The transfer window in Serie A ran from 4th January to 1st February, and it was a busy period for Roma.
Here was how all the main rumours about potential signings and sales unfolded until the transfer window closed.
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Transfer window closes
Monday 1st February
And that’s a wrap – the transfer window is now closed in Italy.
Roma signed two players in the mercato – Stephan El Shaarawy and Bryan Reynolds.
The squad size also increased with the return of Daniel Fuzato from his loan spell with Gil Vicente.
Several players were linked with departures, but none ended up leaving. They will now be hoping to prove themselves in the second half of the season.
DONE DEAL: Reynolds signs
Monday 1st February
One last signing for Roma on Deadline Day – as Bryan Reynolds finally completed his move to the club.
DONE DEAL: El Shaarawy returns
Saturday 30th January
Roma have completed their first signing of the January transfer window and it’s a familiar face.
Stephan El Shaarawy has finally completed his return to the club for a second spell.
Dzeko-Sanchez swap stalls
Friday 29th January
Embed from Getty ImagesThe biggest transfer story to emerge for Roma this window has been that of a potential swap deal with Inter between Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez.
The news broke yesterday, with Dzeko linked with an exit after falling out with Paulo Fonseca and Sanchez seen as a replacement, despite playing in a different role.
While the clubs were in talks, it was always going to be a difficult deal financially. Now, Gazzetta Dello Sport lead the claims that the swap will not happen.
Sky Sport also back up the idea that negotiations have stopped.
Dzeko’s future remains to be seen.
Fazio close to Parma
Friday 29th January
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving failed to cement his place in the side under Fonseca, long-serving Roma defender Federico Fazio seems to be nearing a departure.
According to Calciomercato, negotiations with Parma will continue tonight and his exit could be imminent.
Dzeko swap with Sanchez?
Thursday 28th January
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma are in talks to send captain Edin Dzeko to Inter Milan in a deal that would see Alexis Sanchez arrive in the opposite direction.
Dzeko has fallen out with Paulo Fonseca and has consequently been heavily linked with an exit this month.
If the striker does leave, a high-quality replacement will need to be sourced to help fellow option Borja Mayoral.
There were reports earlier that Roma could target PSG star Mauro Icardi in what would be a sensational signing.
The former Inter striker has fallen out of favour in Paris and according to Calciomercato, Tiago Pinto has called PSG counterpart Leonardo to propose a swap of loans between Icardi and Dzeko for the rest of the season.
The story has since developed, though. An alternative swap involving Dzeko, according to SportItalia and Sky Sport, would be with Inter – who could send Sanchez in return.
The two clubs are in contact now, according to multiple sources.
If he was to join, he would team up with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the man he swapped places with in an ill-fated deal between Manchester United and Arsenal in 2018.
However, Corriere Dello Sport deny that Inter are willing to send Sanchez to Rome.
Il Tempo reveal that Pinto has travelled to Milan to try and unblock negotiations, with Sky Sport also confirming the talks.
It seems a Sanchez swap is more likely than one with Icardi at present, and that will be the saga to keep an eye on.
Reynolds to arrive on Saturday
Thursday 28th January
Embed from Getty ImagesOne piece of business that seems close to completion is the deal to sign Bryan Reynolds from FC Dallas.
With an agreement reached, various reports indicate the American right-back will land in Rome on Saturday before undergoing a medical.
El Shaarawy to have medical tomorrow
Thursday 28th January
Embed from Getty ImagesIt has been another anxious wait for Stephan El Shaarawy as he hopes to rejoin Roma.
After testing positive for Covid-19, his return has been delayed, and he has not been able to have a medical.
Now, his period of isolation is coming to an end, and various reports indicate he will finally have his medical on Friday – making him the first signing of the winter for Roma.
Perez to be sent back to Spain?
Thursday 28th January
Embed from Getty ImagesThings have not quite worked out for Carles Perez since his move to Roma one year ago, so he could be on his way out this month.
There have been links with a few Serie A sides, but according to Todofichajes, Cadiz and Granada both want to take him back to Spain.
Silvestri emerges as main goalkeeper target
Wednesday 27th January
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma are among the contenders for Hellas Verona goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.
With Pau Lopez struggling to live up to his price tag and Antonio Mirante not getting any younger, the Giallorossi are on the lookout for a new keeper.
It has been a problem position ever since the sale of Alisson Becker to Liverpool. However, the club may be closing in on finally finding a consistent number one.
According to Leggo, Roma are among the suitors for former Leeds United goalkeeper Silvestri. Verona would be willing to sell for the relatively modest fee of €8m.
A separate report from Calciomercato adds that Inter and Lazio are also competing for the 29-year-old. With his contract expiring in 2022, he will likely be on the move this year.
Roma will get to see him up close again on Sunday, when they take on Verona in Serie A.
Santon linked with Sampdoria
Wednesday 27th January
Embed from Getty ImagesThere was an update further down this transfer blog about Davide Santon yesterday, after suggestions he had rejected a move to Fenerbahce.
Now, another contender has emerged to take him from Roma. Sampdoria are keen to sign him, and Il Romanista claim that interest is accelerating.
