Roma Target Chelsea's Jamie Gittens as Backup After Garnacho Deal Collapses

Roma have shifted their summer attacking pursuit toward Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, with sporting director Tony D’Amico identifying him as a viable alternative following the club’s failed bid to sign Alejandro Garnacho.

The Giallorossi had been frontrunners for Garnacho’s signature once Chelsea made the Argentine available, but the winger opted to join Aston Villa on an initial season-long loan instead. With that door closed, Roma’s attention has moved to a different profile at Stamford Bridge.

Roma Pivot to Gittens After Losing Garnacho Race

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Tuttomercato, D’Amico views Gittens as an attainable option to strengthen Roma’s creative department. The 22-year-old England youth international finds himself in a comparable situation to Garnacho at Chelsea, having failed to secure a starting role during his debut season at the club. Roma are exploring a loan structure for the former Borussia Dortmund winger.

Gittens arrived at Chelsea last summer for £52 million but endured a difficult first year marked by inconsistent performances and a serious hamstring injury. He managed one goal and five assists across 27 appearances before being ruled out. While the club had signaled patience with his development as recently as June, that position may be reconsidered now that left-sided attacker Morgan Rogers has been signed from Aston Villa for a record £117 million.

His situation was underlined during Chelsea’s recent 3-0 pre-season win over Juventus when Gittens was left unused on the bench. With Chelsea absent from European competition this season, the rotation opportunities that might have justified keeping him are limited, making a temporary departure increasingly logical.

Gasperini Pressing for a Left-Sided Attacker Before Season Opener

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing the Roma hierarchy to finalize a deal before their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on August 24. He wants a wide attacker capable of cutting inside, creating overloads, and maintaining high pressing intensity. The search is part of a wider offensive rebuild at the Stadio Olimpico as the club looks to build on last season’s top-four finish.

Financial Constraints Shape the Target List

Roma’s recruitment is complicated by budget restrictions. Interest in RB Leipzig‘s Antonio Nusa has cooled after the German club set a €60 million asking price that Roma deemed excessive. Attention has since turned to Lyon‘s Malick Fofana, a Belgian prospect who impressed despite an injury-disrupted season. Lyon are seeking around €45 million for Fofana, and Roma are hoping to negotiate the fee down to a workable figure.

With the transfer window narrowing, the pressure on D’Amico to deliver the reinforcements Gasperini has requested is mounting. Follow TipsGG for continued coverage of Roma’s transfer activity as the deadline approaches.