Roma Bolsters Squad: El Aynaoui Arrives, Ferguson and Wesley Nearing Completion, Rios Deal Off

Football Italy » Roma Bolsters Squad: El Aynaoui Arrives, Ferguson and Wesley Nearing Completion, Rios Deal Off
Preview Roma Bolsters Squad: El Aynaoui Arrives, Ferguson and Wesley Nearing Completion, Rios Deal Off

Neil El Aynaoui is officially AS Roma`s first new signing under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. The French-Moroccan midfielder landed at Fiumicino Airport late yesterday evening and is set to formalize the agreement that will officially make him a Giallorossi player in the coming hours. A versatile midfielder, known for his technical quality, physicality, and tactical intelligence, El Aynaoui joins Roma from Lens in a deal worth approximately 25 million euros, comprising a fixed fee of 23 million and 2 million in bonuses.

As stated, this marks the initial acquisition for the Massara-Gasperini duo, with El Aynaoui expected to slot into the midfield alongside Manu Koné, replacing Leandro Paredes. El Aynaoui was chosen over Richard Rios, a decision that has caused some discontent among Giallorossi fans. The 2001-born player now faces the challenging task of winning over a fanbase that, at present, largely opposed his arrival. The player`s social media accounts were inundated with comments, forcing El Aynaoui to limit interactions. This backlash stemmed from many supporters` preference for the Colombian Palmeiras midfielder, whose move has now definitively fallen through, and who is reportedly set to join Benfica instead.

However, AS Roma`s transfer activities are far from over. On the front of Evan Ferguson, a definitive agreement is reportedly very close, with the 2004-born Irish striker expected to move to the capital on a loan with an option to buy, in a deal valued around 40 million euros. Lastly, regarding Wesley, the player is actively signaling his strong desire to wear the Giallorossi shirt as soon as possible, working personally to convince Flamengo to release him. The Brazilian club continues to resist, but Roma remains optimistic about a positive outcome to the negotiations. These three potential reinforcements could soon bring back good spirits to Gasperini, who, in a press conference following yesterday`s 14-0 friendly win against Trastevere, began to send the first subtle warnings to the club management. “Unfortunately, there have been a few issues, and we are certainly a bit behind in the transfer market. Compared to last season, we also have many absences because several players have left,” he told the media, adding: “Am I worried? A little bit… the championship starts in less than a month, but I am sure everything will be done as it should be.”

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