Celik ready to become free agent after Roma talks stall

Zeki Celik is poised to enter the summer transfer window as a free agent after negotiations over a new AS Roma contract reached an impasse, according to multiple reports. The 29-year-old Turkish international, whose current deal expires on 30 June, has seen talks break down over a sizeable difference in wage expectations.

Roma’s latest offer is understood to be worth €2.4 million per season, well short of the €4 million salary being sought by the player’s representatives. With less than three months remaining on his existing terms, Celik is now increasingly likely to depart the Stadio Olimpico on a free transfer.

The versatile defender, capable of operating as a right-back, wing-back or even in central defence when required, has attracted strong interest from a host of leading European clubs. Juventus are considered front-runners for his signature, while Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all monitoring the situation, alongside Fulham.

Celik joined Roma from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2022 for a fee of €7.4 million and has featured 37 times this campaign, scoring once and setting up four goals. His potential exit has reportedly become a point of contention behind the scenes, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen to retain the defender as part of his long-term plans.

As the stand-off continues, Celik’s availability on a free transfer is expected to spark one of the summer’s most competitive battles for a defensive reinforcement.