El Mala's Roma rejection may help Roma's pursuit of Nusa as Leipzig eyes the Cologne talent

Rafael Leao has been offered to Roma in the early transfer window, but significant obstacles stand in the way of a move to the Giallorossi. Head coach Gasperini has prioritised strengthening the attack with at least two quality wingers and has made clear the club will not exceed a wage ceiling of 4 million euros per player. Leao currently earns 5 million euros net annually at Milan under a contract running until 2028, meaning he would need to accept a pay cut. The Portuguese forward's ability to play Champions League football with Roma—unlike Milan this season—could help persuade him, and Roma's use of the growth decree tax relief might offer a minor advantage. However, Milan are unlikely to offer discounts on a player of Leao's quality, particularly given Roma are direct Serie A competitors. Leao's valuation remains prohibitive. Roma may have offered around 50 million euros for West Ham's Summerville, but Milan would demand 10–20 million euros more for Leao. Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have emerged as rival suitors, though Fenerbahce denied reports of a 100-million-euro bid, stating: "The rumours according to which we would have presented an offer of around 100 million euros for Rafael Leao, including the cost of the transfer and the salary, do not reflect reality." With Summerville off the table, Gasperini and the club's management have shifted focus to Nusa at Leipzig. Leao remains a name to consider only if circumstances improve. Gasperini is awaiting at least one attacking reinforcement before the squad departs for a training camp in Wales.

Anass Salah-Eddine will not travel with Roma to their training camp in Wales from 31 July to 8 August, signalling that the club and head coach Gasperini have decided to move on from the left-back. The 2002-born defender spent the past season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, but the Dutch club opted not to exercise their purchase option when he returned to Roma. Salah-Eddine's absence from the Wales trip indicates Roma and Gasperini have ruled him out of their plans for the upcoming season, despite an encouraging World Cup campaign with Morocco. A new departure is now in the works, with no place for the full-back in the new campaign. The player's departure represents a clear decision by the technical and administrative hierarchy at the club following his loan spell in the Eredivisie.

Manchester United has slowed its pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Koné after initial intensive monitoring of the 2001-born France international, according to The Telegraph. The delay stems from doubts within the Manchester United hierarchy over whether the player justifies an outlay of at least €60 million. This does not represent a definitive withdrawal from the race, but rather a period of careful reflection on whether Koné represents the right investment for the club. Koné has attracted attention from top European clubs following an impressive World Cup campaign with France. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini considers him a fundamental piece of Roma's midfield setup, yet the club could be open to a sale of the right magnitude to help address financial fair play obligations. Manchester United had been the most attentive suitor to date, but the recent hesitation signals uncertainty about committing such a significant fee to the midfielder's profile.