Roma turn to Luiz Henrique in late push for wide attacker

Roma have turned their attention to Luiz Henrique as they continue the search for a late-window attacking addition for Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Zenit winger has become one of the most concrete options for Roma after difficulties in other wide-player talks, with Sky Sport reporting that the Giallorossi are now working to finalise a deal. The move has not been officially announced and remains in negotiation, but Roma’s pursuit has moved beyond a general market idea.

UOL reported earlier in the weekend that Roma had signalled an offer worth around €30m, with bonuses potentially taking the package to €40m. The Brazilian outlet also said Zenit had received the proposal positively and were willing to advance, leaving the player’s camp as an important part of the next step.

That makes Luiz Henrique different from some of Roma’s other attacking links. Jamie Leweling and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens have both been explored, but deal structure and availability have complicated those routes. Luiz Henrique now appears to offer Roma a more active path, even if the operation is still short of agreement.

The 25-year-old would give Gasperini the direct wide profile Roma have been trying to add throughout the final phase of the window. Roma’s squad already has technical quality through players such as Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen, but Gasperini has also wanted pace, vertical running and one-v-one threat from the left side of the attack.

The financial context matters. Roma’s move for Marten de Roon from Atalanta was structured at low cost, while Neil El Aynaoui is moving towards RB Leipzig in a loan deal with an option to buy. Gasperini has openly linked those midfield decisions to Roma’s ability to concentrate resources in another position, and the attack is now the area being targeted.

For Zenit, the decision is whether to accept a significant package for a player who has also attracted interest from Brazil during the window. Luiz Henrique played for Zenit against Fakel on Saturday, but UOL reported that match could become his final appearance for the Russian club if negotiations progress quickly.

For Roma, the final days of the window are becoming a test of execution. Luiz Henrique is not yet close enough to describe as a completed signing, but he is now central to the club’s attempt to give Gasperini the wide attacker he has been waiting for.