Man Utd's and Atletico's leftovers are Roma's potential jackpot
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 02.01.26. | 19:50
The Giallorossi are eager to sign Joshua Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori to pursue a somewhat mission impossible - winning the Serie A title
Roma have been the most consistent team in Serie A in 2025, riding Claudio Ranieri's brilliant first half of the previous year straight into an equally impressive second part under Gian Piero Gasperini. The momentum is real, the ambition even bigger.
Officially, the Giallorossi are chasing a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League. Unofficially? They are dreaming of the Scudetto race, just three points off the pace. But there is a clear flaw holding them back: goals.
The Giallorossi have scored just 20 goals in 17 league games. Inter have 35, Milan 27, Napoli 24 - all with a game in hand. If Roma want to stay in the title race, reinforcements are mandatory. Two names dominate the shortlist: Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) and Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid).
Gasperini currently has only Artem Dovbyk - a player he already wanted to offload during the previous transfer window - and Evan Ferguson, on loan from Brighton. Both could leave. Leeds, Sunderland, Everton and Como are tracking Dovbyk, while Ferguson's loan could be cut short. If even one exists, Roma are ready to go all-in for two forwards tailored to Gasperini's system.
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Talks for Zirkzee have been ongoing for weeks. The Dutchman has already given his approval to a move to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma's offer is clear: a €5m loan with a €30m option to buy, which could become mandatory if certain performance clauses are met. The obstacle? Manchester United. They won't green-light the deal until they secure a replacement - Jean-Philippe Mateta is the preferred target - or until the Africa Cup of Nations ends, with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo away. Verdict: Zirkzee is one for the final days of the window.
Raspadori, however, could arrive sooner. The former Napoli title winner joined Los Colchoneros recently for €26m, bonuses included - and flopped. Atletico have already told him a January exit is best for everyone. Roma are waiting for the player's "yes" before opening formal talks. The proposed deal: €2m loan fee plus €19m for an option or conditional obligation to buy, with a €3.5m net salary once the move becomes permanent.
Roma are also monitoring the wings, especially if Leon Bailey's loan from Aston Villa is terminated early. Two names are on the radar: Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica) and Federico Chiesa (Liverpool).
Roma are flying. But to keep dreaming big, they need goals - and fast.
SERIE A - MATCHDAY 18
Friday
22.45: (6.50) Cagliari (3.80) Milan (1.65)
Saturday
14.30: (1.75) Como (3.80) Udinese (5.15)
17.00: (1.88) Genoa (3.35) Pisa (4.50)
17.00: (1.95) Sassuolo (3.50) Parma (4.40)
20.00: (1.27) Juventus (5.60) Lecce (12.0)
22.45: (2.35) Atalanta (3.40) Roma (3.25)
Sunday
14.30: (3.30) Lazio (3.10) Napoli (2.35)
17.00: (1.80) Fiorentina (3.60) Cremonese (5.10)
20.00: (2.65) Verona (3.05) Torino (2.90)
22.45: (1.43) Inter (4.50) Bologna (7.50)
***odds are subject to change***
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