VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as fresh rivals to Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of AS Roma attacker Matías Soulé, according to Italian media reports. The 23-year-old Argentine has become a focal point of transfer activity ahead of a significant deadline in his contract.
Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Stuttgart are monitoring Soulé as a possible alternative to Bilal El Khannouss. The Moroccan midfielder has recently been subject to transfer speculation, prompting the Bundesliga club to assess contingency options. Meanwhile, Corriere dello Sport reports that Leverkusen have also entered the race for the forward, adding further competition from Germany.
Roma are reportedly prepared to sanction a departure for approximately €40 million. However, interested parties could secure a substantially lower fee through a release clause set between €25 million and €30 million. This provision is expected to expire on 30 June, creating a narrow window for potential suitors to act.
The Serie A side are also hoping to attract bids from financially powerful Saudi Arabian clubs. Both Al Ahli and Al Ittihad have reportedly shortlisted Soulé as a potential target. This interest from the Middle East could potentially drive up the final price or provide an alternative destination should negotiations with German clubs falter.
Soulé currently plies his trade in the Italian top flight. With the release clause deadline now weeks away, the coming days are likely to prove decisive. Stuttgart and Leverkusen must weigh whether to trigger the lower fee immediately or risk entering protracted negotiations at Roma’s higher valuation once the window closes and the clause expires.