Fortini's move to Turin reopens Cacciamani path as Roma weighs options

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.

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.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken for the first time as a Roma player following his official unveiling. The Portuguese forward expressed gratitude to the club and supporters after arriving at the airport, saying: "I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank Roma and the port. I am truly delighted and hope to have a great season here." Mora cited Paulo Dybala as a childhood inspiration and highlighted his eagerness to play alongside him. "During my childhood I grew up watching Dybala, and now being able to play next to him is something very rewarding for me," he said. He identified his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength and expressed enthusiasm about working with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that the manager favours number 10s—the position Mora prefers to play. Roma's passionate support also made a strong impression: "I remember the supporters who stayed with me. It is a very passionate fanbase and very loud. What struck me most about them was the 'noise' of the fans." Mora has worn the number 10 since age 15 at Porto's B team and intends to continue wearing it "for at least a few more years." He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Porto, where he spent his entire life, but expressed confidence in the move: "When I found out I would transfer here, I was truly happy." He also highlighted the lengthy negotiations: "As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. Honestly, I could not wait to be here."

Rodrigo Mora began his AS Roma adventure on Tuesday morning at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini, joining the squad for his first training session under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Portuguese talent took the field alongside Wesley and met his new Giallorossi teammates, greeting the club's social media followers with a simple message: "Buongiorno!". Mora's arrival adds depth to Roma's attacking options as the squad prepares for the 2026-27 campaign. He integrated immediately into Gasperini's squad at the training ground, suggesting a swift induction into the coach's tactical setup and daily routines.

Rodrigo Mora reported for his first day at Roma on 19 August, hours after the club confirmed his arrival. The Portuguese midfielder born in 2007 went straight to Trigoria and joined the squad for training under Gian Piero Gasperini. He quickly settled into his new surroundings, visibly smiling in footage released by Roma as he spoke and joked with fellow player Wesley—the shared Portuguese language helping them connect naturally. A standout moment came when Mora greeted staff with a perfect "Buongiorno" in Italian, signalling his eagerness to integrate immediately into his new environment. Mora is unlikely to feature from the start in Roma's next fixture against Fiorentina on Monday, but Gasperini is expected to give him minutes off the bench to build his familiarity with the Stadio Olimpico and demonstrate his abilities. The club and supporters are anticipating what the new arrival will bring to the squad.

Roma trained at Trigoria this morning following a three-day rest granted by Gasperini, with new signing Rodrigo Mora featuring in his first session after receiving official confirmation. The squad is preparing for their Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday, 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from injury and returned to full group training, a significant boost for Gasperini's midfield options. Lorenzo Pellegrini continues working separately, with his availability for the Fiorentina match to be assessed day by day. Wesley completed a partial session but is on track to start against Viola, with no fitness concerns reported.