Gasperini eyes Fiorentina clash as Roma pursue Fofana and left-back reinforcements

Malick Fofana remains Roma's primary target to strengthen the attack, but the club will have to wait at least until after the Champions League qualifying round on 26 August before progressing negotiations. According to L'Équipe, Lyon's valuation of the player stands at approximately €45 million, and no agreement has yet been reached between the two clubs. Lyon intends to focus solely on their fixture against Fenerbahçe before discussions resume at the end of the month. Roma has long held Fofana on its wish list, and director D'Amico is working to bring another attacker to Gasperini's squad. The timeline suggests any move will depend on the outcome of Roma's Champions League preliminaries, with the transfer likely to be pursued once that competition is underway.

Radio pundits debated Roma's transfer strategy on 20 August, with analyst Sabatini arguing the season depends on how many goals Malen scores and how many matches Dybala can play. "It is difficult to think that they can play more than 20 matches as regular starters," Sabatini said on Radio Radio. Commentator Carina added that Roma has spent heavily but must make outgoings to balance the books, noting that Soulé's agent has guaranteed offers will arrive at Trigoria in the coming days. Carina also highlighted Roma's failure to sign a left-footed right winger despite it being a stated priority: "We are on 20 August and Roma has bought everything except that player." Marcacci suggested Fofana would have been a more useful acquisition than Mora for Roma's midfield needs, while Pes called for Roma to strengthen the attack with additional physicality and athleticism. Torri reported that an agreement exists between Lyon and Fofana, with conditions in place to close the deal. He also underlined Roma's two-year absence of a right-footed left winger despite spending over 10 million euros in that market. Speculation mounted around Koné's future, with Pes noting Manchester City interest but estimating Roma would demand 60 million euros for the midfielder.

Jorge Mendes is working on a potential move for Matías Soulé to AC Milan, opening new possibilities for Roma as the transfer window enters its final stages. The agent's visit to Italy extends beyond his work with new Roma arrival Rodrigo Mora, and has reignited contact with Milan over Soulé, valued at approximately €35 million plus add-ons. Roma are exploring options including a loan with an obligation to buy or potential swap deals. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has long harboured interest in elite-profile targets, with Rafa Leão and Christopher Nkunku among names in the background of these discussions. Parallel to the Soulé situation, Roma continue pursuing Inter's Luis Henrique to strengthen their flanks and attack. The Brazilian's versatility—capable of playing on either wing or in support of the striker—appeals to Gasperini. Inter are holding out for €30 million, while Roma are pushing for a loan with an obligation to buy and have offered Henrique €1.5 million in salary plus add-ons. Henrique's willingness to join Roma has kept negotiations alive. He has now overtaken Destiny Udogie in the manager's preferences, though Roma are also monitoring Alessio Cacciamani.

Radio pundits debated Roma's transfer strategy on 20 August, with analyst Sabatini arguing the season depends on how many goals Malen scores and how many matches Dybala can play. "It is difficult to think that they can play more than 20 matches as regular starters," Sabatini said on Radio Radio. Commentator Carina added that Roma has spent heavily but must make outgoings to balance the books, noting that Soulé's agent has guaranteed offers will arrive at Trigoria in the coming days. Carina also highlighted Roma's failure to sign a left-footed right winger despite it being a stated priority: "We are on 20 August and Roma has bought everything except that player." Marcacci suggested Fofana would have been a more useful acquisition than Mora for Roma's midfield needs, while Pes called for Roma to strengthen the attack with additional physicality and athleticism. Torri reported that an agreement exists between Lyon and Fofana, with conditions in place to close the deal. He also underlined Roma's two-year absence of a right-footed left winger despite spending over 10 million euros in that market. Speculation mounted around Koné's future, with Pes noting Manchester City interest but estimating Roma would demand 60 million euros for the midfielder.

Rodrigo Mora impressed in his first training session and now has four days to convince Gasperini he deserves the starting role in Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. The Portuguese forward will compete with Matías Soulé for the trequartista position in a 3-4-1-2 formation that Roma trialled on 19 August. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to start as the two strikers, with Mora eyeing an opportunity to stake his claim in the role that suits him best. Soulé's availability for the match remains uncertain as AC Milan continues to press for his signature, alongside English club Sunderland. The competition for places elsewhere in the team appears settled: Molina is ready to make his debut, Wesley will start at left-back, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will operate in midfield, and the defensive line in front of Mile Svilar will comprise Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Gasperini's early feedback on Mora has been positive, giving the forward genuine scope to earn a starting berth.

Roma want to complete their squad with two more signings before the transfer window closes, but face financial and numerical constraints imposed by UEFA agreements and profit rules. Head coach Gasperini continues to push for a profile like Malick Fofana to add unpredictability to the attack, but the situation is complex. With the arrival of Rodrigo Mora, the attacking midfield is already well covered: Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Robinio Vaz are all in the squad. Any move for Fofana depends on a significant sale that generates a profit to stay within settlement agreement parameters—which allow a maximum loss of €60 million over three years. Matías Soulé is the likeliest candidate to raise a fee close to €40 million. Director Tony D'Amico is also evaluating Luis Henrique from Inter as an alternative. The Brazilian can play on the wing or as an additional forward and would be an ideal utility player. Inter have indicated availability for a loan with a buyout clause set at €27–28 million, though the Nerazzurri are demanding very simple conditions to trigger the obligation—such as the first point won or survival—which complicates the deal. Lyon's timeline further clouds matters: the French club wants to wait for the outcome of Champions League qualifying before giving final approval for Fofana.

