Dybala and Roma draw closer as contract talks intensify

Roma's hopes of signing Brazilian forward Endrick have dimmed significantly after Real Madrid communicated to the player and his representatives their intention to retain him at the club. The contacts between Roma and Endrick's camp had been continuous in recent days, but Real Madrid's decision to keep the player in the Spanish capital appears to have closed that avenue. Real Madrid manager Mourinho has approved the decision, with the club's recent pre-season period convincing him that Endrick has shown enough quality to remain useful to the team. The development forces Roma's recruitment strategy to shift. The club had identified Endrick as one of two primary attacking targets, alongside Mora, who remains a more realistic prospect. The player's growth and performances during Madrid's training camp have persuaded the Portuguese coach that selling him is unnecessary. This outcome means Roma's technical director D'Amico may now need to pivot to alternative attacking targets as the transfer window continues.

Nahuel Molina has completed his move from Atlético Madrid to AS Roma on a deal worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. The Argentine defender touched down at Rome's Ciampino airport, where around 100 supporters greeted him with chants and songs. Molina responded with smiles, selfies, autographs and a message of "Forza Roma". Medical examinations and contract signature are scheduled, with his first training session under Gasperini expected tomorrow. Roma have accelerated negotiations for Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora, reaching a personal agreement on a five-year contract. Agent Jorge Mendes is pushing Roma as the priority in talks with Porto, and the two clubs are converging on Roma's revised offer of 25 million euros immediately plus a further 25 million in 2027. Roma hold the advantage over Galatasaray and are working with optimism to complete the deal in the coming hours. Negotiations also continue over Brazilian forward Endrick. Roma have been working behind the scenes for weeks to convince him that the capital offers the ideal platform to revive his career, though he remains keen to stay at Madrid to fight for his chances. Aston Villa present strong competition for his signature. Meanwhile, Roma are evaluating Inter's Luis Henrique as an option to strengthen the wing, with the Brazilian capable of operating as a secondary striker as well. Inter value Henrique at approximately 30 million euros, but several Premier League clubs are also interested.

Roma continue to pursue Endrick from Real Madrid as a key attacking target, with director D'Amico prioritising the young Portuguese talent after weeks of negotiations. Liverpool have evaluated Endrick but only on a permanent basis, a condition Real Madrid will not accept; the Spanish club insists on a loan arrangement to ensure the player receives regular playing time and development. Real Madrid have now assigned Endrick the number 9 shirt for the coming season—a shirt previously worn by legends Ronaldo Nazário and Cristiano Ronaldo—signalling the club's commitment to keeping him in the squad. Aston Villa remain Roma's main rival for the player's signature. Roma's interest in Endrick dates back more than a month, with continuous contact maintained with Real Madrid, though official approval remains outstanding. The loan formula proposed by the Spanish side aligns with Roma's preference, but Liverpool's rejection of any temporary deal has removed them from the race. According to Diario AS, Real Madrid have communicated to Endrick their intention to retain him, a position Mourinho endorses. With a deal for Mora reportedly close to completion in the coming hours, Roma plan to accelerate their push for Endrick once that transfer is finalised.

Roma have tabled an offer for Rodrigo Mora, a winger at Porto, as they continue their search for wide attacking reinforcements, while remaining interested in Alessio Cacciamani of Torino. For Mora, Roma have proposed a loan with an option to buy, but Porto are holding out for a permanent sale. The Giallorossi have tendered €25M plus significant bonuses and a sell-on clause, though Porto's valuation stands at €45–50M. Galatasaray are also pursuing the player. Meanwhile, Roma are preparing a bumper offer for Cacciamani. Torino wish to retain him but may need to generate sales this summer. An earlier bid of €12M plus €3M in bonuses was lodged, and Roma are expected to increase their offer, though not substantially. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is known for developing young talent, though the club would prefer to land an established star who requires minimal adjustment. Separately, Lorenzo Pellegrini has agreed a one-year contract with an option after spending the summer as a free agent recovering from thigh surgery. Gasperini stated he would not be ready to play for at least a month. Like Paulo Dybala, Pellegrini reduced his wages to rejoin the club.

Wesley has backed a move to Roma for Endrick, saying he would be delighted if the Brazilian joined the club. Speaking to Italian media, the Roma winger reflected on his pre-season programme across Cardiff and Brighton, assessing the team's preparation for the new campaign. "It is obvious that I would very much like it if he came to Roma but it is him who decides what is best for his future. I would like to see many Brazilians here, there are several who could be useful to us but in the end it is always the sporting director who decides. Anyway if he came I would be very happy," Wesley said. Wesley, who missed the World Cup after a late injury, has established himself as Roma's left winger under Gian Piero Gasperini despite it not being his natural position. He praised the arrival of Molina, describing the new recruit as a great footballer who will provide significant help. Roma have secured Champions League football for the first time in seven years, and Wesley expressed his enthusiasm for the competition, calling it a sort of World Cup for participating players but acknowledging it is very difficult and demanding. Wesley also spoke warmly of his bond with Paulo Dybala, noting that despite being the only Brazilian in a dressing room full of Argentines, he has no issues with his teammates. He remains curious about Roma's campaign in European competition and the challenges that lie ahead in the new season.

Gian Piero Gasperini is pursuing a dual attacking recruitment strategy to reshape Roma's forward line around existing talents Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé. The primary target is Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese playmaker born in 2007, whom Roma are negotiating to sign permanently from Porto for a fee in the region of €45–50 million. Mora was the standout performer at the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship with five goals and two assists, and scored 10 goals with four assists in Porto's league campaign at age 17. He has since been capped by Portugal's senior side, though a March 2025 injury ruled him out of friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Under Porto's current setup, Mora appeared off the bench in yesterday's first-league match against Alverca, a 2–0 victory, and the club is now receptive to a permanent sale as Roma navigate the financial structure of a deal involving amortization and wages. Roma's ambition extends to a loan move for Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, a Brazilian forward born in 2006 whom Real Madrid acquired as a 16-year-old for €72 million. Endrick spent the past season on loan at Olympique Lione, where he scored five goals and provided seven assists across 16 appearances. Roma are seeking a loan formula that includes a purchase option, while Real Madrid would retain a buy-back clause valued above €100 million. At just 39 years combined age, the pair would offer Gasperini flexibility across the forward line: Mora as a creative, attacking midfielder and Endrick as a left-sided winger or centre-forward. Cafu and Wesley have both publicly endorsed Endrick's arrival. A decision is expected in the coming days.