Fofana agrees to join Roma; Udogie and Luis Henrique only on loan terms

Manchester City have moved into contention for Manu Koné after Manchester United withdrew from the race and turned their attention to Brighton's Baleba. According to the Daily Mail, Enzo Fernández and Lille's Bouaddi targets did not advance, prompting City manager Maresca to accelerate the search for a midfield reinforcement following Rodri's injury. Roma are holding firm on a valuation of approximately €55 million for the French midfielder. However, with fewer than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, a departure appears unlikely given the club's position and the limited time to find an adequate replacement. The ongoing uncertainty over Koné's future underscores the complexity of late-window dealings, with City's urgency to bolster their ranks competing against Roma's unwillingness to sell at a discount or rush into a premature exit.

Roma continue to monitor Alessio Cacciamani, and a development at Turin may accelerate their pursuit. Torino confirmed an agreement with Fiorentina to sign Niccolò Fortini on loan with a right of redemption. Since Fortini plays the same position as Roma's target, the path to Cacciamani could warm in the coming hours. Torino's Cairo rejected Roma's opening bid of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses; the club values Cacciamani at approximately €20 million, though Roma hope to negotiate a lower fee. Meanwhile, the search for alternative targets continues. Udogie remains on standby as Roma's transfer operation winds down. Sporting director D'Amico is hunting for a deputy to Wesley to deliver to head coach Gasperini before the window closes. Luis Henrique appears out of reach; no agreement has been reached either with Inter or the player himself.

Rodrigo Mora landed at Ciampino yesterday to a reception of nearly 500 supporters as Roma completed the Portuguese attacking talent's signing. The 19-year-old expressed his gratitude in an official interview: "I want to thank Roma and Porto. I'm very happy to be here, and I thank the fans for the support they showed me at the airport. I'm very pleased and hope to have a great season here." José Mourinho endorsed the move, calling Mora "one of the greatest talents in Portuguese football. Technically very strong, a creative player who unbalances matches. I think Roma fans will love him." Meanwhile, Roma remain in talks over striker Malick Fofana from Lyon. An agreement in principle is in place for €35 million plus bonuses, but the deal is conditional on Lyon's European preliminary round results and awaits approval from the Friedkin Group ownership, who are reluctant to commit such a sum without significant departures or cheaper payment structures, mindful of financial fair play constraints. Defender Gianluca Mancini discussed the challenge ahead under Gian Piero Gasperini in an interview with Sky Sport. On competing in the Champions League for the first time, he said: "Yes, we pursued it for some years. Last season we secured it and we can't wait to take part in this beautiful competition." He added on Gasperini's training intensity: "I think all preparations are tough because you come from a holiday period and when you restart in the heat the first sessions are tough everywhere, what the manager and his staff do is put us in the right conditions to face the season in the best way possible. We as a group follow exactly what he tells us to do." Manu Koné is expected to remain at Roma after Manchester United withdrew from the race for the French midfielder.

Radio commentators across Rome's airwaves have offered contrasting views on Roma's transfer strategy following the club's acquisition of Mora for €25 million. The deal includes a 50% sell-on clause to Porto, with Ugo Trani noting that Roma may add another €25 million to the fee if Mora performs well. Piero Torri struck a cautionary note on midfield departures, saying: "Selling Koné today would be suicide, unless I already have a replacement in hand. In my ideal formation, I put Koné and then choose the other midfielder. Either an insane offer arrives or I keep him. Even if the need to raise cash remains." Fofana's move from Lyon is described as well advanced, with agreement in place between club and player, though Lorenzo Pes warned that Roma must first commit €30 million to close that deal or find an alternative approach. Several panellists flagged incomplete squad depth. Simone Valdarchi expects at least one more incoming transfer and suggested Roma is tracking players including Cacciamani and Luis Henrique for the wing. Francesco Balzani identified a left-sided winger as Gasperini's priority and noted a continuing gap at left-back, with Molina having filled the absence of Çelik on the opposite flank. The consensus pointed to possible departures from Soulé and Ziółkowski as potential funding mechanisms, with Balzani singling out Soulé as an exit candidate. Balzani added that Mora's formula "is very advantageous for Roma. Today with €25 million it is difficult to buy interesting players."

Roma have offered Lyon €35 million in base fee plus bonus for Belgian winger Malick Fofana, with personal terms agreed, but the French club wants to wait until after their Champions League preliminary against Fenerbahçe on 26 August before finalising discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is awaiting owner approval from the Friedkin Group, who have already invested approximately €100 million this summer on Castro, Koulierakis, Molina and Mora. A sale would help Roma's finances and strengthen their negotiating position. Director of sport D'Amico is seeking offers for several squad members. No bids have arrived for Manu Koné, but Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski are available for transfer. Soulé has attracted interest from Fiorentina and Sunderland, while Ziółkowski has drawn attention from Saudi clubs. Roma value the Polish defender at approximately €20 million, which would generate useful profit for the balance sheet. With 1 September approaching, Roma must accelerate their efforts.

Roma have completed the signing of Rodrigo Mora and will give him his first training session today, with his debut scheduled for Monday against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. The club is pressing hard on other fronts in the transfer market, with Malick Fofana the priority target for the attack. Roma have tabled an offer of €35 million for the Lyon forward, and have already reached an agreement with the player, but are awaiting final approval from the Friedkin Group to close the deal. Lyon want to hold Fofana until at least 26 August for their Champions League qualifying return. Roma are also actively working on a move for Luis Henrique from Inter. Sources say Roma have made the strongest push for the Brazilian in recent weeks, but an economic agreement has not yet been reached—disagreement remains over both commission terms and wages. A breakthrough could be within reach if Roma decide to press ahead decisively. On the outgoing side, the club is seeking buyers for Jan Ziółkowski, who has attracted interest from clubs in the Middle East and England. The future of Matías Soulé remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Manchester City have shown interest in Manu Koné; Roma are asking around €50 million for the midfielder.