AS Roma have been interested in a move for Nottingham Forest‘s Morato but a deal has hit a hurdle.
Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered that the Italian side had held discussions for the centre-back. They had, in fact, reached an agreement in principle over an initial loan deal with an option to buy. The player was also awaiting the green light to join the club.
He was seen as a replacement for Jan Ziolkowski, who was on his way to Monza, having been linked with Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.
But now, difficulties are emerging.
Doubts after discussions
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Roma see Thilo Kehrer as a possible target, holding talks over a deal.
This comes after they faced disappointment during talks with Nottingham Forest for Morato. Oliver Glasner’s side expressed hesitation in letting him leave on loan with an option to buy, which is Roma’s preferable way of signing a defender.
Alfredo Pedulla adds more, denying Roma are interested in Kehrer.
He goes on to suggest Nottingham Forest indeed haven’t opened up to Roma’s advances for Morato.
As a result, Ziolkowski can now stay at Roma and his Monza transfer fall through. The Giallorossi’s plan was to initially sign a replacement for the Pole (Morato) but the Midlands’ club might have just ruined their plans for the backline.
Our take: Roma should keep watching
The 25-year-old hasn’t been a regular at all at Nottingham Forest since joining from Benfica in 2025. He could have a similar season this time around and staying with Glasner’s side may not be wise.
Roma can offer Morato Champions League football. While he may not be a regular, Roma’s return to Europe’s elite competition will force them into rotation and he can capitalise on that through the season.
