VfB Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as potential rivals to Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of AS Roma forward Matías Soulé, according to reports in Italy. Both Bundesliga clubs are monitoring the 23-year-old Argentinian attacker, potentially complicating Dortmund’s efforts to secure his signature.
The interest from Stuttgart stems from uncertainty surrounding Bilal El Khannouss, who has recently been linked with a possible departure from the club, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport. Soulé is viewed as a potential alternative to the Belgian midfielder, offering a different attacking profile for Stuttgart as they plan for the upcoming season. Stuttgart finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, securing Champions League qualification, and are looking to bolster their squad ahead of increased competition.
Corriere dello Sport adds Leverkusen to the list of clubs interested in Soulé. Xabi Alonso’s side, fresh off an historic Bundesliga title win, are expected to be active in the transfer market, aiming to maintain their competitive edge both domestically and in Europe. Their interest in Soulé suggests they are seeking further attacking options to complement their existing squad.
Roma are reportedly willing to part with Soulé for a fee of around €40 million, though a release clause of between €25-30 million is in place and set to expire at the end of June. This deadline adds a sense of urgency to any potential negotiations. The club are also hoping for interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, with Al Ahli and Al Ittihad both reportedly having Soulé on their shortlist, potentially driving up the transfer fee.
Soulé has spent the current season on loan at Frosinone, where he has impressed with his performances in Serie A. He has scored 11 goals in 36 appearances, establishing himself as a promising attacking talent. Prior to the loan spell, he featured sporadically for Roma, making 17 appearances across all competitions. The potential arrival of a new manager at Roma could further influence their decision to sell Soulé this summer.
The competition for Soulé’s signature is likely to intensify as the transfer window progresses, with Dortmund also keen on the player. His versatility and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive prospect for several clubs, and the expiring release clause could prove to be a decisive factor in determining his next destination.
