El Aynaoui latest midfield talent on Roma list | OneFootball

Roma are continuing the hunt for midfielders and their latest strong target is Neil El Aynaoui of Lens, whose asking price is set at €30m.

The team is undergoing a significant revamp for new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, albeit keeping within the limits of the Financial Fair Play parameters.

Football Italia’s own Alfredo Pedullà had already written about the pursuit of Richard Rios of Palmeiras, but he is not the only name on their list.

El Aynaoui has same cost as Rios for Roma

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 28: Richard Rios #8 of Palmeiras walks onto the pitch prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between SE Palmeiras and Botafogo FR at Lincoln Financial Field on June 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio, there is also strong interest from Roma into El Aynaoui.

He just turned 24 earlier this month, was born and raised in France, but played his international football at youth level for Morocco.

Already linked with Juventus and Lazio earlier in the summer, now Roma seem to be keeping a close eye on him.

Moving from AS Nancy to Lens in 2023, his value has sky-rocketed thanks to a season where he scored eight goals and provided one assist in 24 Ligue 1 games.

The report suggests that Lens want €30m to sell El Aynaoui, very similar to the cost of Colombia international Rios from Palmeiras.