AS Roma Secure Signing of 16-Year-Old Antonio Arena from Pescara

AS Roma have reached an agreement to sign 16-year-old Antonio Arena from Pescara. The young forward will join the club after a verbal deal was finalized, with official paperwork set to be completed this week.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Roma have moved quickly to bring in Antonio Arena, a highly rated prospect born in 2008. After days of negotiations, the two clubs reached a verbal agreement, and the final steps to complete the transfer are being taken this Tuesday. Arena is considered one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Pescara youth system in recent years. He will be integrated into Roma’s youth sector, where he will continue his development under the coaches and scouts at Trigoria, Roma’s training center. The transfer is reportedly valued at around 2 million euros, reflecting Arena’s high potential and strong performances at youth level.

ROMA’S FOCUS ON YOUTH AND FUTURE

This signing highlights Roma’s ongoing strategy of investing in young Italian talent. The club has placed a renewed emphasis on strengthening its youth ranks to secure long-term success. Arena’s arrival follows a string of similar moves as Roma looks to build a foundation for the future. Arena has drawn interest from other Serie A sides, but Roma were determined to bring him to the capital and further develop his abilities.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Arena will join Roma’s youth teams and start training at Trigoria in the coming weeks. The club’s Serie A first team finished fifth in the Serie A in the 2024/25 season, aiming for improvement after narrowly missing a top-four finish. Roma’s next fixture is against Bologna, who finished middle of the table last season but ended up as winners of the Coppa Italia. Arena is not expected to feature with the senior team immediately, but coaches will closely monitor his progress for future opportunities in both Primavera and possibly senior matches as he matures and adapts to his new club.

According to a previous report, AS Roma finished fifth in the Serie A in the 2024/25 season.