Bologna target Ghilardi as Roma defender becomes available

AS Roma are monitoring Rafael Leão's situation at AC Milan as a potential option in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, according to SportMediaset. The Portuguese forward remains under consideration should he fail to leave the Rossoneri before the market shuts, with Roma potentially exploring a deal structured around €45 million. Any operation could include a paid loan arrangement as part of the overall package. Jorge Mendes, Leão's agent, is expected to play an important role in any negotiations. Mendes was instrumental in bringing Rodrigo Mora to Roma and could prove decisive in discussions between the two clubs. However, no agreement currently exists between Roma and Milan, and Leão remains a prospect to monitor only in the final days of the transfer window rather than an imminent signing.

Manu Koné will remain at Roma after Manchester City closed a deal for Lille prospect Bouaddi worth €100 million, ending speculation over the French midfielder's future. City had been searching for a Rodri replacement and had scouted Koné, keeping the door open to a potential move, but the signing of Bouaddi removes that possibility entirely. Gasperini confirmed yesterday in a press conference that Koné would stay, and the transfer developments now settle any remaining doubt. Koné will continue as Roma's central midfielder under the head coach. Roma's next fixture arrives shortly, with Fiorentina awaiting from Monday onwards.

Malick Fofana came off the bench to score in Lyon's 2-0 victory over Toulouse on 22 August, a performance that signals his physical condition as his future hangs in the balance ahead of a crucial European tie. Entering at the 63rd minute, Fofana netted at the 85th after cutting to the centre, beating his marker and finishing precisely to the far post. The goal is particularly significant given the injury problems that heavily disrupted his previous season. Roma remain attentive to Fofana's situation. The club has temporarily put the transfer on hold following its investment in Rodrigo Mora and wants to structure any deal as a loan with a right of redemption that would convert to an obligation under certain conditions. Lyon, however, prefer an outright sale at present. The outcome of Lyon's European fixture will prove decisive. Fofana's willingness to leave is directly tied to Champions League football: if Lyon qualifies, he is inclined to stay in France for another full season; elimination would reopen the possibility of departure and could reactivate Roma's interest. Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca rotated his squad for the Toulouse match with an eye on the bigger picture. On Wednesday 26 August, Fenerbahce will visit the Groupama Stadium for the second leg of the Champions League playoff, with the tie level at 1–1 from the first encounter. That match could decide not only Lyon's European season but also whether Fofana moves. Should Fenerbahce eliminate Lyon, the midfielder's path out of France would become far more concrete, and Roma would have a genuine opening to revive negotiations on terms closer to their preference.

Roma's transfer activity intensified on 23 August as the club pursued multiple attacking reinforcements and worked towards securing defender Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce. The summer window remains fluid, with a cluster of targets under active consideration and potential departures that could unlock further investment. Roma has made Jamie Bynoe-Gittens the principal target to complete the attack. Chelsea rejected the initial giallorossi proposal of €3 million for a loan plus €40 million for a permanent option, partly because manager Xabi Alonso views the English winger as an important alternative to Morgan Rogers. Roma's director of football D'Amico is not abandoning the pursuit: a fresh round of talks is scheduled in the coming days to establish whether there is room to reopen negotiations and potentially present a more attractive offer. Several other attacking options remain under review. Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger, has been discussed in recent hours as a candidate compatible with Roma's new financial parameters following the settlement agreement, though no formal negotiations have begun with PSG. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, the 21-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt winger, is also among the alternatives being weighed by D'Amico should the primary left-wing pursuits stall. Pedro Henrique, a 20-year-old Zenit winger, was recently proposed to Roma, though this remains merely a candidacy with no concrete move reported. Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old Lyon left-winger, has not been permanently ruled out despite the operation being blocked; if the French club accepts more sustainable financial terms and Roma fails to secure another winger in the final days, D'Amico could attempt to reopen talks. In midfield, Roma initiated contact with Brighton over Yasin Ayari, the 22-year-old Swedish midfielder, though Borussia Dortmund is also keen and ready to pursue a permanent deal, whereas Roma is considering a loan with a purchase option—a formula that clashes with Brighton's valuation of approximately €45 million. Oosterwolde's arrival is imminent. The 25-year-old Fenerbahce left-back will join on a loan costing roughly €3 million, with a purchase option convertible to an obligation if certain conditions are met, for a total operation worth approximately €17–18 million. The player's agreement is already finalised. Gasperini sees him as Wesley's understudy but considers him adaptable to central defence; Oosterwolde is currently sidelined by a muscle injury and is expected to be available around mid-September. Defender Jan Ziółkowski's future may lie elsewhere; several Saudi clubs and Neom in particular are monitoring the 21-year-old Polish centre-back, from whom Roma expects a concrete offer. Roma's valuation sits between €16 and €20 million, with 10 per cent of any future resale owed to Legia Warsaw. Any sale could finance the final outfield signing. Daniele Ghilardi, the 23-year-old defender, has also attracted Bologna's interest and could become another casualty in the rearguard alongside Ziółkowski; if either centre-back departs, Roma would re-enter the market for a replacement, preferably on loan.

