Few among us can deny the impact Donyell Malen had on Roma’s up-and-down attack. Prior to his arrival, Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack was fueled more by good intentions than by goals, with Matíás Soulé struggling to do the heavy lifting up front. However, once Malen arrived, Roma became must-watch viewing for calcio fans.

With Malen now a permanent fixture at Trigoria, the initial wave of transfer rumors has focused on bringing the Dutchman some help, with everyone from Cyrsencio Summerville to Mauro Icardi being linked to the Giallorossi in some capacity.

But let’s not forget the defense. While Evan Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini, and Mario Hermoso locked down the middle, Roma’s wingplay was uneven this past season. Angeliño’s extended absence forced Wesley França to play on the left, leaving the right wing at the mercy of Zeki Çelik and Devyne Rensch. Roma weathered the storm, of course, finishing the season in 3rd place, but it wasn’t the best use of the club’s resources.

In that vein, it is encouraging to see the rumor mill glancing to its left, linking Roma with an honest-to-goodness left wing-back, and a damn good one at that. According to multiple sources in Italy, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma is keen on Atletico Madrid wing-back Matteo Ruggeri.

The Bergamo native made his name under Gasperini at Atalanta, starting 58 league matches over three seasons and earning a €17 million move to Atletico Madrid last summer. While Ruggeri made the most of his time with the Mattress Makers (god, I love that nickname!), shifting transfer priorities at Atletico could push the 23-year-old back into Gasperini’s waiting arms.

According to the Gazzetta and other sources, Ruggeri could be a victim of circumstance as Atletico chases Marc Cucurella, Chelsea’s €50 million-rated Spanish left-back. At a rumored €35 million, Ruggeri wouldn’t come cheap, but he’s young, versatile, and already has Gasperini’s seal of approval.

As with all Roma transfer rumors, a potential Ruggeri transfer is predicated on the Giallorossi making corresponding sales before sealing the deal with Atletico. So, as always, stay tuned!