Such a move for the full-back would mark a reunion with former Roma boss Claudio Ranieri.
El Shaarawy still positive
Wednesday 27th January
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma’s main target this month is Stephan El Shaarawy, and despite the deal being practically done, there is still a frustrating wait.
The winger has still not entered the country due to being positive for Covid-19. He will have another test tomorrow to see if he has recovered.
He hopes to be available for the game against Verona on Sunday – but there will be no chance of that if he is still positive. One day later, the transfer window will close.
However, all will not be lost. Corriere Della Sera reminds that since El Shaarawy will be joining as a free agent, he can sign up even after the February 1st deadline if necessary.
Santon unsure about Fenerbahce
Tuesday 26th January
Embed from Getty ImagesDavide Santon is attracting interest from Fenerbahce, according to reports – but the feeling isn’t mutual.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, the Turkish side – who also signed Diego Perotti from Roma in the summer – want Santon on loan for the rest of the season with an obligation to buy.
However, the full-back has indicated he would rather stay at Roma, where he hasn’t played since October.
Dzeko future still in doubt
Tuesday 26th January
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma striker Edin Dzeko is still at odds with coach Paulo Fonseca and murmurs continue about a potential January exit.
Dzeko is expected to sit out Roma’s next game against Verona and there could be discussions about a transfer.
According to Calciomercato and Gazzetta Dello Sport, West Ham have made a concrete offer, but the Bosnian is not keen on that destination.
That leaves his future all to play for, with Juventus, Inter and Everton all linked. There has even been talk of an unlikely return to Manchester City.
Roma general manager Tiago Pinto will be working to try and resolve the differences between Fonseca and Dzeko in the event that the club’s all-time leading foreign goalscorer stays put.
Fazio linked with Parma
Saturday 23rd January
Embed from Getty ImagesFederico Fazio is expected to leave Roma this month and is not in the squad for today’s game against Spezia.
He has been linked with a move to Parma and is currently present at the Villa Stuart medical centre. However, it is understood by Pagine Romaniste this is not necessarily due to a transfer – but it could well materialise soon.
The situation could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.
El Shaarawy returning to Roma!
Friday 22nd January
Embed from Getty ImagesFinally, the boost Roma have been waiting for for months – Stephan El Shaarawy is coming back to the club.
After his return fell through in October, Roma have been working to get the winger back from Shanghai Shenhua. Now, multiple sources such as Sky Sport and Corriere Dello Sport are reporting that it is a done deal.
El Shaarawy is expected at Villa Stuart tomorrow to undergo his medical and then he can rejoin the club that he previously scored 40 goals in 139 games for.
Dzeko future in doubt
Friday 22nd January
Embed from Getty ImagesThere is tension in the air at Roma at present after the recent poor results against Spezia and Lazio, and it could have major implications on some of the club’s key hierarchy.
Head coach Paulo Fonseca could be sacked if he does not beat Spezia at the second time of asking on Saturday. He will have to navigate the game without striker and captain Edin Dzeko, though, who is out with what is said to be an injury.
There are some doubts about the real reason behind Dzeko’s absence, as there are claims he has fallen out with Fonseca.
According to SportItalia, it could be a straight choice between captain and coach for Roma. If Fonseca stays, Dzeko could be on the market again.
The Bosnian almost left for Juventus in the summer and the reigning champions could be tempted to go back in for him, while he may also have suitors abroad.
Reynolds deal done next week
Friday 22nd January
Embed from Getty ImagesIt recently emerged that Roma had revived their pursuit of Bryan Reynolds and it seems their relaunch has been successful.
Many sources now believe it to be a done deal, with Sky Sport among those claiming the American will join the club on Monday and Il Tempo describing the signing as “one step away”.
The formula for the right-back could be a loan with an obligation to buy for around €7m.
Other competitors Juventus are unlikely to try and hijack the deal this time.
Roma raise Reynolds offer
Thursday 21st January
Embed from Getty ImagesIt had seemed Roma were out of the race for American right-back Bryan Reynolds, but it appears the pursuit is still on.
Various sources, including Sky Sport, TMW and La Stampa, indicate that Roma have increased their offer for the Texan.
The Giallorossi are aiming to beat Juventus and Benevento to Reynolds’ signature.
Florenzi set for permanent exit
Wednesday 20th January
Embed from Getty ImagesFormer Roma captain Alessandro Florenzi has been doing well out on loan with PSG this season and it seems he has long since played his last game for his boyhood club.
According to Il Tempo, PSG will activate the €9m option to buy in Florenzi’s contract.
They can wait until the end of the season to do so but it appears their minds are already made up.
That would bring an end to his long association with Roma.
Diawara linked with exit
Saturday 16th January
Embed from Getty ImagesIt has not been an easy season for Amadou Diawara. First he was the subject of a registration error that cost Roma a point, then he tested positive for Covid-19, and he has since lost his place in the midfield hierarchy.
Now, the Guinea international could be on his way out. According to Libero, Hellas Verona and Fenerbahce have asked about him – and Roma are not against a sale if they can ensure they have another option in the squad.
Roma to meet for Papu Gomez?
