Roma reach agreement to sign €25m Ligue 1 star El Aynaoui | OneFootball

Roma are closing in on a deal to sign Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, with the Giallorossi set to pay a reported figure of €25 million, inclusive of bonuses.

SkySport are reporting today that the deal to sign the Moroccan player is all-but complete but emphasised that this move does not rule out the Giallorossi’s pursuit of Palmeiras star Richard Rios.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Declan Rice of Arsenal battles for possession with Neil El Aynaoui of RC Lens during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Negotiations remain difficult between Roma and Palmeiras for Rios’ signature and it is reported that Roma were eager to get the El Aynaoui deal wrapped up to avoid potentially missing out on two players.

El Aynaoui heads to Roma after strong season with Lens

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 28: Richard Rios #8 of Palmeiras walks onto the pitch prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between SE Palmeiras and Botafogo FR at Lincoln Financial Field on June 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

El Aynaoui played 24 times for Lens in Ligue 1 in the 2024-25 campaign, scoring eight goals and assisting a further one. This brings the 24-year-old to just under 50 league appearances for the side since joining from Ligue 2 side Nancy for around €600,000 in 2023.

This would represent a significant profit for the French club who will look to use the money generated from this sale to bolster their ranks ahead of the new season.