AS Roma have made a fresh move to land Colombian international Richard Rios from Palmeiras, submitting a €28 million offer plus €5 million in bonuses.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi and is pushing hard for the move to materialize.
The 25-year-old is Roma’s top midfield target as they look to revamp the squad under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Rios, who featured prominently for Palmeiras at the FIFA Club World Cup, is determined to play in Serie A next season and has placed Roma at the top of his list.
Richard Rios Transfer News
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Rios is turning down more lucrative proposals in order to secure a move to the Italian capital.
“The player is giving Roma high priority,” Romano explained. “He’s fighting, as he does on the pitch, to wear the Roma shirt.”
Zenit Saint Petersburg reportedly submitted a €30 million bid, but the Colombian has no interest in a move to Russia.
Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also had offers rejected, despite being willing to match Palmeiras’ asking price.
Rios has shown little interest in either Premier League side, and Benfica – who recently signed Enzo Barrenechea for €15m – have yet to meet Palmeiras’ €30 million valuation, despite agreeing personal terms with the player.
Who Will Sign Richard Rios?
While Roma remain confident, Benfica are the main rival in the race for Rios. According to Sportitalia, the Portuguese side had increased their bid to €25 million plus €4 million in add-ons and are in contact with the player’s representatives.
Rios is reportedly open to joining Benfica if they can strike a deal with Palmeiras. However, Roma remain firmly in the lead due to Rios’ desire to play in Serie A and the personal agreement already in place.
Roma believes they’ve made the strongest offer both financially and personally. With Benfica still hovering, it’s expected that the next week will be decisive.
If Palmeiras accepts the Roman club’s bid, Rios is ready to fly to Italy to complete his medical and sign a five-year contract.
Why Roma Want Richard Rios
Rios fits Gasperini’s profile for a combative, technically gifted midfielder capable of operating in both defensive and box-to-box roles.
With 23 senior caps for Colombia, the midfielder brings both international experience and high upside at 25 years old.
His tenacity, vision, and work rate make him a potential long-term anchor in Roma’s midfield – a position the club has been aiming to strengthen under Gasperini.
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