Aquilani Close to Sassuolo Deal; Roma to Face Fifth Former Player Next Season

AC Milan are pursuing a loan deal for Real Madrid forward Endrick in January after failing to secure him in the summer transfer window. Jose Mourinho blocked the move months ago despite Milan's interest, but the Italian club believe the situation will shift in the new year and the Brazilian will be allowed to leave temporarily. Roma are also competing for the player and have made initial contact, with plans to speak to Real Madrid during their Champions League fixture in the coming weeks. Milan feel they retain a significant advantage because of their strong relationship with Endrick's representatives at RocNation, whom they have worked with regularly since 2020. Members of RedBird, Milan's ownership structure, also work with the NBA, which similarly deals with RocNation—a connection the club believes could prove decisive in January. Milan needed attacking reinforcement over the summer despite Omari Hutchinson's arrival, with Ruben Amorim forced to work around injuries to key players including Alexis Saelemaekers. The forward's availability on loan follows the pattern of last season, when a similar arrangement was used. Milan view the January window as a real opportunity to land a player who can provide the attacking depth Amorim's side requires.

Roma and AC Milan have both set their sights on Endrick, the Brazilian forward seeking greater opportunities after limited playing time at his current club. The Milan side hold a slight advantage in the race to sign him, with the competition expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Castro and Soulé, both Roma players, marked special nights with their debuts for Argentina's national team. Castro struck the post during the match, while Soulé produced several noteworthy moments. The pair now await Argentina's fixture against Benin, which will also serve as Lionel Messi's farewell appearance with the national team. Back at Roma, Gasperini is preparing the squad for an upcoming match against Como at the Sinigaglia stadium. Fabregas, Como's manager, recently offered praise for the Roma coach. Gasperini has also turned his attention beyond the Como fixture, directing a message toward Gattuso.

Former Roma defender Vincent Candela has predicted that Roma will defeat Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League match at the Olimpico in ten days' time. Speaking at the FIP Gold Mediolanum Padel Cup in Perugia, Candela said: "It will be a celebration. I think Roma will win. I don't say it as a fan, but because I look at the characteristics of Gasperini's squad and the comparison with Mourinho's." Mario Hermoso has established himself as a cornerstone of Gasperini's Roma, impressing with his adaptability to the coach's tactical system. The club is now preparing to open contract renewal talks with the Spanish defender. Hermoso is seeking a two-year extension that would take his contract to 2029, but Roma's policy for players over 30 typically involves annual renewals. Both sides have expressed a willingness to continue together, with negotiations expected in the coming weeks. Elsewhere, Roma's interest in Frosinone's Giorgi Kvernadze—a Georgian prospect born in 2003 who has impressed early in the season—has prompted Frosinone president Maurizio Stirpe to distance the player from the market. Stirpe told the Corriere della Sera: "The possible sale of Kvernadze? Today it's only talk, I haven't received any phone calls. I only ever wait for official and concrete proposals." No formal offers have been made for the right-footed winger, whom Gasperini is reportedly keen to add to his squad.