devyne Rensch, but concerns linger over Angeliño following a difficult campaign and evident lack of match fitness, while a departure is already confirmed for Salah-Eddine. Roma is hunting for defensive cover that can provide the positional flexibility lost with Çelik's exit, with one target capable of operating as a centre-back as well. Diego Moreira of Strasbourg remains the club's primary target, though negotiations have stalled over his €50 million valuation, which Roma consider excessive. Nicolò Savona of Nottingham Forest is also being monitored and fits the profile, but concerns about his physical readiness following a recent knee injury are tempering enthusiasm. Alternative options at Molina and Dodo are not currently gaining traction. The push for strengthening the fullback positions comes as Roma also pursue Louis Summerville to bolster the attacking department.

Roma have identified Rafik Belghali as a candidate to fill the defensive gap left by Zeki Çelik's move to Juventus. The Algerian-born Belgian defender, who plays for relegated Hellas Verona, was previously admired by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and director D'Amico during his time at the Veneto club. Verona have valued Belghali at €15 million, a fee Roma consider manageable, and relations between the two clubs remain strong following the earlier transfer of Daniele Ghilardi to the Giallorossi. Belghali's versatility across both flanks mirrors Çelik's position flexibility, making him an attractive option for Gasperini's tactical setup. Verona's relegation from Serie A has made the defender available on the market, with Roma leading the pursuit. The club's wage structure can comfortably accommodate his salary demands. However, Roma are also monitoring Nottingham Forest's Alessandro Savona as an alternative option, with the defensive recruitment drive partly motivated by concerns over the fitness and reliability of Angeliño following his extended absence.

Gian Piero Gasperini's wing options have been severely depleted after Zeki Çelik's surprise departure, leaving the Roma boss to pursue reinforcements in that area. The squad reported for pre-season with Wesley, Devyne Rensch, and Angeliño as available options. While Wesley remains reliable and Rensch offers a capable alternative, Angeliño has failed to convince. Last season was troubled for the Spanish left-back, who started Roma's opening five league matches but managed only thirty minutes in the field across games against Lecce and Pisa in March and April, hampered by persistent physical problems from which he never recovered. Gasperini has been monitoring him closely during pre-season training, but even in Thursday's friendly against the Primavera, Angeliño showed no encouraging signs. Kostas Tsimikas, who departed to Liverpool without lingering regret, will not be available this season, though Salah-Eddine is expected to return. Gasperini has identified the wing positions as requiring a complete overhaul, given that attacking midfielders have historically been central to his tactical approach. The club's primary target is reportedly Moreira, though Strasbourg's demands of at least 50 million euros present a significant obstacle. Roma are also interested in Savona and Belghali. The club needs to recruit at least two wide players, with at least one capable of operating as both full-back and centre-back, or across both flanks—a versatility Çelik possessed before his sudden exit despite a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2029.

Roma and Inter are both tracking Verona right-back Rafik Belghali as a potential signing, according to reports from France. The 2002-born Algerian defender has impressed in his first Serie A season and recently scored for his national team at a World Cup match against Austria. Belghali could be a candidate to replace Zeki Çelik at Roma, following the defender's unexpected departure to Juventus after a contract renewal fell through.

Roma and Inter are competing to sign Belghali, the Verona fullback who is available for transfer. According to Footmercato, the left-back is among Roma's priorities, though the Giallorossi must fend off competition from Inter, who have included him on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Dumfries. Roma's recruitment focus on the flanks has intensified following Zeki Çelik's unexpected move to Juventus. The club is eager to strengthen both fullback positions, with Salah-Eddine set to depart and Angeliño's physical condition a concern. Belghali would be offered a contract worth 2.5 million euros per season. Strasbourg's Diego Moreira remains Roma's dream target, but the French club's elevated demands are hindering negotiations despite an agreement already reached between the club and the player.

Angeliño has drawn close scrutiny from Gasperini during the early weeks of pre-season, with the Spanish left-back seeking to rebuild after injury limited him to extended spells on the sidelines last season. His performance in a friendly against Roma's Primavera raised concerns: he offered little attacking thrust down the left flank and displayed a physical condition below optimal levels, prompting the coach to continue assessing his progress throughout the week. Gasperini's wide players operate as full-backs fundamental to his tactical system, and Roma remain actively hunting for reinforcements on the left wing. Diego Moreira of Strasbourg is among the names being tracked with particular interest. An alternative scenario could unfold if Roma acquire a starter for the right flank following Zeki Çelik's departure; Gasperini might then deploy Wesley regularly on the left after his strong performances last season. Either option would significantly reduce Angeliño's pathway to minutes, potentially prompting him to consider leaving Trigoria. Spanish clubs including Deportivo La Coruña, Espanyol, and Betis have already made enquiries about the player.