Sporting director breaks silence on potential move for Man United star | OneFootball

Roma Transfer Ambitions Intensify as Striker Hunt Continues

AS Roma are actively seeking reinforcements upfront as they look to recover from a disappointing run of form. The Giallorossi suffered a 1-0 defeat to Atalanta, allowing Juventus to catch them in joint fourth place, while Como’s recent victory has added further pressure on the capital club. With Serie A points at a premium, Roma’s management are moving decisively in the January transfer window to address a recognised shortfall in goal-scoring options.

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Negotiations for Raspadori Advance

Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara confirmed that talks are ongoing for Giacomo Raspadori of Atletico Madrid. “It’s true that there are negotiations in progress with both Atletico Madrid and Raspadori. The situation is evolving, we knew the timing could be affected by the Spanish Supercup. We expect it to be resolved one way or another fairly soon,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

Reports suggest Atletico Madrid would be open to a loan deal with an option to buy, but the player’s current commitments in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Supercup have delayed finalisation. Raspadori’s versatility across the front line makes him a highly coveted target, especially as Roma look to turn their attacking struggles into consistent returns.

Zirkzee’s Situation Complicated by United Shake-Up

The pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United is reportedly more complex. The departure of manager Ruben Amorim has introduced uncertainty over the Dutch forward’s availability. Massara acknowledged the challenge, saying, “He is a Manchester United centre-forward liked by many clubs, not just us. Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management, there are no contacts in progress, but I wouldn’t focus on individual names.”

Roma remain pragmatic, aware that the window offers a strategic opportunity to reinforce areas where their conversion rate has been below expectation. Massara added, “We know this window is an opportunity to reinforce the squad in an area where we have struggled to convert chances into goals, so we will try to use it.”

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Squad Challenges and Renewal Strategy

In addition to transfer considerations, Roma face significant squad disruptions. Defenders Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso are suspended, while Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui are at the Africa Cup of Nations. Other absentees include Lorenzo Pellegrini, Leon Bailey, Tommaso Baldanzi, Pierluigi Gollini, and Devyne Rensch, who recently fell ill.

Massara emphasised the club’s broader renewal plan, noting, “We started over the summer with a process of renewal. We knew it would take a while and several different transfer sessions. There are things we need to do that are not considered an emergency, but rather an opportunity to take.” Despite these setbacks, the director remains confident in the squad’s capacity to compete, remarking, “Don’t forget this team had a very strong 2025 of a high level and we’d like to keep that going. With so many games close together and players out through injury, international duty, even flu, it might seem to be a weaker squad than usual. However, the team is ready and will step up.”

Roma are also introducing fresh faces at the back. Daniele Ghilardi, celebrating his 23rd birthday, is making only his second start and sixth overall appearance for the club. The inclusion of young defenders highlights Roma’s dual strategy of combining immediate reinforcements with the integration of emerging talent to secure long-term stability.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, the developments at Roma underline the complexities of the transfer market. The interest in Joshua Zirkzee, coming on the back of the managerial departure of Ruben Amorim, highlights the instability that can arise when top-level decisions are unsettled. While Zirkzee may be a talented forward, the uncertainty around his immediate future demonstrates why players and clubs alike often proceed cautiously in January.

Furthermore, Raspadori’s potential loan move with an option to buy reflects Roma’s pragmatic approach to squad strengthening. For Manchester United fans, this serves as a reminder that player valuations and the timing of transfers can influence both the squad balance and long-term strategy. The Dutch forward could still be part of Roma’s ambitious project, but United supporters might also consider this as an opportunity to monitor other talents in the Premier League who may step up in the reshaped squad.

Finally, the broader picture at Roma emphasises the importance of squad depth and flexibility. With suspensions, international duty, and illness affecting the starting XI, there are lessons for Manchester United in managing player workloads and building resilience across the squad. For fans following Zirkzee or observing the January market, Roma’s actions may provide a blueprint for addressing short-term weaknesses while planning for sustainable growth.