AS Roma submit €20 million bid for RC Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui amid transfer interest

RC Lens have received a formal offer from AS Roma for highly-rated midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, with the Italian side tabling a bid of €20 million for the 24-year-old.

The Moroccan-French midfielder has emerged as one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 over the past season, attracting significant attention across Europe for his composure, versatility, and consistency in the centre of the pitch.

According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Roma have now taken the first step in trying to lure El Aynaoui to the Stadio Olimpico ahead of the new campaign.

El Aynaoui, who has grown into a pivotal figure within the Lens midfield, is considered one of the club’s most valuable assets.

While the €20 million offer represents a strong statement of intent from the Serie A side, Lens are reportedly holding out for a higher fee, believing that the initial proposal does not reflect the player’s true market value or his growing influence on the pitch.

Despite a summer of departures already beginning to reshape the squad at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, the Lens hierarchy are not keen on parting ways with El Aynaoui unless their valuation is met.

The midfielder’s role in last season’s domestic campaign has elevated his importance in the squad, especially at a time when the club is navigating a period of transition following the exits of key players.

El Aynaoui, who joined Lens in 2023, has quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football and earned praise for his tactical intelligence, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of matches.

His calmness under pressure and knack for recovering possession have made him a crucial cog in Lens’ midfield setup, earning the admiration of both fans and scouts across Europe.

Roma’s interest signals their intent to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 season. Under new sporting leadership and with ambitions of reclaiming a place among Serie A’s elite, the Giallorossi see El Aynaoui as a long-term asset capable of anchoring their midfield and contributing to their European aspirations.

However, RC Lens are under no pressure to sell, with El Aynaoui under contract and no release clause forcing their hand. Club sources indicate that the French side will only consider a transfer if a significantly improved offer is presented, reflecting both the player’s ability and his importance to manager Franck Haise’s plans.

For now, negotiations remain at a preliminary stage, with Roma expected to return with a revised offer should their interest intensify. Meanwhile, Lens will look to use their firm stance as leverage to secure maximum value, either through a transfer or by retaining a key component of their squad.

El Aynaoui’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his performances have placed him firmly on the radar of Europe’s top clubs. Whether he continues his development in Ligue 1 or takes the next step in Serie A may depend on Roma’s willingness to meet Lens’ valuation in the coming weeks.