Matic medical on Monday
Sunday 12th June
It’s nearly time. Tomorrow, Nemanja Matic will sign his contract as a Roma player.
Various in-the-know Roma sources, such as Jacopo Aliprandi, Filippo Biafora and Emanuele Zotti – as well as respected sources from wider Italy, like Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano – have all confirmed that Matic will arrive in the Italian capital on Monday.
From there, he will undergo his medical and put pen to paper on a contract worth €3.5m for the upcoming season. It could extend into a second season should he reach a certain number of appearances.
Frattesi to partner Matic?
Sunday 12th June
With one midfield signing on the way, Roma are quickly turning their focus to the next.
According to La Repubblica, Jose Mourinho wants to establish a partnership between Nemanja Matic and Davide Frattesi in the Roma midfield.
That would obviously require Roma bringing Frattesi back from Sassuolo. Nicolo Schira claims talks will take place in the coming days to make further progress on the deal for the academy product.
Mourinho wants Mertens
Sunday 12th June
One player being linked with Roma in increasing measure recently is Napoli forward Dries Mertens.
The Belgian attacker could become a free agent unless Napoli can extend his contract. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport in particular, Roma are waiting to pounce.
The Giallorossi are already bringing in one player in their mid-30s in the shape of Nemanja Matic. Now, 35-year-old Mertens could follow.
As the report notes, Jose Mourinho wants fully formed players who are ready to perform here and now. Therefore, a short-term deal may fit in with his strategy.
Tellingly, it is stated that Roma can offer a good deal to Mertens.
Matic arriving next week
Friday 10th June
Roma’s first summer signing is close – but will it be Mile Svilar or Nemanja Matic to cross the finishing line first?
Well, according to Sky Sport journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Matic will be in Rome next week to undergo his medicals. Then, Roma can have the deal completed as quickly as possible.
A further midfield signing is expected, with Di Marzio also referring to interest in former academy product Davide Frattesi.
Ibanez exit to facilitate other deals?
Friday 10th June
If Roma are to make a big sale this summer, it will either be Nicolo Zaniolo or Roger Ibanez.
Regarding the latter, Newcastle and Tottenham have supposedly been showing an interest. According to Calciomercato, Roma could cash in for €30m and replace the Brazilian with Feyenoord’s Marcos Senesi or Bologna’s Arthur Theate.
Felix loan slows down
Friday 10th June
It looked as if Felix Afena-Gyan was all set to go to Lecce on loan for the 2022-23 season. However, Gazzetta Dello Sport has now revealed there has been a deceleration in talks.
As things stand, Roma will not be sending Felix to the newly promoted side. The striker remains linked with Sassuolo, incidentally.
Aouar offered to Roma
Thursday 9th June
A new name has appeared in Roma’s search for a central midfielder: Houssem Aouar.
According to the respected Il Tempo, the Lyon star has been offered to Roma ahead of the final year of his contract. It is claimed that the Giallorossi could think about him closely if other targets become too difficult.
Aouar would cost somewhere between €15m and €20m.
For those old enough to remember the Giallorossi Yorkshire Q&A, this site recommended him as an ideal player to invest in a few years ago, so there had better be some commission if a deal does go through.
Roma in talks for Guedes
Wednesday 8th June
One of Roma’s pricier targets for the summer is Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes.
There has been some progress on that front, with Checco Oddo Casano of ReteSport revealing that talks have officially opened between Roma and Valencia.
It will not be easy to acquire the Portugal international, who could cost €40m. But he shares an agent with Jose Mourinho and Rui Patricio in the shape of Jorge Mendes, so there could be reason for optimism thanks to that connection.
Felix could leave on loan
Wednesday 8th June
Felix Afena-Gyan appeared to be an emerging star when brought into the Roma first team during the 2021-22 season. However, his impact faded over time.
Now, the striker could develop on loan away from the club. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Lecce are in advanced talks to take him for the forthcoming season.
It follows reports from Corriere Dello Sport claiming Sassuolo would be interested in a double deal for Felix and fellow youth product Filippo Tripi. But the Ghana international appears to be one step away from Lecce, who won Serie B in 2021-22.
Price limits for Frattesi
Wednesday 8th June
Nemanja Matic will be arriving, barring a dramatic turn of events, but Roma will still be on the lookout for a second new midfielder this summer.
One being linked in increasing frequency is their former academy product, Davide Frattesi.
Roma do not have a buyback clause for the Sassuolo star, but could make a bid anyway. According to Corriere Della Sera, they would not be willing to go above €15m for the Italian.
Gazzetta Dello Sport predict their maximum bid would be a bit higher, towards €20m.
Celik agrees terms
Tuesday 7th June
Quite a significant piece of AS Roma transfer news from Gianluca Di Marzio has emerged. The Sky Sport reporter has been on the ball with the club’s activity so far, providing major updates about breakthroughs with Mile Svilar and Nemanja Matic.
Next in line could be Zeki Celik of Lille. According to Di Marzio, Roma have reached an agreement with the right-back over a contract worth €2m per season.
Now, they need to negotiate with Lille, who are holding out for €9m. Roma’s opening offer is €6m instead.
Love your blog for transfers. Keep it coming and up to date mate. The depth of insight and sources you provide is great.