Top five players Jose Mourinho's AS Roma should target this summer

The Portuguese mastermind will need new additions to bolster Serie A title chase

Jose Mourinho's third season will be needing a refreshed squad after missing out on Europa League last season. Sevilla came out on top in the Europa League 2023 final back on June 1 when they faced the Portuguese manager's Roma. Although AS Roma fell short on extra-time penalties in Europe, they seemingly now are gearing up for the league title challenge this upcoming season.

The summer transfer window will provide Jose Mourinho ample opportunities to strengthen his squad that finished sixth in Serie A last season. Keeping in mind the depth needed to compete in the domestic league and European competition of Europa League stature, a few additions will be welcomed with open arms.

5. Fred (Manchester United)

Although Fred has a year remaining on his contract with the Red Devils, there is keen interest from his former boss. When Mourinho was at Manchester United, the Brazilian midfielder was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk at a transfer fee of €59.00 million. And Jose Mourinho has a habit of recruiting players he has already managed at his previous clubs. For example, we have seen the Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic join Mourinho's Roma on a free transfer, having played under him at two cubs previously.

AS Roma is looking to build around Fred who has been playing in the Premier League for the last five years. The 30-year-old is set to go down the pecking order at Old Trafford and a starting place in the Roma squad could be a much more enticing deal.

4. Gianluca Scamacca (West Ham)

Giallorossi's number-one priority signing this summer has to be Gianluca Scamaca. The West Ham striker will be brought in to replace the out-injured Englishman Tammy Abraham. The London club's £90,000-a-week star has also been in and out of injuries himself, so AS Roma needs to be a little cautious as they go seeking the Italian once again this week as per reports.

The Roma-born striker has just played 928 minutes in the Premier League after moving from US Sassuolo last year. In 16 PL appearances, he was able to score three goals. In total, the Italian made 27 appearances for the Hammers scoring eight times. As Roma comes calling, it will provide Scamaca with a chance to return to his country and his hometown city Rome.

3. Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

Another Manchester United starlet who could swap shirts to join Italian outfit AS Roma is Mason Greenwood. Greenwood's United career has come to a standstill after his misconduct since January 2022 when he was on a steep trajectory of growth. Although in February, Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges on the 21-year-old, he is yet to feature back in the team.

Jose Mourinho has offered Greenwood a chance to reboot his career by offering Serie A and Europa League football. And it was Mourinho who had offered the then 16-year-old winger to go on a pre-season tour with the first-team of Manchester United. It could be a win-win situation for both parties if Greenwood is allowed to leave on loan or on a permanent basis. Roma will get the amazing breathtaking qualities of the Bradford Boy, while Greenwood will get a chance to be back on football pitches.

2. Michele Di Gregorio (AC Monza)

A side that gets promoted to the first division of any football league goes through a rough transition. Facing players and teams of improved calibre makes it much more difficult to avoid getting relegated. But AC Monza was able to finish 11th in the 2022-23 Serie A season. A notable part of it was goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio's efforts. The 25-year-old stood firm in all of his 37 appearances and was able to keep ten clean sheets across the season.

While at AS Roma, the veteran keeper Rui Patrício turned 35 on Feb 15 and will not be getting any younger. Signing Di Gregorio will future-proof the position in between the sticks and will provide ample depth in Mourinho's bid to win the Serie A this upcoming season.

1. Renato Sanches (Paris Saint-Germain)

With Inter leading the race to sign Davide Frattesi, AS Roma’s number one priority for the midfield, Roma could be looking elsewhere. Renato Sanches could come in as a wild card deal. It's been just a year since Renato Sanches moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille for a €15 million transfer fee. And now it's reported, Roma are looking to sign the Portuguese midfielder.

If Roma is able to pull off the acquisition of Renato Sanches, Mourinho will get a versatile midfielder. Sanches is able to play in a defensive midfield role along with central also. The 25-year-old has a contract until 2027 with 2023 Ligue 1 champions and pockets €6 million a year. Roma may not be in a position to offer the same deal while also paying a transfer fee upfront, a loan-to-buy deal could be a more suitable option.