Rodrigo Mora completed his formalities and trained with Roma's first team at Trigoria on 22 August, joining head coach Gasperini's squad ahead of the league's start in five days. The transfer activity continues as the club seeks to complete its squad puzzle with two specific targets: a left-back deputy to Wesley and a left-winger with a right foot—a role distinct from the one Mora has taken on. Gasperini stated clearly that with Roma facing more than 50 matches at a high level, the club will need a pair of players for every position. Numerically the squad is short, and the coach believes depth will prove essential. Alessio Cacciamani remains a strong candidate for the left-back role. Turin sources regularly cite high figures and attempt to lock down the young player, who impressed with Juve Stabia. Roma does not want to overspend and hopes that as days pass, Cairo and Petrachi will soften their stance; the player would reportedly arrive at Trigoria immediately. Regarding the attacking winger position, negotiations with Fofana and Lyon are well advanced, independent of Lyon's Champions League progress. Fonseca would prefer to keep the Lyon player through next Wednesday's Champions League preliminary against Fenerbahce, which will be decisive. Recent meetings have addressed the timeline for the remaining transfer operations. Discussions have also covered potential departures; the remaining names under consideration are Soulé and Ziółkowski.

Roma director Tony D'Amico is methodically working through the final stretch of the transfer window, weighing opportunities in the coming days after completing the lengthy negotiation to bring Rodrigo Mora to Trigoria. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified two priority targets: a central midfielder and a winger, though the club will pursue deals within its financial parameters, potentially using loan arrangements to keep costs down. The squad is competitive but lacks the numerical and qualitative depth required for a genuine step forward. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, an English winger born in 2004, has emerged as the latest attacking target. The London-born player, currently limited in rotation at Chelsea and previously signed by Borussia Dortmund for £50 million, fits Gasperini's tactical principles and would arrive on a low-cost, salary-efficient deal. The midfielder pursuit has already hit obstacles: negotiations with Udogie broke down over misaligned financial conditions and mutual desire, while Cacciamani from Torino remains a live option only if the Serie A club drops its €20 million valuation. The player from Jesi made his mark with Juventus Stabia in last season's second division. If the Cacciamani approach falters, D'Amico is working on alternative profiles available via loan with purchase option arrangements. On potential outgoings, Jan Ziółkowski remains on the market—no formal offer has reached Trigoria despite Saudi League interest in the Polish defender. Similarly, rumours of Manchester City's interest in Manu Koné have produced no concrete approach or bid on D'Amico's desk. Should significant offers arrive and prove convincing, Roma stands ready to recruit top-tier replacements. Two new signings plus contingent replacements remain on the table. The window is far from closed, with ambition maintained but financial discipline intact.

