Massara pushes Tottenham on a low-risk formula as Gasperini waits for defensive cover; Raspadori’s move now feels inevitable
Roma’s January market is finally shifting gears. While Giacomo Raspadori edges closer to becoming Gasperini’s first true attacking reinforcement, the club has also reignited contacts for Radu Dragusin, identifying the Romanian defender as a key solution to an increasingly thin back line.
Dragusin back on Roma’s radar
Radu Dragusin has emerged as a concrete option for Roma’s defense. After an initial inquiry weeks ago, sporting director Frederic Massara has intensified talks in recent hours, engaging directly with the player’s agents and reopening dialogue with Tottenham Hotspur.
The renewed push comes at the explicit request of Gian Piero Gasperini, who has flagged an emergency in central defense. Against Lecce, Roma were forced to field only two available center-backs—both backups—and the squad currently counts just five players for three positions. One of them, Ghilardi, could still leave on loan to gain experience.
Tottenham are open to letting Dragusin go but prefer a permanent transfer, valuing the player at around €15 million, even after his recent return from an ACL injury. Roma, however, are holding firm on a low-cost solution, ideally a loan with an option to buy in June. The gap is not small, but contacts are ongoing.
The alternatives: Oosterwolde and Disasi
Should the Dragusin path stall, Roma are keeping alternatives warm. Jayden Oosterwolde of Fenerbahçe remains a strong candidate, with the Turkish club already open to a loan-plus-option structure.
Another monitored profile is Axel Disasi, currently at Chelsea. Signed for €45 million from Monaco two and a half years ago, Disasi is now available even on a temporary basis, as Chelsea look to reshape their squad.
Raspadori: the decisive day
While the defense is under discussion, Roma’s priority remains the attack—and today could be decisive for Giacomo Raspadori.
After watching the Spanish Super Cup semifinal between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid from the bench in Jeddah, Raspadori is now returning to Madrid. At Trigoria, optimism is growing that his next flight will be to Rome.
The structure of the deal is set:
- €2.5 million loan fee
- €19 million option to buy, plus bonuses
- a penalty clause if Roma decide not to exercise the option
To convince the player, Roma have gone all-in: a central role in Gasperini’s project and an improved contract worth close to €4 million net per season. A clear signal that Raspadori is not seen as a stopgap, but as a pillar of the new cycle.
Napoli attempted a late move to bring him back, offering Antonio Conte a familiar solution. But timing matters in the transfer market—and this time Roma appear to have moved faster.
Gasperini waits, Roma push
Massara is now finalizing documents and last details, with the goal of closing the Raspadori deal before the weekend. Gasperini, who will return to speaking publicly after the silence in Lecce, hopes to have at least one new face available between Coppa Italia and the upcoming league match against Torino.
Dragusin may require more patience. Raspadori, instead, feels like a matter of hours.
Roma’s January window, after weeks of tension and delays, is finally starting to take shape.
