AS Roma have set their sights on Odilon Kossounou as part of their search for defensive reinforcements ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Ivorian defender, currently on loan at Atalanta from Bayer Leverkusen, has attracted interest from the Italian capital club, who see him as a potential replacement for the departing Evan Ndicka.
However, Kossounou, who is still recovering from a significant hamstring injury, remains cautious about his next move.
The 24-year-old has been a fixture in Serie A this season, playing for Atalanta, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Despite his relative youth, Kossounou has shown maturity and consistency on the pitch, though his recent injury has limited his appearances.
He is expected to be a key player for the Ivorian national team in the years to come, adding to his growing reputation.
Roma’s interest in Kossounou comes at a time when the club is looking to bolster their defense ahead of next season.
The Giallorossi are anticipating the likely departure of Ndicka and have reportedly begun discussions with Bayer Leverkusen, Kossounou’s parent club, in an attempt to secure a deal.
The Serie A side is also considering other defensive options, including Mario Hermoso, who is currently on loan at Leverkusen.
Kossounou’s future is complicated by his current situation at Atalanta. Although the Bergamo club is keen to retain him, they have made it clear that they are unwilling to meet the €25 million purchase option in his loan agreement.
The defender’s recent hamstring injury, which required surgery, has prompted Atalanta to reconsider the financial terms. The club is reportedly seeking to extend the loan deal for a reduced fee of €4 to €5 million, with a lower purchase option set at around €20 million.
Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has publicly acknowledged Kossounou’s progress since his return from injury but also noted that the defender is still far from his best.
“He is improving as he plays, but he is still far from his best,” Gasperini said following Atalanta’s match against Monza.
The club’s desire to extend the loan agreement reflects their cautious approach, given Kossounou’s injury history and the current financial climate.
For his part, Kossounou remains undecided about his future. Despite his solid performances in Serie A this season, including 15 appearances, the Ivorian is taking a measured approach to his next move.
With his injury recovery still ongoing, Kossounou has opted to focus on his physical and athletic development, preferring to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush into any decisions.
The situation has left his future uncertain, with AS Roma and Atalanta both vying for his services. Roma are eager to bring Kossounou to the capital, but they will have to navigate the complexities of his loan situation and the financial demands of Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta.
The defender’s decision will likely depend on how he progresses in the coming weeks, both physically and on the field.
What is clear is that Kossounou has become a highly sought-after talent in the transfer market. His performances in Serie A, combined with his international experience with the Ivory Coast, have placed him firmly on the radar of top clubs, with both Roma and Atalanta keen to secure his services in the near future.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Kossounou’s future remains in the balance. Whether he ends up in Rome or stays in Bergamo, the Ivorian’s next move will undoubtedly be one of the more closely watched developments in European football.
