Cristante reaches Masetti on Roma's all-time appearance list

Roma have prepared an offer to Porto for Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born attacking midfielder and winger, as they push to deliver Gian Piero Gasperini the offensive reinforcement he requested following difficulties in a British tour. According to Sky Sport, Roma have overtaken Galatasaray in the race for the 19-year-old Portuguese player, with the club aiming to secure Porto's approval between today and tomorrow. Porto have valued Mora at 50 million euros, and Roma's initial proposal comprises a 5 million euro loan with a right of redemption set at 45 million euros, with both sides working to complete the deal as quickly as possible. However, Porto manager Francesco Farioli tempered speculation about Mora's departure during a press conference on 9 August. "Only one player has come to speak to me about the possibility of leaving. I know there is another who would like to go, but Rodrigo is not part of either of those cases," the Tuscan coach explained. Mora is noted as Porto's youngest ever debutant in the club's history.

AC Milan have made new contact with the representatives of Matías Soulé in recent days as they pursue a move for the Roma winger, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Serie A champions are attempting to establish the groundwork for a formal bid, though Roma are demanding at least €35 million to allow the Argentine to leave. Soulé could depart the Giallorossi before the end of the transfer window as Gasperini's side close in on new wide attacking options. The arrival of either Endrick or Rodrigo Mora would push Soulé down the pecking order, and his manager does not consider him untransferable. Milan's interest in the 23-year-old has been longstanding, but the club's latest approach signals a renewed push to bring him to the San Siro. Roma's €35 million valuation reflects their desire to recoup a significant portion of the roughly €28 million they invested in Soulé during the summer of 2024. Whether Milan are prepared to meet that asking price in the coming weeks remains a key point of negotiation.

Roma are reportedly preparing a €40 million bid for Lyon forward Malick Fofana as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks to strengthen his attacking options following the club's return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018. The 21-year-old Belgian has emerged as a top target after deals for other widening options stalled, with Roma priced out of a move for RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa and their pursuit of Strasbourg's Diego Moreira having collapsed. Fofana impressed during the 2024–25 season but suffered a severe ankle injury that sidelined him for almost the entire 2025–26 campaign, raising fitness concerns that could complicate negotiations over Lyon's asking price. However, his pace, direct running and ability to play across both flanks appeal to Gasperini. Roma have already bolstered their attack this summer, signing Donyell Malen on a permanent deal and securing Santiago Castro from Bologna for a reported €35 million. The club are also exploring a move for Bologna's Jonathan Rowe. Fofana is a realistic candidate to replace Yan Diomande at Leipzig, who joined Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer, meaning Roma may face competition for his signature.

Roma ended their pre-season training camp in Wales with a 3–0 defeat to Brighton. Rutter and Ayari, who scored twice, were decisive for the home side. The loss concluded what proved a disappointing retreat before the Giallorossi return to Rome and prepare for their final warm-up fixture against Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2026–27 season launch. In the second half against Brighton, Castro and Koulierakis were brought on to gain match time. Back at Trigoria, Roma await the return of Pellegrini and Koné, the latter having rejoined the squad after his summer break. Individual performances saw Bryan Cristante earn a rating of 6 for his display, while Mario Hermoso (4) and Wesley (4.5) both endured difficult afternoons in defence.

Roma suffered a second defeat in three pre-season outings, losing 3–0 to Brighton in what Gasperini described as a concerning display two weeks before the season begins. Wesley emerged as the standout performer, while Neil El Aynaoui stepped back from his midweek form, and the defence was repeatedly breached. Gianluca Mancini (5) lost his man on Brighton's third goal and appeared less commanding than usual, while Mario Hermoso (5) was partly culpable for the opening goal and departed with a foot problem. Evan N'Dicka (5.5) offered insufficient security at the back, and Devyne Rensch (4.5) endured a forgettable afternoon at right-back following several indecisions; Koulierakis (6) and Daniele Ghilardi (6) came on at half-time and improved the display, though the match was already decided. Wesley (6) impressed with his physicality and athleticism, particularly a close effort at the 28-minute mark, while Paulo Dybala (5.5) created Roma's most dangerous opportunity despite a subdued showing. Neil El Aynaoui (4.5) was erratic in midfield, losing the ball in an exchange with Rensch that led to Brighton's second goal. Bryan Cristante (5.5), the captain, struggled to control the midfield as his experience might demand. Matías Soulé (5.5) lacked incisiveness despite constant movement. Donyell Malen (5) remained short of match fitness and rarely troubled the goalkeeper. Gasperini rated the performance 5, noting that Roma has conceded eleven goals across the last 360 minutes of pre-season play. Though he acknowledged no points are at stake in August, he expressed disappointment for the 750 Roma supporters in attendance. The transfer market remains underdeveloped, he added, but the squad must perform better ahead of competitive fixtures.

Roma faced Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the final warm-up match of their British tour. Gasperini named Donyell Malen in the starting eleven, while leaving new arrivals Castro and Koulierakis on the bench to manage their workload ahead of the 2026–27 season opener. The Roma boss fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, and a four-strong midfield of Devyne Rensch, Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, and Wesley. Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala occupied the advanced midfield roles, with Malen leading the attack. The fixture served as a final examination of the squad's preparation during the pre-season tour, with Gasperini using the match to assess combinations and match sharpness before competitive action resumes.