Gasperini: ‘De Roon lets Roma spend in other areas, not heard anything about Soule’

Gasperini: ‘De Roon lets Roma spend in other areas, not heard anything about Soule’ Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has explained why Roma were able to pinch Marten De Roon from Atalanta in such quick fashion, has commented on the recent arrival of Leonardo Balerdi, but denies that there have been any formal approaches for Matias Soule. Gasperini discusses Roma’s late transfer business: ‘It’s come about quickly’ The Giallorossi are having a busy end to the summer transfer window, with De Roon on his way over from Atalanta to reunite with Gasperini, and with the arrival of Balerdi from Marseille. Additionally, Neil El-Aynaoui looks set to join RB Leipzig, Soule has been linked with a move to the Premier League, while Gasp says that he still wants another two additions before the close of the summer transfer window on September 1. Official: Leonardo Belardi holds up his Roma shirt after joining the club on loan with an option to buy from Marseille (via www.asroma.com) Gasperini had an opportunity to discuss Roma’s transfer business during his pre-match press conference on Sunday, ahead of his side’s upcoming league clash away against Lecce on Monday evening. “It was something that came about quickly,” said Gasperini, discussing Roma’s deal for long-term Atalanta servant De Roon. “After so many years at Atalanta, he was no longer part of their plans. There was a possibility, I spoke to Percassi just a few days ago, they let him go. We thank them, he really wanted to come to Roma. “It’s an opportunity for us. We can free El Aynaoui, who had other options, so we have replaced him. It’s advantageous from an economic point of view because it allows us to reinvest in another position. He will join a strong group, he can be a key player, we’ve brought in two captains with him and Balerdi. You need personality and physicality as well as young talent. He’s Dutch, like Malen, to compensate for our many Argentines, we’re happy.” BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 22: Marten de Roon of Atalanta celebrates becoming the clubs record appearance holder with family members in front of the fans after the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) Roma have also announced the signing of Argentine defender Balerdi on loan with a potential obligation to buy from Marseille on Sunday. “It’s a similar speech to the De Roon one. He’s still relatively young, but he’s in the prime of his career. He gives strength to the defensive department, which is already strong, but we will have a lot of games and we need these guys to make the squad more competitive. “We needed him, but to compete, we need a left attacking midfielder and a full-back. Angelino and Tsimikas have left, Lulli’s performances have given us a bit of confidence, but we have to think about the full season. I’d like a signing in attack.” Speaking of transfers, Soule has been linked with a move to Premier League side Fulham , but Gasperini insists that he is not involved on that front and that he still expects the Argentine to play on Monday. ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Matias Soule of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) “I respect everything, I don’t read much but I hear about everything. I’ve never heard about a proposal for Soule. For me, tomorrow he will still probably play. That doesn’t mean that the agents aren’t making moves, but there has never been anything concrete.” Gasperini also fielded questions on his decision to let Neil El Aynaoui leave for RB Leipzig. “He played very well up until December, but struggled after the Africa Cup of Nations,” Gasperini said. “He had different expectations after the World Cup. I had a feeling that he wanted a different experience. We only want players who are happy to play here, so that’s why it has come about. There were genuine solutions and this allows us to do something else.”