Roma still keen on loan for Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens but Malick Fofana still a target | OneFootball

As reported by Alfredo Pedullà, Roma are considering making a loan move for Chelsea forward Jamie Gittens.

Gian Piero Gasperini wants a new left-winger in his ranks before the transfer window slams shut. The Giallorossi have identified two targets: Chelsea’s Gittens and Lyon’s Malick Fofana.

As per Pedullà, Chelsea rebuffed Roma’s initial contact, but Gasperini and Co remain keen and are willing to put forward a loan proposal.

While Fofana remains a key target, getting him is expected to be more complicated compared to Gittens, though Lyon’s recent elimination from the Champions League qualifiers at the hands of Fenerbahçe means a move is not a forgone conclusion.

Both players are valued by Transfermarkt at €30 million, although Gittens is on a much longer and more lucrative contract (£5.62 million per year until June 2032) compared to Fofana (€2.73 million per year until June 2028).

Looking London, talking Lyon

Roma’s apparent interest in Gittens could also help them progress in their pursuit of Fofana.

Whether one likes it or not, Chelsea are doing good business by buying several promising young players and soon flipping them off as assets to all over the continent, registering considerable profits. If they’re keen on seeing the back of Gittens, they’ll push Roma to the very end for a permanent sale, agreeing to a loan only if that option is confirmed to be unavailable.

In the meantime, Lyon are out of the Champions League, which could see Fofana push for a move, especially if he feels his window of opportunity diminishing given Roma’s interest in Gittens.

Roma’s opening-day demolition of Fiorentina have made their project that much more attractive to players, especially the younger ones. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if Roma manage to bring in one — or even two — left-wingers by deadline day.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN