Fonseca defends Fofana as Roma pursue Lyon winger

Roma have reached an agreement in principle with Malick Fofana's representatives at the Roc Nation agency, according to a report from Hugo Guillemet of L'Équipe. The deal covers the player and his entourage, but Roma and Olympique Lyon have yet to settle on a fee. Lyon face pressure to raise funds through at least one more significant sale before the transfer window closes, and Fofana remains among the squad members who could depart if a substantial offer arrives. L'Équipe values Fofana at around €40 million, a figure Roma are currently unwilling to pay. The standoff is expected to intensify in the final days of the market. The timing may also be influenced by Roma's Champions League qualifying replay against Fenerbahçe, scheduled for Wednesday evening, which could affect the club's resources and priorities as the window nears its end.

Roma continue their transfer business following the arrival of Oosterwolde, with head coach Gasperini awaiting a new attacking winger before the market closes. The club will make another attempt to sign Chelsea's Gittens on a loan deal with a right of redemption, though the Blues have not yet accepted the proposal. With the final week of the transfer window approaching, Roma remain hopeful of a breakthrough. Parallel to the Gittens pursuit, Roma have held a long-standing agreement with Lyon's Fofana, but progress depends on circumstances beyond their control. Roma's sporting director D'Amico must wait for Lyon's Champions League preliminary round tie scheduled for tomorrow evening. Should Lyon be eliminated, the French side may lower their demands and allow the player to depart. Roma's next obstacle comes in that Champions fixture: a match against Fenerbahçe, managed by Greenwood. The first leg ended 1–1, with Greenwood scoring the English side's goal.

Roma have made a strong start to the season, but the club needs one more decisive move in the transfer market to challenge Inter. The Friedkin Group is working on final signings to strengthen the squad before the window closes. Fofana remains a key target, with the decision resting with the Friedkin ownership. Lyon have frozen their market activity as negotiations continue. Oosterwolde has arrived in Rome and was greeted by supporters with hugs, smiles and autographs, with medical checks and contract signing to follow. Elsewhere, Paulo Dybala has impressed with three assists and creative play, though his form carries financial implications for the owners. Bahoya remains on the club's shortlist of potential signings as Roma look to add depth across the squad.