Roma have reportedly added Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens to their transfer shortlist after missing out on Alejandro Garnacho earlier this summer.
The Serie A club had been favourites to land Garnacho, who Chelsea put up for sale less than a year after his move from Manchester United. However, Aston Villa secured the Argentina international on loan, with a permanent transfer possible if certain criteria are met.
Roma's search for a left-sided attacker
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is still keen to sign a left-sided attacker, with the club's season opener against Fiorentina scheduled for August 24. Reports from Italy, via The Sun, indicate that RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa, Lyon's Malick Fofana, and Jamie Gittens are on the shortlist.
Gittens, like Garnacho, moved to Stamford Bridge last summer for £52 million from Borussia Dortmund. His debut season was difficult, scoring just one goal and providing five assists in 27 appearances before a hamstring injury ended his season early.
Potential loan move
In June, Chelsea were reportedly willing to be patient with Gittens, but that was before manager Xabi Alonso spent a record £117 million on left-sided attacker Morgan Rogers. The 22-year-old was an unused substitute in Saturday's 3-0 pre-season win over AC Milan, and with no European football this season, game time could be limited.
Roma have limited transfer funds, so a loan move is expected, but it remains unclear whether Alonso would sanction Gittens' departure. Gittens is not among the 11 players Chelsea are reportedly trying to sell before the transfer window closes, and he would be the only backup to Rogers if Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk leave.
Chelsea have two more friendlies before starting their season away to Fulham on August 24.
