AS Roma are exploring Mika Godts as an alternative to Crysencio Summerville after wage negotiations with the West Ham forward reached an impasse, according to reports in Italy.
The Giallorossi have identified Summerville as their priority target to bolster Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The club is prepared to offer West Ham €40 million including bonuses to secure the Dutch winger’s signature.
However, personal terms have become a significant obstacle. Summerville’s representatives are demanding a salary between €6 million and €7 million per season, figures that have given Roma pause despite earlier optimism that an agreement was within reach. This shift in tone from earlier in the week has complicated the proposed move.
Godts offers financial appeal
This stalemate has prompted sporting director Tony D’Amico to accelerate plans for alternative targets, with Ajax’s Mika Godts now gathering momentum as a serious option. The Belgian forward would command a transfer fee broadly similar to the €40 million mooted for Summerville, yet his wage demands sit comfortably within Roma’s existing structure.
At 21, Godts is four years younger than Summerville and offers considerable scope for development. He enjoyed a breakout campaign at the Johan Cruyff Arena last term, scoring 17 goals and registering 15 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions. Those returns represent a significant step forward for the versatile attacker, who can operate across the front line.
His performances have attracted attention from several major European clubs. Bayern Munich and Chelsea have previously been credited with an interest in securing his services.
Decision time for Gasperini
The choice facing Roma represents a familiar strategic dilemma: invest heavily in annual wages for an established performer, or commit similar transfer funds to a younger prospect with resale value and room to grow.
Time is becoming a critical factor. Gasperini is awaiting the arrival of a marquee wide man as he prepares the squad for their Champions League campaign, and the head coach cannot afford prolonged uncertainty in his attacking options.
With pre-season fixtures underway, D’Amico may be forced to make a definitive choice between resurrecting the Summerville negotiations or pivoting decisively toward Godts in the coming days.