Marten de Roon arrives in Rome to complete Roma move from Atalanta

Marten de Roon has arrived in Rome to complete his move from Atalanta to Roma, bringing him closer to a reunion with Gian Piero Gasperini after a decade-defining spell in Bergamo.

The transfer has not yet been formally announced by Roma, but the operation is in its final stage. ANSA reported that De Roon landed at Fiumicino from Milan Linate on Sunday afternoon and was met by Roma staff before heading for the medical checks required to complete the move.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Roma and Atalanta have defined the agreement, with the deal expected to cost around €1m in bonuses. The structure reflects both De Roon’s contract situation and Atalanta’s willingness to allow one of the most important players in their modern history to leave on respectful terms.

The move carries more emotional weight than most late-window midfield deals. De Roon became Atalanta’s all-time record appearance holder with 445 matches, serving as a central figure in the club’s rise from Serie A overachievers to a regular European side. His exit marks the end of a long cycle in Bergamo, not simply the departure of a fringe squad player.

De Roon made that tension clear before travelling. Speaking as he left Atalanta’s training centre, he said Gasperini had strongly wanted him at Roma and described the move as the right solution in the circumstances, while also admitting he was not happy to be leaving a club and city to which he remained deeply attached.

For Roma, the logic is immediate. De Roon gives Gasperini a midfielder he knows completely, a player trusted for discipline, defensive positioning and leadership rather than long-term upside. Gasperini said in his Roma press conference that De Roon adds value and allows the club to concentrate resources in other roles while maintaining strength in midfield.

The arrival also fits Roma’s wider late-window reshuffle. Neil El Aynaoui is moving towards RB Leipzig, and De Roon is expected to take that place in the squad as a lower-cost, more experienced option. It is a short-term sporting bet built around familiarity with the coach and the need for personality in a demanding season.

Until Roma confirm the signing, the move should remain classified as advanced rather than official. But with De Roon already in the capital and the agreement defined, the final steps are medical, signature and announcement.