AS Roma are continuing to examine the free-agent market as they search for greater impact on the left side of their attack, with Wilfried Zaha and Krepin Diatta among the players under consideration.
Roma had been pursuing Jamie Leweling of Stuttgart, but that route has now failed to produce an agreement. The Italian club is therefore assessing alternatives who could offer more pace, directness and threat in the final third.
Sporting director Tony D’Amico is understood to have drawn up a shortlist of players who could meet the requirements of the coaching staff, with the club weighing experience against cost as it considers its next move.
Zaha offers experience
Wilfried Zaha is one of the leading names being examined, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Ivory Coast international has previously played for Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Charlotte FC, giving him considerable experience at the highest level.
Zaha, 33, is currently without a club and could be available immediately, making him an appealing option for the Giallorossi as they look to strengthen without having to negotiate a transfer fee.
The forward was already close to joining Roma in 2023, although a move did not materialise at that time. His availability has now revived interest, with the Italian club considering whether his experience and attacking ability could provide an instant solution.
According to exclusive information from Africafoot, Young Boys are also interested in trying to sign Zaha. The Ivorian is therefore attracting attention from more than one club despite remaining without a contract.
Diatta could be a cheaper alternative
Roma are also considering Krepin Diatta, who has been without a club since leaving Monaco. The Senegal international is another player attracting interest from Crystal Palace, as previously reported exclusively by Africafoot.
Diatta could provide an alternative on the left flank, while his status as a free agent makes him a relatively accessible option in the current market. His estimated value is €6m, according to Transfermarkt, compared with €3.5m for Zaha.
The difference in those valuations may form part of Roma’s assessment as they decide whether to prioritise the more experienced Zaha or pursue a younger alternative in Diatta. Both players are being considered as possible additions capable of bringing creativity and greater depth to the attacking department.
Roma are not limiting their search to the forward positions. The club could also study the possibility of signing Portugal international Raphael Guerreiro, who is available after leaving Bayern Munich. That move would represent a potential solution at left-back and could be explored at a later stage.
The Italian side must now choose between several options, with Zaha and Diatta currently among the most prominent attacking possibilities following the breakdown of the Leweling pursuit.
Roma are also due to face Atalanta in the third round of the Italian league. Betting company 1xbet lists Atalanta at 4.80 to win, with a draw priced at 3.70 and an Roma victory at 1.66.