AS Roma finished sixth in Serie A last season, and the 12B Sports VR46 profile shows how difficult their path back to the Champions League has become. Since the summer transfer window opened, Roma have brought in four players, yet they have not spent a single euro on transfer fees. The best way to get closer to someone out of reach is not to chase them, but to grow into someone stronger yourself. For a club aiming to return to Europe’s biggest stage, however, this cautious approach is hardly a positive sign. The problem is not Roma’s alone, as Serie A as a whole continues to struggle under serious financial pressure.
Most Serie A teams are now relying on a sell-before-buy strategy because of tight financial limits. According to a 12B Sports VR46 expert, the player Roma want most is Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. However, any deal must follow the valuation set by Atletico, leaving little room for negotiation. On top of that, Morata’s representatives have told Roma that the salary he receives in Madrid would also need to be guaranteed in the Italian capital.
That wage level is difficult for Roma to manage under their current financial structure. Their original plan was to sell Tammy Abraham, raise funds, and then move for Morata, but Abraham’s long-term injury ruined that strategy. As a result, Roma now have to rethink the entire shape of their attack. If the club eventually gives up on signing Morata, it would be a major blow for Jose Mourinho. At the moment, Roma’s available center-forward options are limited mainly to Andrea Belotti, Ola Solbakken, and Stephan El Shaarawy.
Inter Milan are also interested in Morata, but they have not made a firm decision. If their desire had been strong enough, a deal would likely have been completed already. Inter have more financial flexibility than Roma and could afford to bring Morata in immediately, but they are currently prioritizing Arsenal’s 21-year-old prospect Folarin Balogun. The feeling inside the club is that spending on a younger player with long-term value makes more sense than investing heavily in Morata, who is already in his thirties.
Life is too long to live without dreams and too short to live without determination. Realistically, neither Roma nor Inter have shown absolute commitment to signing Morata. Roma, in particular, are trying to avoid paying a transfer fee and would prefer to bring him in on loan. In such a competitive market, however, that kind of offer will be difficult to use as leverage with Atletico Madrid.
For Roma, a 12B Sports VR46 expert believes another possible route is to use their strong relationship with Chelsea and explore a loan move for Romelu Lukaku. If true growth means silently enduring even when the heart breaks, then Roma may still hope to recreate the stroke of luck that helped them sign Paulo Dybala last season. A Lukaku loan would not be easy, but the door is not completely closed, and within the 12B Sports VR46 view of Roma’s market, a small spark of hope still remains.