Roma are set to sign Brazil under-20 international Gerson after Barcelona decided against completing a deal, according to the president of the player's club Fluminense.
In July, a Barcelona representative said the club had struck a five-year deal with Fluminense's Gerson.
However, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder is set to arrive in Italy in January with his Brazilian club confirming an agreement has been struck with the Giallorossi.
"We've received a formal offer from Roma, which is very good, and we have decided it was right to accept it," said Fluminense's president Peter Siemsen to Globoesporte.
"Gerson and his father have given the all clear. We've told Barca, who have not taken the option they had on him."
While Roma may have to wait another five months before Gerson arrives, it could only be a matter of days if not hours before Mohamed Salah is formally allowed to train with them.
The Egypt international is already training with the Giallorossi, as a photo which was tweeted by the club and then removed confirmed, and now it appears he has been given the all-clear to join the Eternal City club overtly rather than covertly.
The 23-year-old updated his Twitter profile on Wednesday, posting a tweet which said "done" and included two smileys.
His former club Fiorentina continue to insist he has a valid contract with them and that by joining Roma, he is in breach of that deal.
Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas, said via Twitter that he is not worried about whatever action the Viola wish to take as he waited for clearance from FIFA for Salah to be able to join Roma, and that is reported to have arrived on Wednesday.
