Cacciamani gap narrows with Torino; Ziolkowski sale could fund market push

Manu Koné is back at Trigoria after a month at the centre of transfer speculation. United, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Saudi Arabia all made enquiries, but only Atlético Madrid made a concrete offer—€43 million—which Roma rejected. The midfielder returns following the World Cup and a brief spell away, including a visit to his former club, and will train with Gasperini today as he works to regain match fitness. Koné's absence has left a void in Roma's midfield during pre-season. Defeats to Cardiff and Brighton exposed a lack of balance and quality in the centre of the park, with Gasperini visibly waiting for the French midfielder's return to provide the rhythm and intensity his side has lacked. After spending the summer in limbo, Koné's stay in Rome is now secure. He has consistently stated his contentment in the capital and his desire to continue his story in giallorosso, never pushing for a move away despite the interest. Following personalised training to catch up with his teammates, Koné will reclaim the midfield role that is rightfully his. Fiorentina lies ahead, and with Koné's return, Gasperini has recovered the engine that will drive Roma's campaign forward.

Real Madrid have decided to keep Endrick and rule out any sale or loan move this summer. The Brazilian forward has impressed José Mourinho and will have an opportunity to prove himself at the Bernabéu. However, his long-term future remains uncertain. According to The Athletic, if Endrick fails to find regular playing time in the coming months, Madrid could revisit a loan arrangement — a model they already employed last season when he spent time at Lyon. Roma had maintained regular contact over a potential deal but have been rebuffed by Madrid's stance. The Giallorossi may attempt another approach in January, though the club's resolve appears firm. Endrick himself has not yet committed to staying; he retains the option to request a transfer if he feels sidelined. The Brazilian's participation and minutes will be the decisive factor in whether he remains in the Spanish capital or seeks an exit when the winter transfer window opens.

Roma resumed training at Trigoria on 11 August following a spell at a Welsh training camp, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini welcoming back key figures and new arrivals. Manu Koné returned from post-World Cup leave and is set to remain at the club barring an irresistible offer, with Chelsea having made only a tentative enquiry. Argentine winger Nahuel Molina arrived at Ciampino on 10 August in front of approximately 200 celebrating supporters and signed a four-year contract on 11 August, becoming immediately available for selection. Lorenzo Pellegrini, fresh from renewing his contract, will not yet feature, as he completes final physiotherapy for a right thigh muscle injury recurrence. The midfielder will rejoin the squad only after 15 August. Pellegrini's absence is the sole notable absence from an otherwise buoyant day at Trigoria, where Gasperini begins preparations with a reinforced squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Roma have identified Inter's Luis Henrique as their primary target to strengthen the left flank, ahead of Tottenham's Destiny Udogie. Tony D'Amico has opened talks in strict secrecy with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio, preparing an offer between €25 and €30 million. The two clubs are scheduled to meet today to discuss the proposal. The Brazilian winger has impressed Gasperini for his tactical balance, combining attacking thrust with defensive discipline and protection of the flank. Luis Henrique played both wings at Inter under Chivu's management, making him an ideal solution for Roma's left side after Angeliño's departure to Deportivo La Coruña. He would provide competition with fellow Brazilian Wesley, who already operates in that area. With the offer ready and Gasperini's backing secured, Roma are pressing to land a player who fully meets the manager's demands for versatility and work rate.

Rodrigo Mora has agreed to join Roma. Director of football Tony D'Amico has tabled a five-year contract worth two million euros per season, including bonuses, for the Porto playmaker. The agreement with agent Jorge Mendes was reached yesterday after rapid negotiations. Porto's formal approval is awaited in the coming hours. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed D'Amico to complete the deal quickly, expecting two new arrivals by 15 August. Gasperini received reassurances at an emergency meeting with ownership at Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales. Roma plan to close the signing of the new forward first, then turn attention to reinforcing other positions: a right winger to deputise for Paulo Dybala, and a left winger to rotate with Wesley.

Roma players Wesley and Donyell Malen featured in a viral video while relaxing on the island of Ponza. The footage, shared across social media, captured the pair in a light-hearted encounter with a local ice-cream boat attraction known as 'Il Barchino dei Gelati', one of the island's best-known features. The clip showed the players smiling, waving and enjoying downtime together in a relaxed atmosphere that quickly gained thousands of views and comments. The video was widely reposted by Roma fan accounts and social media pages, with supporters delighted to see their players taking time to unwind before returning to competitive fixtures. The moment generated significant engagement across platforms as fans shared their enjoyment of the pair's casual holiday appearance together.