Cup subscriptions confirmed; Mora advances, Martinelli talks ongoing

Rodrigo Mora is edging closer to joining Roma. After days of negotiations, sporting director D'Amico is working to reach an economic agreement with Porto following the young attacker's acceptance of the move. Mora is prepared to sign a five-year contract worth approximately €1.7 million net per season. Roma has tabled an offer of €25 million plus 40% of any future sale proceeds, with a clause allowing the club to eliminate that percentage by paying an additional €20–25 million in future. The 2007-born playmaker is awaiting confirmation in the coming hours and is ready to join his new club. Portuguese newspaper Record has reported on the negotiations. The gap between the two clubs is now minimal, and both sides are eager to complete the deal.

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Manu Koné reported back to Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training ground today for medical checks and to resume preparation with the squad following the World Cup. The French midfielder's future remains one of the most sensitive issues on Roma's transfer agenda, though the club's stance has not shifted throughout the summer: Koné has never been officially placed on the market and continues to be viewed as an important player for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma have set a high valuation on the 24-year-old. Any sale would require an offer exceeding €50 million, the club believes. Atlético Madrid tabled a bid of approximately €35 million in late June, which was immediately rejected as too low. Manchester United subsequently showed interest, but Paris Saint-Germain never made a concrete attempt. Koné himself has not openly expressed a desire to leave the capital, with his ties to the Roma environment and the prospect of featuring prominently in the Champions League cited as significant factors. Koné is scheduled to hold talks with Gasperini and club management today to review his international campaign and clarify his role in the new season. Roma's message remains clear: Koné is a key player and the club has no need to sell him. Only an offer deemed impossible to refuse would alter that position.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 11 August after a two-day break granted by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following the club's pre-season camp in the United Kingdom. Midfielder Manu Koné and defender Nahuel Molina both rejoined the squad after their post-World Cup holidays and trained with the full group on the afternoon of 11 August. Molina, who arrived in Rome on the evening of 10 August, signed a four-year contract with the club before taking part in the session. Lorenzo Pellegrini was absent from training due to a right thigh muscle injury (rectus femoris) that has not fully healed. The number 7, who recently signed a contract renewal, is not expected to be available until after 15 August. Pellegrini's absence marks a significant gap in Roma's midfield as the club continues preparations for the 2026–27 campaign under Gasperini.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 11 August following their Wales training camp, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini welcoming back key players and new arrivals. Manu Koné rejoined the squad after post-World Cup leave, having fended off only a modest Chelsea enquiry, while Argentine winger Nahuel Molina completed his move after landing at Ciampino on 10 August in front of around 200 celebrating supporters. Molina signed a four-year contract and was immediately available for selection. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has recently renewed his contract with the club, remains the only first-team player unavailable. The midfielder is undergoing final treatment for a right-thigh muscle injury and will rejoin the group officially after 15 August. Pellegrini has been sidelined managing a recurrence of the muscular problem but is progressing through his recovery schedule.