Saturday 16th January
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to Calciomercato, Roma will have a meeting to discuss a move for Atalanta attacking midfielder Papu Gomez today.
Gomez has had a fall-out with Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta and could be on the move this month. Roma need a new attacking midfielder, so one with plenty of Serie A experience and quality could be an intriguing option.
However, Il Tempo have since denied the story, claiming Atalanta have no plans to meet Roma – even though Gomez’s agent sees the capital as a potential destination.
Fuzato returns to Roma
Friday 8th January
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the players to leave Roma on loan in the summer was goalkeeper Daniel Fuzato.
However, he has not played for Gil Vicente, so the spell has clearly not benefitted anyone.
Therefore, the Portuguese club have announced they are sending Fuzato back to Roma, who will now need to find a new suitor for him.
Roma target Argentina right-back Montiel
Friday 8th January
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma have had to look elsewhere for a new right-back after losing ground in the race for Bryan Reynolds.
There are strong rumours that Gonzalo Montiel of Argentina is now the main target for the position.
The rumours seemed to spring from TNT Sports in Argentina and have since been backed up by other sources.
Roma could offer €7m for the defender. The deal would not go through, though, until after River Plate’s participation in the Copa Libertadores this month.
Ancelotti denies Bernard, Olsen swap
Friday 8th January
Embed from Getty ImagesThere have been reports that Everton are willing to send Bernard to Roma in return for a permanent deal for Robin Olsen.
However, ex-Roma midfielder Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of Everton, has played down the speculation.
Ancelotti said: “We will try to keep Olsen for the future and will try to talk to Roma but no discussion with them about Bernard. He is our player and will be our player.”
Sassuolo target Perez loan
Tuesday 5th January
Embed from Getty ImagesCarles Perez has been heavily linked with an exit from Roma this month, but so far, the identity of a potential suitor for him has remained a mystery.
Now, one club has stepped forward. According to Alfredo Pedulla of SportItalia, Sassuolo want to take the winger on loan for the rest of the season.
Roma interested in Zeki Celik
Tuesday 5th January
Embed from Getty ImagesA new name has emerged in Roma’s pursuit of a new right-back.
According to Sky Sport Italia, the Giallorossi are interested in Lille’s Zeki Celik.
The asking price is around €15m, and Celik would be happy to move to Italy if Roma made an acceptable offer to his club.
Bernard agent speaks
Monday 4th January
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the main names Roma have been linked with to strengthen in attack is Everton winger Bernard.
The Brazilian previously played under Paulo Fonseca at Shakhtar and there have been rumours that his old boss has made contact over a potential reunion.
Now, his agent has confirmed that contact.
“I’ve spoken with Fonseca about Bernard already a few times,” Adriano Spadotto told LaRoma24.
“A swap between Roma and Everton involving Robin Olsen and Bernard? It’s a possibility.”
Right-back offer rejected
Sunday 3rd January
Embed from Getty ImagesRoma are looking to reinforce at right-back due to doubts about the futures of Bruno Peres and Davide Santon.
One name to be mentioned as a potential target is Brandon Soppy of Rennes.
The 18-year-old would be one for the future, but Roma have reportedly seen their advances turned down.
According to Eurosport in France, Rennes have rejected a €4m bid from Roma for the teenager.
Jesus to be involved in Verona swap?
Saturday 2nd January
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the players most likely to leave Roma in January is Juan Jesus. The Brazilian has barely featured during Paulo Fonseca’s two years in charge.
Roma may have moved one step closer to finding a taker for the defender. According to L’Arena, talks have begun with Verona to see if they want him.
In return, Roma could ask for attacking midfielder Mattia Zaccagni. Verona are open to selling the 25-year-old but want at least €10m.
The main rumours so far
Saturday 2nd January
Roma will soon be able to conduct transfer business again, and it seems their plans are already taking shape.
So far, the name Roma have been most heavily linked with is one who came close to joining over the summer: Stephan El Shaarawy.
Embed from Getty ImagesEl Shaarawy was ready to return to the club from Shanghai Shenhua, but his deadline day move did not progress quickly enough.
Now, the winger could be back on the agenda – although there have been mentions of alternatives.
For example, there have also been links with Bernard – who worked with Paulo Fonseca at Shakhtar Donetsk but has fallen out of favour at Everton.
The right-back position is another that Roma are looking at. There was heavy interest in Bryan Reynolds, but that deal seems to have fallen through – so a number of different names could be linked.
The goalkeeper situation is also one to keep an eye on, although it may be easier for Roma to wait until the summer to address that.
In terms of outgoings, a number of players could depart as Roma look to trim their squad.
One of the players most heavily linked with an exit has been Carles Perez, who only arrived last January but has struggled for continuity.
Embed from Getty ImagesDefenders Federico Fazio and Juan Jesus have also fallen out of favour and may be surplus to requirements. One right-back could also leave, with the futures of Bruno Peres and Davide Santon uncertain.
Amadou Diawara may also move on, while there have been rumours of clubs bidding for Roger Ibanez – but Roma would like to keep him.
Keep track of all the main January transfer rumours via this blog.
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