After Paulo Dybala suddenly changed his mind and rejected the huge €80 million offer from Saudi club Al Qadsiah, Roma’s plans suddenly changed in the last week of the Mercato. When it seemed inevitable that Dybala would ask the Saudis to show him the money, various media reported that Roma were looking for five new players: a center-back, two right-backs, a midfielder and a left winger.
Now, if Dybala stays in attack, there is less need to bolster the squad with a big signing like Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Riquelme, especially without Dybala’s wages. With that in mind, let’s go through some of the latest transfer rumors surrounding the Giallorossi, with just under a week to go before the final bell.
Roma and Naples discuss swap deal
Recently, the media has been discussing the transfer of a Primavera graduate from Roma to Napoli. Edoardo Bove has been linked with numerous clubs this summer. Last night, reports emerged of a possible swap deal between Bove and Belgian striker Cyril Ngonge. This morning, however, Gianluca Di Marzio reported that a swap deal for Ngonge and Nicole Zalewski is being discussed between the two clubs.
Ngonge is not part of Conte’s plans, despite joining Napoli from Hellas Verona in January for €18 million. Ngonge is a versatile striker who can play across the entire attacking line, making him an attractive addition to Roma’s attack. Conte is said to like Zalewski. Roma will likely have to cough up a little more money if a swap deal goes through.
Roma gets closer to Danso
With the loan spells of Diego Llorente and Dean Huijsen up and Marash Kumbulla on loan, Roma have been linked with centre-backs all summer. And now it looks like Lens’ Kevin Danso is set to become the latest member of Roma’s defence, with the 24-year-old Austrian having already agreed to the move and Roma close to reaching an agreement with the French side.
Roma’s first offer of €20 million was rejected, but a new offer is being presented that is closer to his valuation of €23 million. Danso joined Lens from German club Augsburg in 2021 for €5.5 million. Since then, he has made 101 Ligue 1 appearances in three seasons. Danso is also a fixture in the Austrian national team and has already earned 24 caps. In Danso, Roma are targeting a player who can not only provide depth, but also deprive Mancini and Ndicka of starting minutes and offer the flexibility to switch between a back three and a back four.
Rennes issues Roma Assignon ultimatum
Lorenz Assignon has long been considered Roma’s dream right-back for this summer. However, after weeks of rumours, it is reported that Roma have still not made an official offer and that Stade Rennes are getting impatient. Rennes are demanding a total of 10 million euros between the loan fee and the purchase obligation and are now putting pressure on Roma to do this in writing today or risk the deal falling through.
