Roma push for Molina as Atlético eyes €19m deal this summer

Italian club Roma are in advanced talks to sign Argentina right‑back Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid, having tabled a €19 million offer with add‑ons after the Spanish side turned down a €17 million bid. The 28‑year‑old, who spent four seasons at the Colchonero, is on holiday as negotiations near completion.

Molina arrived at Atlético in mid‑2022 from Udinese in Italy. Before that he emerged at Boca Juniors and spent loan spells at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central.

In two seasons with Udinese he logged 68 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists. His displays attracted the attention of Diego Simeone, who later signed him for Atlético.

Over his four campaigns at the Atleti, Molina featured in 43 games in his first year and 46 in each of the following three seasons. The 28‑year‑old’s form has fluctuated, with a mixed record of strong and weaker displays.

Molina’s World Cup with the Argentina Selección was disappointing, as he was caught in the defensive actions that led to England’s semifinal goal, with Gordon beating him on the back. He was also exposed in Spain’s final goal, when Nico Williams struck from behind him.

Interest has come from Everton in England and Napoli in Italy, but Roma have intensified their pursuit. After Atlético rejected a €17 million proposal, Roma submitted a €19 million offer plus variables, which would allow the Spanish club to recoup the €20 million it invested in 2022.

Should the deal be completed, Molina would join three fellow Argentines at Roma: Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and newcomer Santiago Castro. The team, led by Gian Piero Gasperini in his second season, will compete in the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia, aiming to progress as far as possible.