Roma’s search for a right-back Intensifies after missing out on Pubill

Roma’s pursuit of a right-back has taken a new turn as their top target, Marc Pubill, is on the verge of joining Atalanta. The deal for the Almeria player, valued at €16 million, is expected to be finalized after the Olympic final on Friday. Pubill was highly favored by manager Daniele De Rossi, who sought a physically strong and dynamic player for the right flank. With Pubill likely heading to Atalanta, Roma’s sporting director, Tiago Pinto, must now focus on alternative options.

Calciomercato report that one potential candidate is Raoul Bellanova from Torino. De Rossi had identified Bellanova as a target back in June, recognizing him as one of Serie A’s standout performers last season. Torino’s president, Urbano Cairo, has set a price tag of at least €20 million, which could be feasible for Roma if they manage to offload players like Rick Karsdorp, who is close to joining Besiktas. Bellanova is open to the move, but Torino manager Paolo Vanoli is reluctant to lose another key player following Alessandro Buongiorno’s transfer to Napoli. Torino’s sporting director, Davide Vagnati, has also expressed a desire to keep Bellanova.

With the Serie A season opener against Cagliari just 10 days away, Roma is under pressure to secure a right-back. Currently, Mehmet Zeki Çelik is the first-choice option, but he lacks reliability. Other potential targets include Lorenz Assignon from Rennes and Davide Calabria. Assignon is available for around €10 million and is keen on joining Roma despite interest from Aston Villa. Calabria, while considered a backup option, has been proposed to Roma, but De Rossi prefers a player with different attributes.