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Mason Greenwood’s proposed transfer from Marseille to Roma has encountered a major obstacle that could disrupt the French side’s financial planning. Although negotiations for the 24-year-old English forward had been advancing steadily, a complicated transfer chain involving Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal now threatens to derail the deal.

Marseille under DNCG pressure over Greenwood sale

Marseille are racing against time to complete Greenwood’s sale. The club’s management had identified the forward as a key financial asset for the summer, targeting a transfer fee between €50 million and €55 million. This capital boost is vital ahead of their scheduled hearing with the DNCG, the financial regulator for French football, on Tuesday.

However, despite the urgency at the Stade Vélodrome, reports suggest the deal has stalled. Roma had emerged as the frontrunners to sign Greenwood, but the Serie A club are facing their own financial limitations. The Italian outfit cannot proceed with the purchase until they balance their accounts to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements.

Roma’s Financial Fair Play challenge

According to Il Messaggero, Roma must generate around €50 million in capital gains before the end of June. This financial balancing act is essential for the Giallorossi to validate major incoming transfers like Greenwood’s. As a result, the English forward’s potential move to the Italian capital depends entirely on Roma’s ability to sell players first.

The situation has led to growing tension in Marseille, as each day’s delay affects their own transfer operations. Although Greenwood is reportedly open to joining Roma and has a preliminary agreement for a contract worth about €5 million per year, the lack of immediate funds in Rome is preventing the final paperwork from being completed.

The Manu Kone factor

Adding to the complexity, Roma are believed to be considering the sale of midfielder Manu Kone to generate the necessary funds. The French midfielder has drawn strong interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea, but he is said to prefer a dream move to Paris Saint-Germain — a preference that is complicating the ongoing market negotiations.

Even though PSG have not yet made a formal offer, their potential interest in Kone has indirectly slowed down Roma’s financial plans, creating a ripple effect that impacts Greenwood’s situation.

No alternative for Greenwood

Without a clear backup plan for Greenwood, Marseille are now depending on either Arsenal or Chelsea to accelerate their pursuit of Kone, or for Roma to find an alternative way to bridge their €50 million deficit. Until a resolution is reached, the English forward’s transfer remains in limbo, and Marseille’s financial presentation to the DNCG continues to hang in the balance.