Rome Transfer Market: Too Many Obstacles for Antonio Nusa; Sharp Shift Toward the Belgian
With a season ahead that will see Roma competing in the Champions League as well, Gasperini is looking to the transfer market for new solutions. In terms of numbers, the roster still needs a few additions. The front office is working to follow the directive of focusing on young players who are already ready to support the ambitions of the Roma project.
The path leading to Antonio Nusa seems to have become significantly more complicated. Leipzig is reportedly asking for a fee close to 60 million euros, a figure Roma considers too high. For this reason, attention is shifting decisively toward Lyon’s Malick Fofana.
The talented Belgian, born in 2005, has been under observation for some time. Giallorossi scouts are said to have watched him in person on several occasions, including the Champions League qualifying match against Slavia Prague. To convince Lyon to let the former Gent player go, it could take between 40 and 45 million euros—a significant investment, but less than what would be needed to sign Nusa. It’s a figure Roma might decide to put on the table to finally give Gasperini the attacking reinforcement he’s been asking for.
He’s no stranger to European soccer: Fofana has already made 74 appearances for Lyon, scoring 25 goals. These numbers attest to his precocious talent and consistent performance, built on speed, acceleration, and great attacking versatility. These qualities have, in recent months, attracted the attention of clubs of the caliber of Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, and even Napoli, demonstrating just how crowded and competitive the market for this young player is.
There is certainly no shortage of competition. The very presence of so many suitors could prove to be a decisive factor in the coming weeks: Lyon knows it has a valuable asset on its hands and is unlikely to make concessions. Fofana’s contract expires in June 2028, but the French club’s financial situation could still open up some opportunities for those who come forward with a compelling offer.
