Gasperini shuts down Zaha-to-Roma links, hints at Atalanta stay

Gian Piero Gasperini appears to have cooled speculation linking Wilfried Zaha with Roma, just one day after reports suggested the free agent could emerge as a late solution to the coach’s request for another winger.

Roma were reported to be considering the free-agent market after failing to add another left-sided attacker during the summer transfer window, with Zaha among the names under consideration alongside Raphael Guerreiro and Krépin Diatta.

However, Gasperini’s comments at Friday’s press conference suggest the Giallorossi are not particularly close to bringing in another player.

Asked directly whether Roma could turn to the free-agent market, the former Atalanta coach was notably unenthusiastic about the prospect.

“I think it is difficult, I don’t know what opportunities there could be. I wouldn’t count on it too much.”

That assessment is significant given that Gasperini had spent much of the summer pushing Roma to strengthen their options on the left side of his attack. The club ultimately failed to land his preferred profile before the transfer window closed, leading to reports that the free-agent pool could provide one final opportunity.

Zaha therefore emerged as an intriguing possibility. The winger is available after his contract with Galatasaray expired in June and has previous experience of playing in a system that could suit Gasperini’s demands.

LECCE, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Head coach of AS Roma Gian Piero Gasperini during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on August 31, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) Gasperini plays down free market moves for Roma amid Zaha links Yet Gasperini’s latest comments suggest Roma are unlikely to rush into a deal simply for the sake of adding another player.

The coach was asked about the market again when discussing their options on the wing, but remained cautious.

“I don’t know, it will be evaluated. I’m not so confident, but we’ll see if there is some opportunity.”

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) While Gasperini has not explicitly ruled out Zaha or any other free agent, his repeated reluctance to rely on the market represents a significant change from the speculation surrounding Roma just 24 hours ago.

For now, it appears the Giallorossi will work with the squad already assembled for Gasperini, rather than making Zaha the final piece of their summer transfer business.