Rome Transfer Market: El Aynaoui’s Departure Imminent; Replacement Chosen

Rumors are mounting that Neil Aynaoui may be leaving Roma. The Moroccan international has received several inquiries and expressions of interest from English and Arab clubs. Saudi clubs, in particular, are reportedly interested in the player and are ready to meet the Giallorossi’s asking price of 35 million euros.

Roma’s scouting team has reportedly identified Richard Ríos, a midfielder currently on Benfica’s roster, as a potential replacement. The player, born in 2000, has long been on Roma’s radar for 2025, and now the Rome-based club could make another move. According to rumors, Roma has reestablished contact with the Colombian player’s representatives: the goal is to reach a contract agreement before sending an official offer to Benfica. The Eagles have set the player’s price tag at over 30 million euros. Throughout his career, Ríos has also played for Flamengo, Mazatlán, Guarani, and Palmeiras. He has 37 caps for the Colombian national team.

A physically strong midfielder, skilled at building play and capable of playing both in a two-man midfield and as a wide midfielder in a three-man midfield, the Cafeteros midfielder played five matches in the last World Cup in North America.

In addition to El Aynaoui, Roma is also preparing to sell Jan Ziolkowski. The Giallorossi are awaiting an offer of approximately 16 million euros from Neom. The sale would allow D’Amico to secure new funds to invest in the search for an attacking winger. Considering that Ziolkowski was acquired just one year ago from Legia Warsaw for approximately 6 million, his departure would guarantee Roma a significant capital gain.