Castro learns from Malen as Gasperini demands specific movement patterns

Roma are advancing in talks to sign Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid after abandoning their pursuit of Givairo Read. The Giallorossi are negotiating the Argentine's fee down from Atlético's €15M plus €5M in bonuses, with reports suggesting they could land him for €3–4M less. They had previously tabled €27M as their final bid for Feyenoord fullback Read, but the Dutch club sought more and Roma walked away. Molina, 28, would represent a significant move back to Serie A, where he previously played for Udinese before joining Atlético in 2022. He has made 181 appearances, scored 9 goals, and provided 17 assists for Los Colchoneros, with his contract running until 2027. Roma see his acquisition as allowing funds to be redirected to other positions. The club continues to track other targets including Antonio Nusa, Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais—for whom they have received reassurances over his recovery from a serious ankle injury—and youngster Alessio Cacciamani of Torino, who impressed on loan at Juve Stabia last season. The strategy of pairing an experienced wing-back with a younger option on the opposite flank is central to Roma's defensive plans for the window.

Nahuel Molina's move to Roma is in its final stages, and statistics from his time at Atlético Madrid underline his quality as an attacking full-back. According to Opta Paolo, the Argentine ranks second among Liga defenders for overall offensive output over the past four years, with 25 goal contributions: 9 goals and 16 assists. Only Jules Koundé has superior numbers in the same role, standing at 32 total contributions (10 goals, 22 assists). Molina arrives as a reinforcement for Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma on the flanks, bringing elite-level credentials to the giallorossi's system. His statistics underscore his role as a protagonist in attack—a significant asset for a side seeking width and creativity in the wide areas. The 26-year-old's record demonstrates sustained excellence across multiple seasons in Spain's top division, offering Roma an experienced and productive option on either flank.

Nahuel Molina's credentials as a left-back continue to impress despite scepticism surrounding his move to Roma. According to Opta Paolo, the Atlético Madrid defender ranks second among La Liga defenders for combined goals and assists since 2022, with a total of 25 (9 goals, 16 assists). Only Koundé surpasses him in the Spanish league, with 10 goals and 22 assists. Molina is now on the verge of joining Roma, a move that addresses lingering doubts about his attacking output and defensive reliability at the highest level. The 26-year-old Argentine's track record in La Liga demonstrates consistent offensive contribution from the full-back position, a quality that could strengthen Roma's wing play under Gasperini. The statistics underline Molina's value as a progressive defender capable of generating both goals and chances. His campaign in Spain since 2022 positions him among Europe's most productive defenders, reinforcing Roma's investment in his profile as the transfer nears completion.

Roma continued their summer preparation in Cardiff on the afternoon of 5 August with a session open to the press, focusing on players who did not start in the previous day's friendly against Newport. Donyell Malen attended training after missing that match with a fever, completing an initial period with the group before moving to individual work. The squad ran through warm-up drills followed by strength and acceleration work before finishing with a small-sided game played at one end of the pitch. Gian Piero Gasperini's side are preparing for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico in twenty days' time. Before that, a friendly against Brighton is scheduled for Saturday. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin and new chief executive Galanic, who was also present for the Newport match, observed the session. Several Roma supporters based at the resort watched training with their flags.

Roma returned to training in Cardiff on 5 August, the day after their friendly against Newport, with vice-president Ryan Friedkin in attendance at the session overseen by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Chief executive Daniele Aloisi also attended the training ground visit. The squad continued its pre-season preparations in Wales as Gasperini put players through their paces ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Those who did not feature in the Newport match trained separately, with Donyell Malen present but working away from the main group.

Roma have tabled an official offer of €17 million to Atlético Madrid for left-back Molina after growing frustrated with Feyenoord's stance over winger Read. The Dutch club have refused to budge from their €30 million valuation for the 20-year-old, prompting Roma to escalate their interest in the Atlético player. Roma had previously increased their bid for Read from €22 million plus €3 million in add-ons to €25 million plus €3 million, but Feyenoord showed no willingness to negotiate. Roma's approach for Molina comes as a €17 million package inclusive of bonuses, structured as a loan with an obligation to buy. However, the deal faces multiple obstacles. Atlético Madrid are holding firm at €20 million guaranteed, and Molina himself is understood to be seeking wages exceeding €3 million annually—a figure Roma consider excessive, given that Donyell Malen earns €3.2 million. The left-back's contract was recently extended unilaterally to 2028. Full-back recruitment remains a pressing concern for Roma, who are short four defenders across the flanks and midfield. Wesley's replacement as right-back backup and two left-sided options in attack have yet to be secured. Cacciamani is being tracked as a potential understudy to Wesley, with Torino asking around €12 million after rejecting Roma's initial offer of €8 million plus €2 million.