Antonio Nusa is still a real option for Roma, but the numbers behind the transfer explain why the process has been slow. According to Corriere dello Sport , RB Leipzig value the Norwegian winger at €55 million – more than the €50 million that would have secured Crysencio Summerville before he chose to go to Saudi Arabia. This is despite the fact that Nusa only scored four goals in the Bundesliga last season.
That is exactly the same number of goals as Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is now clubless, accounted for in Serie A. Improving such statistics is usually Gian Piero Gasperini’s specialty; after all, he is the coach who transformed a previously accurate Lookman into a goal machine with 15 net appearances at Atalanta. Still, the fluctuating numbers around Nusa underline the challenges Roma face in the transfer market.
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Roma need three attacking reinforcements: two wingers and a replacement for Donyell Malen. Three goals have already been missed, including Tzolis’ move to Arsenal, but three other options are still on the table. Nusa is Plan A – a player that Erling Haaland complements very well in the national team – while Cologne’s El Mala is Plan B for the final third. Leipzig’s interest in El Mala could still prove to be the key that frees Nusa; A triangle that is definitely worth following.
Rashford appears in Roma’s talks with United over Koné
Gasperini has also shown interest in Fenerbahçe’s Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup. In addition, Marcus Rashford was reportedly offered to Roma on Friday, as part of the ongoing talks with Manchester United about midfielder Manu Koné.
The plan for the role of trequartista is to combine one established name with one promising young talent for a more modest sum. PSG’s 18-year-old Mbaye and Feyenoord’s Sauer have both been under close scrutiny by sporting director D’Amico for a long time. Tresoldi will only come into the picture if the hunt for Santiago Castro fails.
With almost two months of standstill behind them and 37 days left in the transfer window, Roma have both time and financial means at their disposal. The club’s leaders just need to keep a cool head and keep calm.
Kasper Høgh lands in the UK tonight and leaves behind big money in Bodø/Glimt
