Roma face tension over El Aynaoui and Leweling as Chelsea monitor Koné and Gittens
Quick summary
Roma are dealing with internal tension involving El Aynaoui and Leweling, while Chelsea remain alert for potential moves for Koné and Gittens.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThere are dramatic developments at Roma, as Neil El Aynaoui’s move to RB Leipzig risks collapsing, with reports in turn Jamie Leweling’s flight from Stuttgart has been cancelled, which could alert Chelsea, Manu Koné and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
The Giallorossi had been hoping to get one final deal done on transfer deadline day, bringing in winger Leweling from VfB Stuttgart for a total fee of around €35m.
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 28: Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart reacts during the Bundesliga 2026/27 match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on August 28, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) However, time was running out to get all the details resolved and medical tests performed.
This afternoon, Sportitalia suggest that the flight put on hold in Germany to bring Leweling to the Eternal City has been cancelled.
Roma strategy up in the air ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Neil El Aynaoui of AS Roma celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between AS Roma and FC Midtjylland at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) In turn, Footmercato and Sportitalia claim that the seemingly done deal for Roma to sell El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig is at risk of collapse.
That was meant to be a loan at €4m with option to buy at the end of the season for another €25m, becoming an obligation if certain conditions were met.
The Morocco international flew out for his medical yesterday, but this afternoon there are multiple reports of problems blocking the transfer.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) It might be too late to change the scenario, but it is possible that if El Aynaoui stays, then Roma could accept the €60m Chelsea proposal for Manu Koné instead.
That would also involve the loan of Bynoe-Gittens, who has a similar role to Leweling and was seen as an alternative.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
The article highlights two parallel storylines: at Roma, tension surrounds players El Aynaoui and Leweling, suggesting possible contract or squad-role friction. Separately, Chelsea are reportedly staying alert on transfer targets Koné and Gittens, indicating continued scouting activity ahead of potential window moves. Both situations point to active transfer market dynamics involving Serie A and Premier League clubs.
Chance analysis
Roma's reported internal tension around El Aynaoui and Leweling adds another layer of uncertainty to a Giallorossi squad already under pressure to stabilize. For Chelsea, maintaining alert status on young attacking talents like Koné and Gittens fits the club's pattern of pursuing high-upside profiles for the forward line. The contrast between a club managing discontent and one positioning for moves underlines the different stages both sides are at in their respective windows.
Roma's squad harmony may be disrupted by tension over El Aynaoui and Leweling, while Chelsea's reported interest in Koné and Gittens remains pre-window maneuvering with no confirmed moves.