Roma to soon hold talks for Rennes’ Arthur Theate | OneFootball

The transfer team at Roma have set their sights on reinforcements both at the back and up top, with Arthur Theate and Sehrou Guirassy identified as targets.

That’s according to Daniele Longo, who has provided an insight into the plans of the board at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

First on the agenda comes a potential January addition to Jose Mourinho’s squad.

Amid the ongoing fitness struggles of Chris Smalling, it is understood that Roma are desperate to bring in at least one new defender with a view to the 2nd half of the term.

And at the top of the shortlist of Mourinho and co. comes Stade Rennais star Arthur Theate.

Belgian international Theate boasts previous experience of Italian football, having lined out for Bologna during the 2021/22 campaign.

Still just 23 years of age, and widely regarded as a potential star in the making, the stopper has therefore been identified as the ideal target on the red half of the Rome divide.

Coaxing Rennes into a sale, particularly mid-season, though, will likely prove a tough task. Talks with his agent are likely to take place in the next few days.

Turning attentions towards the other end of the pitch, the Giallorossi remain keen to add fresh blood up top, too.

With the future of Romelu Lukaku still unclear, Roma could turn their attentions towards more affordable options upon the expiration of the Belgian’s loan next summer. And one potential target is Guirassy.

Hitman Guirassy has enjoyed a stunning season to date, to the tune of 16 goals in just 11 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart.

With a €17 million release clause in the contract of the Guinean, a number of clubs are therefore understood to be expressing a keen interest in his services.

Manchester United are currently at the front of the queue, ready to move for Guirassy as early as January.

Should such a move fail to come to fruition, though, Roma are primed to pounce, to bring the 27-year-old to Italy for 2024/25.

Conor Laird | GIFN