Roma could turn to the free-agent market in an attempt to provide Gian Piero Gasperini with the versatile left-sided attacker who did not arrive during the summer window.
Roma are assessing the free-agent market as a possible final opportunity to complete Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
The Giallorossi addressed most of their priorities during the summer but were unable to recruit the additional attacker the coach wanted most: a right-footed player capable of operating from the left, beating defenders and moving into central areas.
Sporting director Tony D’Amico acknowledged that Roma remain one player short and suggested the club would evaluate the available options. However, Gasperini has since played down the likelihood of finding a suitable solution among the remaining free agents.
Sancho No Longer Considered a Realistic Option
According to La Repubblica, the most prominent name available is Jadon Sancho. The English winger would offer many of the attacking characteristics Roma sought during the summer, but he is reportedly no longer considered a realistic option.
Sancho was also linked with Roma 12 months ago but did not move to the Italian capital.
Despite his technical qualities and natural suitability for the left side of the attack, the financial requirements of a potential agreement would likely make a deal difficult.
Sancho was previously placed first in Roma Daily’s ranking of the free agents who could fit Gasperini’s squad.
Wilfried Zaha Among the Alternatives
Wilfried Zaha is another player reportedly under consideration.
The 33-year-old possesses extensive experience and can operate from the left wing or closer to the striker. His ability to carry the ball, attack defenders and create opportunities in transition could offer Roma a different attacking option.
His age, physical condition and salary expectations would all require careful evaluation before the club pursued an agreement.
Zaha would represent a short-term solution rather than a player around whom Roma could build for several seasons.
Krépin Diatta Offers Tactical Versatility
Krépin Diatta is another potential option following his departure from Monaco.
The 27-year-old spent five-and-a-half years with the French club and offers considerable tactical flexibility. He has played as a winger, wing-back and full-back, making him capable of covering several positions within Gasperini’s system.
His attacking production has been relatively modest, with eight goals in 143 appearances for Monaco. However, his versatility could still make him an interesting squad option during a season in which Roma will compete across Serie A, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.
Diatta would not perfectly match the profile of the creative, goalscoring winger Roma pursued during the summer, but his ability to perform multiple roles could appeal to the coaching staff.
Raphaël Guerreiro Could Cover the Entire Left Side
Raphaël Guerreiro also features among the possible alternatives.
The 32-year-old would bring experience, technical quality and versatility. He can play as a full-back, wing-back, midfielder or in a more advanced position on the left.
Those characteristics appear compatible with Gasperini’s preference for tactically flexible players, although Roma would need to assess whether Guerreiro can meet the physical demands of the system.
He could provide cover in several areas rather than arriving exclusively as an attacking winger.
Roma Will Carefully Evaluate the Free-Agent Market
D’Amico confirmed that Roma would examine the list of unattached players after failing to complete deals for their preferred targets before the deadline.
The sporting director explained Roma’s unsuccessful moves and January plans during his first press conference, but the club will not sign a player simply to add another number to the squad.
Gasperini has also admitted that he does not expect much from the free-agent market, indicating that any potential signing must offer a genuine improvement.
Roma could instead wait until January, when the club may revisit targets such as Luiz Henrique, Jamie Leweling and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
For now, Zaha, Diatta and Guerreiro represent possible free-agent alternatives—but no negotiations have been reported.
Source: La Repubblica
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