Gasperini Discusses Roma’s Rapid Transfer Activity Ahead of Upcoming Match
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has shared insights into the club’s swift acquisition of Marten De Roon from Atalanta, his comments on the recent addition of Leonardo Balerdi, and his denial of any formal interest in Matias Soule.
Gasperini discusses Roma’s late transfer business: ‘It’s come about quickly’
The Giallorossi are actively reinforcing their squad as the summer transfer window nears its conclusion. De Roon is set to join from Atalanta, reuniting with Gasperini, alongside the arrival of Balerdi from Marseille. Meanwhile, Neil El-Aynaoui appears to be on his way to RB Leipzig, and Soule has attracted attention from the Premier League, particularly Fulham. Gasperini has expressed a desire for two more signings before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Official: Leonardo Belardi holds up his Roma shirt after joining the club on loan with an option to buy from Marseille (via www.asroma.com)
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Gasperini elaborated on Roma’s transfer strategies during his pre-match press conference on Sunday, ahead of the team’s upcoming league match against Lecce on Monday evening.
“It was something that came about quickly,” Gasperini remarked, referring to the acquisition of De Roon, a long-time asset at Atalanta.
“After so many years at Atalanta, he was no longer part of their plans. There was a possibility, I spoke to Percassi just a few days ago, and they allowed him to leave. We appreciate their cooperation; he was eager to come to Roma.
“This represents an opportunity for us. We can make room for El Aynaoui, who had other options, so we have filled that gap. Economically, it is beneficial since it enables us to reinvest elsewhere. He will complement a strong team and can become a pivotal player, joining two other captains, himself and Balerdi. Such personality and physicality are critical in addition to nurturing young talent. He’s Dutch, like Malen, which helps balance our squad filled with Argentines; we’re pleased.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Marten de Roon of Atalanta celebrates becoming the clubs record appearance holder with family members in front of the fans after the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
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Roma has also confirmed the signing of Balerdi on loan from Marseille on Sunday, possibly with an obligation to buy.
“His case is quite similar to De Roon’s. He’s still relatively young yet in the prime of his career. He enhances our solid defensive line, which will be crucial as we face a busy schedule requiring a competitive squad,” Gasperini noted.
“However, we still need to address gaps in the team, specifically a left attacking midfielder and a full-back. With Angelino and Tsimikas departing, and Lulli showing promise, we must plan for a full season. Ideally, I’d like to secure an offensive signing.”
Regarding transfer rumors, Soule has been mentioned as a target for Fulham, but Gasperini has clarified his position, stating that he has no direct involvement in the situation and anticipates Soule will participate on Monday.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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“I keep myself informed, though I don’t focus much on it; I’m aware of everything. I have not received any information regarding a proposal for Soule. From my perspective, he is set to play in tomorrow’s match. That said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any moves being made by agents, but nothing concrete has emerged thus far.”
Gasperini also addressed their decision to let Neil El Aynaoui transfer to RB Leipzig.
“He performed quite well until December, but faced difficulties following the Africa Cup of Nations,” Gasperini reflected.
“After the World Cup, he seemed to have different expectations. We only want players who are enthusiastic about playing here, which is why this situation arose. There were valid alternatives, and this clears the way for us to pursue other opportunities.”
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has explained why Roma were able to pinch Marten De Roon from Atalanta in such quick fashion, has commented on the recent arrival of Leonardo Balerdi, but denies that there have been any formal approaches for Matias Soule.
Gasperini discusses Roma’s late transfer business: ‘It’s come about quickly’
The Giallorossi are having a busy end to the summer transfer window, with De Roon on his way over from Atalanta to reunite with Gasperini, and with the arrival of Balerdi from Marseille. Additionally, Neil El-Aynaoui looks set to join RB Leipzig, Soule has been linked with a move to the Premier League, while Gasp says that he still wants another two additions before the close of the summer transfer window on September 1.
Official: Leonardo Belardi holds up his Roma shirt after joining the club on loan with an option to buy from Marseille (via www.asroma.com)
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Gasperini had an opportunity to discuss Roma’s transfer business during his pre-match press conference on Sunday, ahead of his side’s upcoming league clash away against Lecce on Monday evening.
“It was something that came about quickly,” said Gasperini, discussing Roma’s deal for long-term Atalanta servant De Roon.
“After so many years at Atalanta, he was no longer part of their plans. There was a possibility, I spoke to Percassi just a few days ago, they let him go. We thank them, he really wanted to come to Roma.
“It’s an opportunity for us. We can free El Aynaoui, who had other options, so we have replaced him. It’s advantageous from an economic point of view because it allows us to reinvest in another position. He will join a strong group, he can be a key player, we’ve brought in two captains with him and Balerdi. You need personality and physicality as well as young talent. He’s Dutch, like Malen, to compensate for our many Argentines, we’re happy.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Marten de Roon of Atalanta celebrates becoming the clubs record appearance holder with family members in front of the fans after the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
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Roma have also announced the signing of Argentine defender Balerdi on loan with a potential obligation to buy from Marseille on Sunday.
“It’s a similar speech to the De Roon one. He’s still relatively young, but he’s in the prime of his career. He gives strength to the defensive department, which is already strong, but we will have a lot of games and we need these guys to make the squad more competitive.
“We needed him, but to compete, we need a left attacking midfielder and a full-back. Angelino and Tsimikas have left, Lulli’s performances have given us a bit of confidence, but we have to think about the full season. I’d like a signing in attack.”
Speaking of transfers, Soule has been linked with a move to Premier League side Fulham, but Gasperini insists that he is not involved on that front and that he still expects the Argentine to play on Monday.
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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“I respect everything, I don’t read much but I hear about everything. I’ve never heard about a proposal for Soule. For me, tomorrow he will still probably play. That doesn’t mean that the agents aren’t making moves, but there has never been anything concrete.”
Gasperini also fielded questions on his decision to let Neil El Aynaoui leave for RB Leipzig.
“He played very well up until December, but struggled after the Africa Cup of Nations,” Gasperini said.
“He had different expectations after the World Cup. I had a feeling that he wanted a different experience. We only want players who are happy to play here, so that’s why it has come about. There were genuine solutions and this allows us to do something else.”
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