Fofana on Roma's radar: Lyon winger's injury history and Olimpico connection

AC Milan are considering moves for Matías Soulé and Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri as they search for a left-footed attacker, but their recruitment efforts are being stalled by Rafael Leão's refusal to commit to a departure. The Portuguese winger has shelved interest from Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray despite being offered substantial wages, preferring to wait for more appealing options. Neither Turkish side has met Milan's €50–60 million valuation for Leão, and the club is beginning to accept he may remain. Roma are seeking €35–40 million for Soulé, a figure Milan consider prohibitively high. Fellow targets Konstantinos Karetsas and Kerim Alajbegovic have already switched clubs for comparable fees, while Franco Mastantuono is significantly closer to joining Fiorentina. Nwaneri arrives from a six-month loan at Olympique Marseille, where he made nine appearances, scoring once and providing two assists. The 21-year-old has recorded 51 outings for Arsenal in recent seasons, netting 10 goals. Milan's reluctance to accelerate their pursuit while Leão's situation remains unresolved is costing them opportunities. The club appears prepared to invest in the right prospect but shows greater preference for developing young talent under Rúben Amorim's system than securing an immediate first-team contributor. A resolution on Leão's future may come later in the summer, though any solution could prove underwhelming for the Rossoneri's ambitions.

Roma and Feyenoord remain locked in negotiations over the transfer of defender Givairo Read. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has raised Roma's bid to €25 million in fixed fees plus €3 million in bonuses, alongside a 10 per cent sell-on clause for future resales of the right-back. The Dutch club has rejected the proposal, leaving talks at an apparent standstill, though new contacts are expected in the coming days in a bid to reach a final agreement. Read himself has already signalled his intention to join Roma and has agreed a five-year contract worth €2.5 million per season. The signing would give coach Gian Piero Gasperini a fullback profile comparable to Wesley to complete Roma's flanks. Alternative targets, including Fresneda, remain secondary, while interest from Nottingham Forest is viewed as less of a threat, with the English club unlikely to drive up the price. Roma has indicated it will not increase its offer further at present, though the expectation is that a resolution could be reached within the coming days as both clubs seek to close the gap between their valuations.

Roma have increased their offer for Read to €25 million plus €3 million in bonuses and 10% of any future resale fee, but Feyenoord have rejected the proposal. The Dutch club's expectations remain unmet, and negotiations are currently at an impasse with Roma's sporting director unwilling to go further. However, further contact between the parties is expected in the coming days as both sides work towards an agreement. Read himself has made his position clear, accepting a move to Roma on a five-year contract worth €2.5 million per season. Roma are targeting a swift conclusion within the coming 48 hours. The club had also considered Fresneda as an alternative, but prefer a profile similar to Wesley to strengthen the flanks. Nottingham Forest remain in the background as a secondary option, though they appear reluctant to engage in an auction for the player.