With Juventus, Napoli, Atalanta and Lazio all struggling so far this season, Roma have a real shot at earning a Champions League spot this year. Currently third in Seria A, the side have shown their potential, but also their weaknesses. Here are the Roma transfer targets for January to strengthen their squad in the next transfer window in order to achieve a top-four finish.
Roma Transfer Targets
Full-Back
Currently occupied by inconsistent Bruno Peres and Rick Karsdorp on the right side and injury-prone Leonardo Spinazzola on the left, it’s become obvious that Roma are lacking depth in the full-back position, one that is crucial in Paulo Fonseca’s system.
Youngster Riccardo Calafiori burst onto the scene this season, however, Roma should try to sell Peres and replace him with a proven right-back, while still giving time for Karsdorp to develop.
Defensive Midfielder
The Amadou Diawara experiment has not worked out. The Guinean international has not looked comfortable paired with Jordan Veretout and is now struggling for game time. Lorenzo Pellegrini replaces him for now, but it doesn’t look to be a long-term solution as his creativity and attacking threat can’t be exploited.
Gonzalo Villar has also played in midfield, and while his talent and potential are obvious, he might not be a reliable player game after game at his age, especially if Roma are looking to make a Champions League run.
Moving on unneeded midfielders like Diawara, Javier Pastore or Bryan Cristante would allow the side to sign a better player and free up space for up-and-comers Villar and Tommaso Milanese.
Striker
Roma do not seem prepared for the post-Edin Dzeko era. Whether the striker leaves or not, Fonseca must find a replacement soon. The recently third-highest goal scorer in the club’s history is now nearly 35-years-old.
Patrick Schick did not work out. Borja Mayoral, on loan from Real Madrid, has disappointed so far. Rumours claim that Milik could be arriving shortly from Napoli, but the Polish striker has also lacked form in recent seasons. A crisis could be approaching at AS Roma if the void in the attacking role is left empty, considering that Mkhitaryan (31) and Pedro (33) are also past their prime years.
Roma is at a crossroads this January. If the transfer window is successful, it could turn the club around. Bad investments could however put the team in trouble in the next couple of years. Roma still haven’t found a new sporting director, which could be costly. On the bright side, the club’s latest signings have mostly been up to the mark. I Romanisti will be following the developments very carefully.
Main Photo
