Gasperini's Four-Player Wish Half-Granted: Molina Arrives, Three More Targets Remain

Gian Piero Gasperini cancelled a scheduled Sky Sport interview on the evening of 6 August, the third occasion on which he has declined to speak to media during his time at Roma. The cancellation came after a market meeting at the club's training base at Hensol extended beyond the planned timeframe. CEO Galantic remained at the resort; Ryan Friedkin had left that morning but joined the call remotely alongside director of sport D'Amico, who has been travelling between Milan and Rome to oversee ongoing negotiations. Gasperini is growing impatient over the club's failure to secure a left-sided attacking player, a position the head coach views as critical before the season opens in 17 days. Roma continue to pursue Nusa from RB Leipzig, but the German club's asking price remains around €60 million and they show no willingness to negotiate. The club has also explored Fofana, though his fitness raises concerns. Attempts to discuss Martinelli and Leão have stalled: Martinelli's wage demand of €7 million in sterling is considered prohibitive, and Leão's situation is similarly complicated. The ownership has reaffirmed that its strict salary cap policy will not change. Molina is expected to arrive within days and will join Castro and Koulierakis on the list of new arrivals, but without the left winger the squad remains short of Gasperini's requirements. The meeting left Gasperini unsettled, and he chose silence rather than face media questions. He is unlikely to expect significant late signings and may address the press after Roma's friendly against Brighton, their final pre-season match in England before returning to the capital.

Roma will not sell midfielder Manu Koné for less than €60 million, the club has made clear as the French player returns from post-World Cup leave following Roma's training camp in Wales. Manchester United, the main interested party, has stepped back from pursuing the 2001-born midfielder in recent days. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United manager Carrick has decided against the move, unconvinced by Koné's profile and instead preferring either a player with proven Premier League experience or one with significant international pedigree, such as Real Madrid's Tchouameni. Koné joined Roma on loan with an obligation to buy for €18 million from Borussia Mönchengladbach in August 2024 and has since become a key figure in the club's midfield. Roma's valuation reflects the midfielder's importance to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the 2026–27 season approaches. The club's refusal to entertain bids below €60 million signals their determination to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico unless a suitor meets their asking price.

Radio pundits have weighed in on Roma's transfer activity and squad composition ahead of the new season. Carina told Radio Radio Mattino that Lorenzo Pellegrini's one-year contract renewal was surprising, noting that Gasperini's line had prevailed over the club's initial reluctance to renew either Pellegrini or Paulo Dybala. "I continue to think that Roma still lack a bit of quality," Carina said. "Judgements on the market will ultimately be given based on the profile of the left-sided winger." Pruzzo echoed similar concerns on the same station, observing that recent summer friendlies had shown the same squad as last year. "If a player capable of truly shifting the balance and adding quality doesn't arrive, then it remains a repetitive squad," he said. "Roma has several certainties but the creativity is what it is. To try to raise the level of the attacking department, that type of player who reshuffles the deck is needed." Meanwhile, defender Molina is set to arrive at Roma imminently. Matera reported that the player was in Madrid on 6 August for passport processing and could land in Rome on 7 August, with the aim of having him available at Trigoria on Tuesday when training resumes after the squad's return from Wales. Orsi assessed Molina as a solid acquisition with the experience and characteristics Gasperini has long sought in a right-sided fifth-back role, though cautioned he would not fundamentally reshape the team's balance.

Radio pundits have weighed in on Roma's transfer activity and squad composition ahead of the new season. Carina told Radio Radio Mattino that Lorenzo Pellegrini's one-year contract renewal was surprising, noting that Gasperini's line had prevailed over the club's initial reluctance to renew either Pellegrini or Paulo Dybala. "I continue to think that Roma still lack a bit of quality," Carina said. "Judgements on the market will ultimately be given based on the profile of the left-sided winger." Pruzzo echoed similar concerns on the same station, observing that recent summer friendlies had shown the same squad as last year. "If a player capable of truly shifting the balance and adding quality doesn't arrive, then it remains a repetitive squad," he said. "Roma has several certainties but the creativity is what it is. To try to raise the level of the attacking department, that type of player who reshuffles the deck is needed." Meanwhile, defender Molina is set to arrive at Roma imminently. Matera reported that the player was in Madrid on 6 August for passport processing and could land in Rome on 7 August, with the aim of having him available at Trigoria on Tuesday when training resumes after the squad's return from Wales. Orsi assessed Molina as a solid acquisition with the experience and characteristics Gasperini has long sought in a right-sided fifth-back role, though cautioned he would not fundamentally reshape the team's balance.

Nahuel Molina is poised to join Roma from Atlético Madrid. The Argentine left-back will travel to Rome to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the giallorossi upon the squad's return to Trigoria from their Welsh training camp. Roma has agreed terms with both Atlético Madrid and the player, who will sign until 2030 and earn €2.5 million per season. The club is working to expedite his arrival, with the goal of landing him at Fiumicino tomorrow to accelerate the process. Molina's arrival marks another piece of the emerging new Roma project taking shape this summer. His signing comes as Lorenzo Pellegrini, the former captain now recovered from injury, prepares to rejoin the squad at Trigoria for the first training session. That same day will also see Manu Koné return following his extended break after World Cup commitments. The Spanish passport is in the final stages of processing, clearing the path for Molina to complete his formalities and begin preparations alongside his new teammates.

Nahuel Molina, a left-back from Atlético Madrid, is on his way to Roma to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the club. The Argentine defender will join Roma on a deal running until 2030 at a salary of €2.5 million per season. Roma are targeting his arrival at Fiumicino tomorrow to accelerate the process, with his Spanish passport en route. The club has already completed terms with both Atlético Madrid and the player. Molina's signing forms part of Roma's ongoing transfer activity this summer. He will train with the squad upon their return to Trigoria, coinciding with the first session involving new recruit Manu Koné, who is wrapping up extended leave following international tournament commitments. Lorenzo Pellegrini, having recovered from injury, is also set to rejoin training at the same time. The arrival underlines the reshaping of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.