Roma’s search for a new winger has been dominated by high-profile names. Crysencio Summerville, Antonio Nusa and Alejandro Garnacho have all been linked, with transfer fees that could approach or exceed €50 million. But is there a smarter alternative already playing in Italy?
One name worth considering is Armand Laurienté.
The Sassuolo winger is coming off an outstanding season and has already proven he can produce in Italian football. Unlike many of Roma’s reported targets, Laurienté would not need months to adapt to Serie A or learn the league’s tactical demands. That experience could be especially valuable for a team expected to compete immediately under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Financially, the move also makes sense.
While Summerville, Nusa and Garnacho would all require major investments, Laurienté could likely be signed for significantly less. The savings could allow Roma to strengthen other areas of the squad, whether that’s midfield depth, another defender or a backup striker.
His profile also fits many of the qualities Gasperini values. Laurienté is direct, aggressive in one-on-one situations and comfortable attacking space. He has the pace to stretch defenses and the work rate to contribute without the ball, traits that are essential in Gasperini’s system.
That said, there are reasons Roma may still prefer the more expensive options.
Summerville, Nusa and Garnacho are all younger and arguably offer a higher long-term ceiling. If they continue to develop, they could become elite players and command much higher transfer fees in the future. Laurienté, meanwhile, is entering his prime rather than beginning it.
The question ultimately comes down to Roma’s priorities.
If the club wants the biggest upside and is prepared to invest heavily, pursuing one of Europe’s brightest young wingers is understandable. But if the goal is to build a balanced squad capable of challenging immediately, Laurienté deserves serious consideration.
Sometimes the smartest signing isn’t the most expensive one. It is the player who delivers the best value while fitting the manager’s football.
With Roma weighing a deal worth around €50 million for Summerville, asking whether Laurienté could provide similar impact for less is a debate worth having.
Leave a Reply