Report Roma make Balerdi offer to Olympique Marseille

Roma have made a formal offer for Olympique Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi, claim multiple sources, on loan with option to buy.

The Giallorossi had been seeking a versatile defender and did pick up Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce, but abandoned the transfer when issues were flagged during the medical.

Balerdi now top of Roma list

Footmercato were the first to report this afternoon that Roma had dived in for Balerdi with a written proposal to Marseille.

That news was then confirmed by Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and more.

It is believed to be a loan with option to buy at the end of the season, which can become an obligation if certain conditions are met.

If Roma have financial parameters to stick to this summer, then Olympique Marseille are in an even worse situation, desperate to make sales and reduce the wage bill to avoid running into serious penalties.

Balerdi joined the Ligue 1 side in 2020 from Borussia Dortmund, having previously represented Boca Juniors.

He has 11 senior caps for Argentina, although he was not in the World Cup squad for 2022 or 2026.

Roma and Juventus had already been linked with a potential swoop for the 27-year-old in recent months.