Roma turn to Chelsea’s Gittens as Nusa pursuit cools

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Aug 8, 2026 7:10 AM ET

Roma have added Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens to their list of attacking targets, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s wait for a new creative player drags on.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, relaying La Gazzetta dello Sport, the coach has made a left-sided attacking midfielder, one who can drift in from the flank, create overloads and press with intensity, one of the priorities of Roma’s window, and wants him in as soon as possible.

Financial constraints, however, are forcing the club to tread carefully, with a wage ceiling of around €4m net save for rare exceptions.

NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Nusa cools on cost as Fofana and Gittens gain ground at Roma

The most admired of Gasperini’s options had been Antonio Nusa, but that trail has cooled: Leipzig continue to value the Norwegian at around €60m, a figure the Serie A side consider too high.

In his place, two names have risen. Lyon’s Malick Fofana, a Belgian coming off an ankle-hit season but still rated a fine prospect, is back on the radar, with the French club asking around €45m, though the Giallorossi hope to negotiate lower.

Sporting director Tony D’Amico is also monitoring Gittens, the Chelsea forward who arrived from Borussia Dortmund a year ago for around €60m.

A permanent deal would be hard to sustain, but Roma could explore a loan should the London club open to that formula. In the meantime, Gasperini waits, viewing the signing as essential and eager to have his full squad to work with.