Roma crazy for Hermoso: scores, defends and signs. Ready to cut salary to stay and a two-year deal awaits

Hermoso has scored 7 goals under Gasperini and is in talks to extend his Atalanta contract until 2029, willing to take a pay cut to stay.

Mario Hermoso has become one of Atalanta's most important players under Gian Piero Gasperini, combining elite defending with surprising attacking output. The Spanish centre-back has scored 7 goals since joining the club, including 3 this season, putting him among Europe's top-scoring defenders alongside Liverpool's van Dijk and Union Berlin's Querfeld.

In 13 starts this campaign, Hermoso has made 30 tackles, 32 interceptions, and remarkably entered the opposition box 120 times while completing 697 passes.

Hermoso is currently in contract negotiations with Atalanta to extend his deal through 2029 with an option for 2030. The player has agreed to accept a salary reduction, following the example of other senior squad members including Mancini, Cristante, Dybala and Pellegrini.

Both the club and player are keen to continue their partnership, with sources indicating the two sides are close to reaching an agreement. Gasperini has praised Hermoso's composure in front of goal, describing it as that of a striker despite his defensive role.