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Fofana decision day as Roma pursues two right-footed wingers
·26 August 2026·2h ago

Fofana decision day as Roma pursues two right-footed wingers

Source: GialloRossi.net

Roma's pursuit of a right-footed left winger remains on knife's edge following the emphatic win over Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified two targets: Malick Fofana and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Roma and Fofana have already agreed personal terms, and the player remains attracted to the move, but Lyon are asking for more than €35 million to let him leave. The decisive factor arrives this evening when Lyon face Fenerbahce in the Champions League playoff return leg. Should Lyon qualify, Fofana's desire to play in the Champions League could make staying in France more appealing. An elimination, however, would shift the dynamics: Lyon's need to complete a significant sale before the transfer window closes could leave Roma in a stronger negotiating position.

On the alternative front, Chelsea's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens remains under consideration. Roma have never abandoned the Chelsea winger and fresh contact is expected in the coming days as the Blues' stance could yet soften. So far London have rejected the loan-with-option-to-buy formula proposed by Roma's director, preferring either a permanent sale or much stronger guarantees on any future purchase.

The race remains wide open. Fofana presents the more developed option—the player and club are aligned—but Lyon must be convinced. Gittens hinges entirely on Chelsea's willingness to negotiate the deal structure. Gasperini waits for his final attacking signing, and the next few hours, beginning with Lyon's Champions League match, may finally clarify which path will prove decisive.

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AS Roma's pursuit of a right-footed left winger has reached a critical juncture, with Malick Fofana emerging as the primary target. All outlets confirm that Roma and the Belgian forward have already agreed personal terms, and Fofana remains keen to join the club. However, Olympique Lyonnais is demanding more than €35 million to release him, placing the decision squarely with Roma's ownership. Retesport and Forza Roma report that the Friedkin Group is currently evaluating whether to meet Lyon's valuation, having paused negotiations to assess the financial commitment required. The timing of Roma's decision is inextricably linked to Lyon's Champions League playoff return leg against Fenerbahçe this evening—should Lyon qualify, their reduced financial pressure could make them unwilling to sell Fofana. Conversely, elimination would strengthen Roma's negotiating position.

On alternative targets, Forza Roma confirms Roma will make another approach to Chelsea regarding Jamie Bynoe-Gittens this week, though the Blues continue to reject Roma's preferred loan-with-option-to-buy structure, insisting instead on either a permanent sale or stronger purchase guarantees. Separately, Forza Roma adds that Roma have also identified PSG's Mbaye and free agent Franck Kessié as potential options. On the departures front, Polish defender Jan Ziolkowski is close to leaving, with both Parma and Monza pursuing him on loan terms in advanced negotiations.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

La vittoria travolgente contro la Fiorentina non ha cambiato i programmi di Gian Piero Gasperini: alla Roma manca ancora un esterno offensivo di piede destro capace di giocare a sinistra, saltare l’uomo e aggiungere velocità e strappi all’attacco. I due nomi che continuano a dominare la lista di…

Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.

Read original on GialloRossi.net

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