Dortmund withdraws from El Mala race, opening door for Roma

Roma began preparations for their Champions League campaign with a training session on Thursday ahead of their debut in Europe's elite competition against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday. Lorenzo Pellegrini trained with the group and is targeting a recall to the squad. The club's focus extends beyond the pitch: director D'Amico has identified a need for a left-sided forward, and Roma are considering Jadon Sancho, currently a free agent. New contact has been made with the English player, with the idea of a pay-per-appearance contract arrangement.

AS Roma are evaluating the possibility of signing free agent Raphaël Guerreiro to reinforce their left-back options, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur. The Portuguese defender would represent an experienced quality option to complement the wide players at the disposal of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Guerreiro has endured a difficult period recently, during which he had even considered an early retirement during the summer. His name is now back in focus on the transfer market as Roma assess whether to bring him into the squad as a reinforcement for the left flank. At present this remains a prospect to monitor, with no indication of active negotiations having begun.

Chelsea have turned to free agents to replace Enzo Fernandez after months of pursuing Manu Koné, who has remained at Roma. Manager Xabi Alonso's side have targeted Georginio Wijnaldum, who chose to stay in Saudi Arabia, and are now tracking Renato Sanches, who is also being followed by other European clubs. Both players had unremarkable spells at Roma and Liverpool respectively. Roma rejected Chelsea's attempts to lure away Koné, a player the club considers fundamental. The midfielder has reinforced his standing as a top performer in Roma's opening three fixtures of the season, confirming his importance to Gasperini's plans.