Roma Transfer News: Luis Henrique Is Getting Even Closer
Inter kicked off their league campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Monza and are awaiting further developments regarding Luis Henrique’s future. The Brazilian, who arrived just over a year ago, already seems set to leave Milan, and against Monza, Cristian Chivu gave him only a few minutes of playing time late in the game, when the result was already secure.
Roma has not yet made a concrete push for the player, although the gap in valuation does not appear excessive (having narrowed significantly compared to a few days ago), and the deal could close at around 25 million euros. The Nerazzurri would prefer a permanent transfer, though they might also consider a loan with an obligation to buy tied to easily achievable conditions. Should Luis Henrique leave, Marotta and Ausilio would target a new attacking player—one with strong one-on-one skills—to further expand their offensive options.
In this regard, the player who most captures the Nerazzurri executives’ imagination is Federico Chiesa. The Liverpool forward fits the profile outlined by Chivu perfectly: unpredictable, capable of beating defenders one-on-one, and breaking open the tightest matches. The former Juventus and Fiorentina player is coming off two difficult seasons in the Premier League and is looking to relaunch his career, so much so that he has reportedly already expressed openness to the possibility of returning to Italy. His market value, currently under 10 million euros, represents an opportunity that Marotta could realistically capitalize on as soon as the necessary budget becomes available through the sale of Luis Henrique.
After all, it’s no secret that Chivu has long been asking the club for a player with different characteristics than the forwards already on the roster. In the past, the Nerazzurri had followed Nico Paz and Lookman with interest—players who share the same ability to make a difference in one-on-one situations. The Brazilian’s potential departure would provide the necessary funds to make a move in this direction.
As for official statements, President Marotta had already left the door open to a possible transfer move during the evening at San Siro: “Sign another forward? We’re keeping an eye out for opportunities, coordinating with the coach and thanks to the ownership’s support. If there’s a chance to invest further, we’ll do so, even though this roster is highly competitive as it is.” These words sound like an indirect confirmation of Inter’s strategy: sell first, then invest.
On the Giallorossi side, Gasperini’s Roma are also exploring other avenues to bolster their attack, including one involving Jamie Gittens, a winger born in 2004 and owned by Chelsea, for whom the Rome-based club has reportedly already submitted an official loan request. Negotiations for Malick Fofana with Lyon, on the other hand, are on hold. Luis Henrique remains Gasperini’s top choice, however, due to his versatility, and the feeling is that the parties could reach a final agreement in the coming hours, thereby unlocking a two-pronged transfer deal set to impact the ambitions of both clubs.
