Raspadori wants Napoli as Roma eye Villa forward Malen instead | OneFootball

Roma are growing increasingly frustrated with Giacomo Raspadori as the forward continues to delay a decision on his future, despite the club offering him a central role and improved financial terms.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the Italy international is understood to be prioritising a potential return to Napoli, just a year after leaving the club due to limited playing time.

That stance has surprised officials in the capital, particularly given that Roma would guarantee him regular starts and a salary reported to be worth €4m net per season.

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 30: Giacomo Raspadori of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atletico de Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt at Estadio Metropolitano on September 30, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Roma have already reached an agreement with Raspadori’s representatives and are waiting on the player’s final decision, but patience at Trigoria is wearing thin.

Napoli remain interested but are currently constrained by the need to offload players before making a concrete move, while Atalanta are also monitoring the situation.

Roma patience wears thin for Raspadori as club eye Malen

The hesitation is difficult to understand from Roma’s perspective, especially considering Raspadori’s limited involvement last season in Naples, where he made just 11 Serie A starts and frequently featured in short substitute appearances.

With no breakthrough in sight, Roma are now preparing an alternative.

The Giallorossi have identified Donyell Malen as a possible solution should talks collapse. The Dutchman currently plays for Aston Villa, having joined from Borussia Dortmund for €25m last year.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Donyell Malen of Aston Villa is tackled by Lukasz Skorupski of Bologna FC 1909 during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on September 25, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Malen has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League and could be allowed to leave, with Roma exploring a loan deal with an option to buy.

The club are now seeking clarity quickly, aware that further delays could disrupt their wider transfer plans.

Roma want a final answer soon: either Raspadori commits, or they move decisively in another direction.