Sporting Director Massara Initiates Brobbey Talks, Dovbyk`s Departure Crucial. Embolo Interest Remains Strong.
Roma is making a strong push for Dutch striker Brian Brobbey in this crucial phase of the transfer market. The club has been tracking Brobbey for some time, and he was already offered to director Florent Ghisolfi in late May. Sporting director Ricky Massara has instructed an intermediary to explore the situation with Ajax to understand the conditions for a potential transfer. Brobbey is officially on the market, and with his contract expiring in 2027, Ajax aims to monetize his sale. The asking price is around 25 million euros, but Roma hopes to finalize the deal for 20-21 million. However, the priority is the sale of Artem Dovbyk to free up squad space and funds.
Brobbey`s Situation at Ajax
Ajax`s current coach, John Heitinga, does not seem to consider Brobbey a key player; the forward has not played a single minute in the first three Eredivisie matches due to injury and tactical decisions. His previous season was not stellar, with 7 goals and 6 assists in 44 appearances under Farioli. Currently, the starting striker is Weghorst, and Ajax is also monitoring Myron Boadu from Monaco, whose contract is expiring. To finance new acquisitions, Ajax needs to generate funds from Brobbey`s sale, as the club`s finances are no longer as robust as they once were. Heitinga also has Bertrand Traoré, who can play as a central striker, and the promising 19-year-old Don-Angelo Konadu at his disposal. It is clear that both the club and the player are ready to part ways. Nevertheless, Brobbey is attracting interest from Sunderland and Stuttgart, while a previous offer from Rennes was rejected.
Roma`s Needs at Trigoria
At Trigoria, Roma is actively searching for a new central forward, despite strategic denials aimed at maintaining Artem Dovbyk`s market value. Dovbyk has not fully convinced Gasperini, who expects a significant reinforcement before the transfer window closes. Initially, Gasperini had hoped for Nikola Krstovic (who moved to Atalanta for 25 million euros plus a future resale percentage) or Fabio Silva (acquired by Borussia Dortmund for 22.5 million plus 4 million in bonuses), who might debut soon. Silva, in particular, was a profile strongly desired by the Giallorossi coach, who saw great potential in him. Gasperini`s initial wishes have clashed with market realities, and Massara is now seeking a suitable alternative to satisfy the coach`s demands.
Alternatives to Brobbey
However, sporting director Massara doesn`t have only Brobbey on his radar. He continues to monitor Breel Embolo with interest, who scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in 42 matches for Monaco last year. With his contract expiring next June, Embolo could be a more affordable option, valued between 10 and 12 million euros, making him a concrete alternative for the final days of the market. Another name is Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, who scored 14 goals in 29 games last season and has started the current one well with a decisive goal. However, Emegha, being six years younger and with a longer contract, costs twice as much as Embolo, approximately 22-25 million euros. A swap deal involving Dovbyk and Gimenez with Milan appears complicated. What is certain, however, is that Gasperini expects new arrivals by August 31st, and the idea of Brobbey is the most convincing path Roma is pursuing to meet its coach`s requests.
