Lecce striker Nikola Krstović has officially blocked negotiations with Leeds United to focus on a move to Roma.
That’s [according to Corriere dello Sport](https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-mercato/roma/2025/07/05-141800680/roma_intesa_krstovic-gasperini_ora_si_tratta_possibile_asta_per_mikautadze), who report that Krstović dreams of wearing Roma’s shirt, and the departure of Tammy Abraham has opened the door for him to realise that.
The newspaper reports that at as soon as Krstović heard of Roma’s interest in him, he decided to freeze negotiations with Leeds. He’s told them that he wants to wait as he’d like to play in Europe, something that Roma can offer him.
“Thanks, let’s wait a moment because I would like to play in a European tournament,” the newspaper quotes him saying. We’ll assume this is paraphrasing rather than a direct quote, though.
The reality is that he would also like to remain in Serie A where he has 18 goals in two years and test himself at a top club.
He believes Roma would be the right club because he can grow alongside experienced players with a coach who likes and respects him. That’s Giampiero Gasperini, who also seemingly wanted him at Atalanta.
Now Roma have to find an agreement with Lecce, who are asking for €25m. Roma could either agree a loan with an obligation to buy or include youngsters in a deal to get it over the line.
Either way, it appears that they don’t have to worry about Leeds, who Kristovic has put on hold after making it clear he wants Roma above all else.