La Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed the contact on Wednesday, with AS Roma understood to have initiated discussions after Greenwood signalled privately that he was interested in joining the Italian club for the 2026-27 Champions League campaign. Gasperini's attacking system — high pressing, direct, technically demanding — is also considered a strong fit for the 24-year-old's profile.
Greenwood's season at Marseille was outstanding by any measure. He finished with 26 goals and 11 assists in 45 competitive appearances and was nominated for the Ligue 1 player of the year award. He has accumulated 48 goals and 17 assists in 81 appearances since arriving from Manchester United in 2024.
The obstacle is financial. Marseille hold Greenwood under contract until June 2029 and are demanding between €55 million and €60 million for his transfer. That figure is significantly above what Roma budgeted for in their post-season planning and reflects the financial regulator DNCG's pressure on Marseille to generate income before 30 June.
Roma are expected to fund any deal through the sale of midfielders Manu Koné — already in talks with Inter Milan — and Matias Soule, whose market value has increased significantly after a strong debut season. Both departures could generate up to €80 million combined, creating the financial headroom Roma need.
Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund had all registered interest in Greenwood earlier this year. Saudi Arabia made a concrete approach that was rejected. The player's preference is to remain in European football and to play in the Champions League — a condition Roma can satisfy, having qualified in third place in Serie A.
A return to England remains off the table. Greenwood was released by Manchester United in January 2024 following an internal review of conduct after the withdrawal of criminal charges. The circumstances of his departure from United have effectively closed Premier League clubs to his return.
Roma believe the momentum is with them. Whether the price can be negotiated closer to a figure they can reach will determine how far this goes.