AS Roma Renew Push for RC Lens Midfielder Neil El Aynaoui

AS Roma have started new talks with RC Lens to sign midfielder Neil El Aynaoui. Their first offer was rejected. The Italian club wants to bring the skilled Moroccan to Serie A. However, they want the deal to fit with their budget.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On July 11, Roma contacted RC Lens again after their initial €20 million offer was turned down. Lens rejected AS Roma‘s €20 million bid for Neil El Aynaoui on July 9, 2025. Even though Lens wants a €30 million fee, Roma is sticking to its price. They have agreed to a five-year deal with El Aynaoui, who received a new contract from RC Lens until 2029. The 24-year-old midfielder is eager to join Roma and is excited about the project under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini. However, Lens is trying to keep him by offering a better contract. Other clubs like Juventus, Sunderland, and Leeds United are also interested. However, Roma is currently leading the chase for his signature.

RC Lens rejected AS Roma’s €20 million bid for Neil El Aynaoui.

EL AYNAOUI’S IMPRESSIVE SEASON

In the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, Neil El Aynaoui was outstanding. He scored eight goals and made one assist in 24 games. He became one of the best midfielders in France, increasing his market value. RC Lens had a tough season and didn’t qualify for European competitions. This might push El Aynaoui to a bigger stage. AS Roma finished fifth in Serie A in the 2024/25 season, securing a spot in the next season’s Champions League. Roma’s midfield is changing under Gasperini. They want to close the gap with leaders Napoli, who were ahead at season’s end.

Neil El Aynaoui scored eight goals and provided one assist in Ligue 1 last season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ROMA AND LENS?

Roma will continue negotiations to lower Lens’s €30 million price. The next few days will be crucial. Lens must decide whether to sell El Aynaoui or risk losing his commitment. Roma’s next pre-season game is against Real Sociedad, where Gasperini can assess his squad before the new season. Lens wants to keep their star midfielder to bounce back from last season’s disappointment. They aim to return to European competition. Both clubs’ summer transfer activities will be closely monitored as the saga unfolds.

RC Lens offered Neil El Aynaoui a new contract to keep him until 2029.