Çelik on Juventus move: 'Best choice for my career'

Roma are maintaining contact with Endrick's representatives over a potential move for the Brazilian forward, but negotiations remain difficult. The attacker is keen to fight for playing time at Real Madrid at least until January despite recent signings made by Madrid. Roma have indicated to Endrick's camp that they are ready to make a concrete attempt to secure a loan deal should the player reconsider his position, a scenario he already explored last season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Endrick as one of his primary targets to strengthen the attack, particularly given his versatility in the forward line. However, competition for his signature is significant, with several Premier League clubs also tracking the Brazilian. For now, the situation remains in limbo. Endrick has not yet opened the door to another loan move, though Roma are poised to act immediately if an opening emerges in the coming weeks.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has completed his medical examination at the Roma Campus on 8 August and signed a contract renewal with the club following a 38-day negotiation period. The midfielder accepted a significant salary reduction, moving from 6 million euros to a base of 2.5 million euros plus performance bonuses under an annual agreement. Pellegrini's decision to remain came despite interest from Juventus and Besiktas, driven by his attachment to Roma and a desire to be part of the club's centenary year, with discussions over a more substantial extension deferred to June. Gasperini pushed forcefully to retain Pellegrini, viewing him as essential both for leadership and on-pitch contribution. The renewal provides a crucial administrative advantage for Roma's UEFA squad registration, given Pellegrini's academy status at the club since 2005. The midfielder had undergone a medical check in Finland in early June following physical concerns that required dedicated rehabilitation work over the summer break.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to renew his Roma contract today, with medical checks and signing scheduled for 8 August. The club also expects to confirm the arrival of Nahuel Molina. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remains focused on securing an attacking left winger, the marquee piece of the transfer window. The pursuit of Antonio Nusa has grown complicated, prompting director D'Amico to explore alternatives including Fofana of Lyon and Gittens of Chelsea. Roma is simultaneously working to strengthen the left-back position as a deputy to Wesley. Gasperini wants a young prospect with potential, and D'Amico is negotiating with Torino for Alessio Cacciamani, though the Serie A club is demanding €20 million. Fiorentina's Nicolò Fortini is being evaluated as a backup option. The window remains active as Roma attempts to complete its recruitment objectives before the season progresses.

Gasperini held a meeting lasting over four hours with Roma's new CEO Galantic and sporting director D'Amico late into the night to discuss how to complete the squad during the final phase of the transfer window. The conversation centred on both incomings and departures through to September. Gasperini made clear his frustration at the failure to sign a right-footed winger, an area identified as the club's primary need. Compared to last season's starting XI, the only change so far has been the swap of Çelik for Molina. Despite the arrivals of Koulierakis, Castro and Molina, Gasperini conveyed a sense that Roma remains incomplete. He sought reassurances from ownership and expects to be heard. Beyond incoming transfers, he was surprised by another matter during the meeting: Roma is willing to sell one of its key players if an irresistible offer arrives. Manu Koné and Matías Soulé are among the most sought after at this stage of the window, with Soulé courted by Milan, who have offered Rafael Leão as part of their approach.

Roma are poised to complete the signing of Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid as their third summer acquisition, following Castro and Koulierakis. The Argentine right-back's arrival will close the gap left by Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus and pair him with Wesley on the left flank as Gasperini builds an attacking wide setup centred on dribbling and goalscoring from the wings. Molina represents a significant offensive upgrade on Çelik. The 2022 World Cup winner produced 9 goals and 16 assists across his final four La Liga seasons and posted a 55.6% successful dribbling rate and 41.7% long-ball completion rate in his last campaign. This contrasts sharply with Çelik's output of 1 goal, 2 assists and 0.4 crosses per 90 minutes, along with a 22% dribbling success rate last season. Wesley, meanwhile, has established himself as the undisputed left-back, contributing 5 goals and 0 assists (though expected assists data reads 3.73) with numerous driblings and won duels. Devyne Rensch currently serves as the only backup option across both flanks. Gasperini is pursuing additional depth—reportedly Torino's Cacciamani, a 2007-born prospect and one of Italian football's most promising young talents, or another external alternative. Torino president Cairo has expressed reluctance to sell Cacciamani, but the right financial offer could persuade him, particularly given Cacciamani's prior experience under Abate at Juve Stabia in Serie B.

Roma's transfer activity this summer drew mixed reaction from Rome radio pundits on 6 August, with focus on the arrival of Molina from Atlético Madrid. Ugo Trani noted that Molina performed best at Udinese under Cioffi in a left-back role, scoring 8 goals in one season and 7 in the league, adding that his errors came in a traditional fullback position where he will not play under Gasperini. Mario Mattioli said: "I like Molina, even when he was at Udine: he is a good player, at Roma he can do very well. It raises the level of the squad: he is not a world-beater, but he is reliable. For me it is an excellent signing." Piero Torri offered a broader assessment, saying: "The garnishes have arrived. Now the main course is missing, which is the high-sided winger. Then we can discuss the timing, the chronology of Roma's transfer market, but what Roma has done so far is right. The main course is missing, but it will arrive, because tomorrow Roma are short-handed." Roberto Pruzzo characterised Molina as a dependable player with experience and full physical fitness, noting that Atlético Madrid's Diego Simeone had decided to refresh the fullback positions after Çelik requested a departure. Nando Orsi predicted Molina would play as a left-back, suggesting Gasperini is building two wing-backs capable of improving on those he had at Atalanta, and described him as one of the best among Roma's recent fullbacks.