Roma Open Talks With Giacomo Raspadori’s Entourage Over Potential January Switch

Giacomo Raspadori could be on his way back to Italy with AS Roma keen to sign the 25-year-old forward. 

Raspadori has struggled since making a summer-switch to Atletico Madrid. Roma is understood to have already made contact with his representatives.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is a keen admirer of the Azzurri forward and wants him to lead the Giallorossi’s title charge in the new year.

Giacomo Raspadori Transfer News

Having made the switch to the Spanish capital in August, Giacomo Raspadori has failed to hit the heights that were expected of him.

Raspadori has played just 291 minutes across 11 appearances and scored once in all competitions. Now, La Gazzetta dello Sport report that a Serie A return is likely.

Even though Roma are targeting Mathys Tel, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini favors Raspadori and desperately wants him on board at the Stadio Olimpico.

In fact, Gasperini tried to sign the 25-year-old two years ago whilst in charge of Atalanta. It appears the wily old boss may succeed this time around having opened negotiations with the player’s entourage.

So far, the response has been positive and a deal is close to being struck. It’s understood an initial loan offer will suffice with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for €20-22million.

Will Giacomo Raspadori Fit Into Roma’s System?

In a nutshell, yes, Giacomo Raspadori is a perfect fit for Roma. His style of play and predatory instincts are just what Gian Piero Gasperini is looking for.

Raspadori is able to perform in a number of attacking positions. Something of which Gasperini likes to have at his disposal. Quick, agile and with a low center of gravity, the Italy international is technically gifted with a keen eye for goal.

Furthermore, Raspadori is strong with both feet and his energy and stamina helps draw defenders out of position. His link-up play is second to none and he is a great overall team player.

With a new Paulo Dybala contract unlikely at this stage, Raspadori could quickly be installed as a fan’s favorite in Rome. Especially if he can prove to be a stronger option than the likes of Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk.

What Other Forward’s Are Roma Interested In?

Alongside Giacomo Raspadori and Mathys Tel, Serie A fan Jean-Philippe Mateta is also an option for Gian Piero Gasperini. However, the Frenchman isn’t likely to move in January.

Joshua Zirkzee had also been mooted but interest has since cooled. The former Bologna star has struggled at Old Trafford but did score his first English Premier League goal of the season last time out against Crystal Palace.

Furthermore, he is expected to secure more minutes owing to Benjamin Sesko’s injury. That leaves the likes of Niclas Fullkrug and Yuri Alberto as other viable options.

Deep down, the Giallorossi and Gasperini wants Raspadori more than anyone. The two-time Scudetto winner isn’t happy in Spain and all that remains is for Atleti and the Romans to open formal talks.