Roma's transfer activity intensified on 23 August as the club pursued multiple attacking reinforcements and worked towards securing defender Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce. The summer window remains fluid, with a cluster of targets under active consideration and potential departures that could unlock further investment. Roma has made Jamie Bynoe-Gittens the principal target to complete the attack. Chelsea rejected the initial giallorossi proposal of €3 million for a loan plus €40 million for a permanent option, partly because manager Xabi Alonso views the English winger as an important alternative to Morgan Rogers. Roma's director of football D'Amico is not abandoning the pursuit: a fresh round of talks is scheduled in the coming days to establish whether there is room to reopen negotiations and potentially present a more attractive offer. Several other attacking options remain under review. Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger, has been discussed in recent hours as a candidate compatible with Roma's new financial parameters following the settlement agreement, though no formal negotiations have begun with PSG. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, the 21-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt winger, is also among the alternatives being weighed by D'Amico should the primary left-wing pursuits stall. Pedro Henrique, a 20-year-old Zenit winger, was recently proposed to Roma, though this remains merely a candidacy with no concrete move reported. Malick Fofana, the 21-year-old Lyon left-winger, has not been permanently ruled out despite the operation being blocked; if the French club accepts more sustainable financial terms and Roma fails to secure another winger in the final days, D'Amico could attempt to reopen talks. In midfield, Roma initiated contact with Brighton over Yasin Ayari, the 22-year-old Swedish midfielder, though Borussia Dortmund is also keen and ready to pursue a permanent deal, whereas Roma is considering a loan with a purchase option—a formula that clashes with Brighton's valuation of approximately €45 million. Oosterwolde's arrival is imminent. The 25-year-old Fenerbahce left-back will join on a loan costing roughly €3 million, with a purchase option convertible to an obligation if certain conditions are met, for a total operation worth approximately €17–18 million. The player's agreement is already finalised. Gasperini sees him as Wesley's understudy but considers him adaptable to central defence; Oosterwolde is currently sidelined by a muscle injury and is expected to be available around mid-September. Defender Jan Ziółkowski's future may lie elsewhere; several Saudi clubs and Neom in particular are monitoring the 21-year-old Polish centre-back, from whom Roma expects a concrete offer. Roma's valuation sits between €16 and €20 million, with 10 per cent of any future resale owed to Legia Warsaw. Any sale could finance the final outfield signing. Daniele Ghilardi, the 23-year-old defender, has also attracted Bologna's interest and could become another casualty in the rearguard alongside Ziółkowski; if either centre-back departs, Roma would re-enter the market for a replacement, preferably on loan.

The imminent arrival of Jayden Oosterwolde could trigger a departure in Roma's defence, with the new acquisition able to play both left-back and centre-back, offering head coach Gian Piero Gasperini additional flexibility. In the final days of the transfer window, either Jan Ziolkowski or Daniele Ghilardi may leave the club. Ziolkowski is the more marketable asset. The Polish defender has attracted interest from two Saudi clubs, particularly Neom, which has registered strong interest. Roma value him at around €20 million, partly because Legia Varsavia retain 10% of any future sale. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma are awaiting an offer in the region of €16 million from the Saudi club—a figure that could open genuine negotiations. A sale would carry significant importance for Roma's incoming transfers; with Oosterwolde acquired through a deal that defers much of the expenditure, any proceeds from Ziolkowski could become a small fund to reinvest in the attacking winger Gasperini has requested. Oosterwolde's arrival would also permit Roma to lose a centre-back without becoming numerically exposed in defence. Ghilardi is also under scrutiny following reported interest from Bologna. Roma will assess any proposals, and should either defender depart, D'Amico may pursue another centre-back on loan in the final days. Salah-Eddine remains outside the plans, continuing to train separately after rejecting several transfer options including Olympiacos.

Roma are seeking exits for at least two squad members as they continue to reshape the squad. Salah-Eddine is effectively sidelined and will not feature in the matchday squad for the league campaign opener, having missed the entire pre-season training camp in Wales and trained separately since his return. The winger rejected a move to Olympiacos, who offered close to €10 million, after earlier loan stints elsewhere proved unsuccessful; PSV attempted to secure him but were rebuffed. Roma are now seeking alternative buyers, though only loan offers have materialized, particularly from the Netherlands. Defender Ziółkowski has attracted attention from two Saudi Arabian clubs, with Roma valuing him at €20 million—a figure that includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause owed to Legia Warszawa. Should the Polish defender or fellow centre-back Ghilardi (targeted by Bologna) depart, Roma plan to recruit another defender on loan. Head coach Gasperini explained that any further departures would only occur as part of planned tactical adjustments, telling the club to "switch" positions as needed. Porter Vazquez, equally marginal to the project, would suit a loan arrangement. By contrast, Robinio Vaz will remain; he impressed Gasperini during pre-season, and Roma rejected several Serie A loan offers for the young defender. Roma's loan-based strategy reflects their careful approach to the transfer window with the campaign now underway.