Radio pundits debated Roma's transfer strategy on 20 August, with analyst Sabatini arguing the season depends on how many goals Malen scores and how many matches Dybala can play. "It is difficult to think that they can play more than 20 matches as regular starters," Sabatini said on Radio Radio. Commentator Carina added that Roma has spent heavily but must make outgoings to balance the books, noting that Soulé's agent has guaranteed offers will arrive at Trigoria in the coming days. Carina also highlighted Roma's failure to sign a left-footed right winger despite it being a stated priority: "We are on 20 August and Roma has bought everything except that player." Marcacci suggested Fofana would have been a more useful acquisition than Mora for Roma's midfield needs, while Pes called for Roma to strengthen the attack with additional physicality and athleticism. Torri reported that an agreement exists between Lyon and Fofana, with conditions in place to close the deal. He also underlined Roma's two-year absence of a right-footed left winger despite spending over 10 million euros in that market. Speculation mounted around Koné's future, with Pes noting Manchester City interest but estimating Roma would demand 60 million euros for the midfielder.

Rodrigo Mora impressed in his first training session and now has four days to convince Gasperini he deserves the starting role in Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. The Portuguese forward will compete with Matías Soulé for the trequartista position in a 3-4-1-2 formation that Roma trialled on 19 August. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to start as the two strikers, with Mora eyeing an opportunity to stake his claim in the role that suits him best. Soulé's availability for the match remains uncertain as AC Milan continues to press for his signature, alongside English club Sunderland. The competition for places elsewhere in the team appears settled: Molina is ready to make his debut, Wesley will start at left-back, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will operate in midfield, and the defensive line in front of Mile Svilar will comprise Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso. Gasperini's early feedback on Mora has been positive, giving the forward genuine scope to earn a starting berth.

Rodrigo Mora is set to make his AS Roma debut in Monday evening's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico. The Portuguese talent has already impressed in training at Trigoria and earned inclusion in Gasperini's squad, training alongside his idol Paulo Dybala, now his teammate. Mora signed a five-year contract and wears the number 86, the same shirt he favoured as the youngest debutant in Portuguese league history at age fifteen. The transfer was completed for €25 million plus €2 million in bonus payments, with Porto retaining 50 per cent of any future sale—a clause Roma can remove by paying an additional €25 million. Tactically, Mora will operate as a playmaker behind the striker, a role that complements Dybala and Donyell Malen in Roma's attacking setup. He has also been trialled in midfield but will be deployed in his natural attacking position as the campaign begins.

Roma want to complete their squad with two more signings before the transfer window closes, but face financial and numerical constraints imposed by UEFA agreements and profit rules. Head coach Gasperini continues to push for a profile like Malick Fofana to add unpredictability to the attack, but the situation is complex. With the arrival of Rodrigo Mora, the attacking midfield is already well covered: Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Robinio Vaz are all in the squad. Any move for Fofana depends on a significant sale that generates a profit to stay within settlement agreement parameters—which allow a maximum loss of €60 million over three years. Matías Soulé is the likeliest candidate to raise a fee close to €40 million. Director Tony D'Amico is also evaluating Luis Henrique from Inter as an alternative. The Brazilian can play on the wing or as an additional forward and would be an ideal utility player. Inter have indicated availability for a loan with a buyout clause set at €27–28 million, though the Nerazzurri are demanding very simple conditions to trigger the obligation—such as the first point won or survival—which complicates the deal. Lyon's timeline further clouds matters: the French club wants to wait for the outcome of Champions League qualifying before giving final approval for Fofana.

Roma have closed the signing of Rodrigo Mora and are now concentrating on completing their flanks and attack, with Luis Henrique of Inter their leading target and an exit in the squad required to push through for Malick Fofana. Roma are working to find Wesley's ideal deputy for Gasperini, with Luis Henrique emerging as the favourite candidate. The two clubs have already drafted an agreement worth approximately €30 million including bonuses, structured as a loan with an obligation to buy. Remaining details on the Brazilian's wages need to be finalized, though he is keen on joining Roma. Separately, Roma are pushing hard for Fofana of Lyon to strengthen their attack. The deal is feasible but depends on the departure of at least one of Matías Soulé or Manu Koné. Lyon, who hold Fofana's registration, are waiting for the outcome of their Champions League preliminaries on 26 August before opening to a sale. Rafa Leao remains a tempting option in the background, favoured by Gasperini but complicated by cost. In outgoings, Venezia, Bologna and Fiorentina are tracking Robinio Vaz closely, though Roma will not let him leave on a simple loan. Salah‑Eddine is also departing, with Roma evaluating the best options for his exit.

Roma are advancing in pursuit of Inter's Luis Henrique to serve as backup left-back to Wesley. The club has already reached a draft agreement with Inter, with the transfer valued at approximately €30 million including bonuses, though details of the loan-with-obligation-to-buy structure remain to be finalised. Henrique is convinced of the move, but salary negotiations must be resolved—he currently earns €2.5 million at Inter. Gasperini has made strengthening the left flank a priority following Rodrigo Mora's arrival. Henrique is ahead of Tottenham's Destiny Udogie and Torino's Alessio Cacciamani in the pecking order. A striker remains on the shopping list, with Lyon's Malick Fofana emerging as the leading candidate. Lyon want Fofana available for their Champions League playoff return on 26 August. Roma must sell either Matías Soulé or Manu Koné to make the Fofana deal work financially. The club is also working on secondary departures: Robinio Vaz has attracted interest from Venezia, Bologna, and Fiorentina, though Roma are not open to a loan, and Salah-Eddine is also available for transfer. Gasperini remains fascinated by the prospect of signing Rafa Leão as an option on the left wing.