Gasperini seeks young left-back understudy for Wesley; Fortini emerges as alternative to Cacciamani

Roma are increasingly keen on Malick Fofana as a potential attacking reinforcement this summer, with the Lyon winger representing one of their main alternatives after negotiations for Nusa have proven complicated. Lyon value Fofana between €40 and €45 million, a figure Roma currently regard as too high, particularly given concerns about the player's physical condition. However, the French club's asking price could fall in the coming days, depending on their Champions League preliminary round tie against Sparta Prague. Lyon lost the first leg 2-1 to the Czech side; if they fail to qualify for the competition, financial pressure may force them to lower their demands. Fofana came off the bench in that opening fixture, entering at the 75-minute mark. Roma are monitoring developments closely and hope to secure the Belgian forward on more favourable terms once Lyon's European situation becomes clearer. The club's pursuit reflects their cautious approach to the market, balancing their attacking needs against both pricing concerns and doubts surrounding Fofana's fitness.

Roma radio commentators have dissected coach Gian Piero Gasperini's sudden withdrawal from media duties, with speculation linking his frustration to the club's transfer strategy and budget constraints. Matera reported that Gasperini did not attend a scheduled Sky interview after being in contact with the club hierarchy on Thursday, with Ryan Friedkin reportedly in France during the call. Matera noted that until Wednesday evening Gasperini had appeared calm, but something shifted Thursday night: "Gasperini was dedicated to signatures and photographs, something changed Thursday evening, because he did not present himself for the interview." Camelio suggested Gasperini had grown impatient with Roma's handling of summer deals, citing the lack of speed with Bergamo's executives over targets. He argued the club should have prioritized a wide player over centre-forward Artem Castro, pointing out that Dovbyk could have remained on the bench and noting Roma also has Robinio Vaz available. Camelio stated: "I would have gone all-in for the winger instead of taking Castro. Rowe is a player tailor-made for him." He added that Gasperini's silence this summer contrasts sharply with his talkative approach last season about the market, and suggested the club had reduced his salary budget, which irritated him. Marcacci argued that winger candidates may yet emerge from Serie A, naming Rowe and Leao as possibilities. Both commentators agreed that without an arriving winger, Roma would have a significant gap that validates Gasperini's concerns.

Roma have not abandoned their pursuit of Endrick, the Brazilian forward who has been on the club's radar for several days. However, the negotiations remain complex, as the player continues to express his desire to stay at Real Madrid. According to Matteo Moretto, Roma have reaffirmed to Endrick's representatives that their interest is concrete and that they would be ready to make a move with Real Madrid should the player reconsider the possibility of a loan. Gasperini views Endrick as one of his primary targets to strengthen the attack, citing his versatility. The 2006-born forward faces competition from several clubs, including Premier League sides. For now, the situation remains at an impasse, with Endrick having shown no signs of opening the door to another loan move. Roma are keeping a watching brief and standing ready to act should any change in circumstances emerge. The club has made their intentions clear to Endrick's camp, but a breakthrough could come in the coming weeks. Roma will continue to monitor developments while pursuing other options to reinforce their forward line.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a four-hour meeting with new CEO Galantic and Tony D'Amico at Roma's Welsh training camp, forcing the coach to cancel a scheduled Sky television appearance. The summit focused on urgent transfer priorities with the league season opening against Fiorentina only weeks away. Gasperini reiterated two critical shortages: a right-footed winger — with the Nusa target remaining financially prohibitive — and reinforcement on the left flank, where Wesley is currently the only available senior starter following the departures of Angeliño and Tsimikas, and with Salah-Eddine also set to leave. The club confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini is undergoing medical tests to formalise an annual contract renewal through 2027 at a reduced salary, while Marash Kumbulla has completed a loan move to Rayo Vallecano with a buy option. Goalkeepers Zelezny and Vasquez remain among the squad members whose positions are still to be clarified. Ticket sales for Roma's first home fixture at the Olimpico have opened to long queues, building on strong momentum from 40,000 season-ticket subscriptions, with a quick sell-out anticipated.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has settled quickly at Roma following his arrival this summer, already scoring in a friendly against Newport. Speaking to TeleRadioStereo, the defender outlined the key factors behind his decision to join the Giallorossi. "When Roma called me I didn't think twice. Roma is one of the most important clubs in Italy and has an incredible fanbase, a team that is performing well and always aims high," he said. Koulierakis credited fellow defender Manolas with influencing his choice. "We spoke during the summer and talk often on the phone. I explained to him how much I wanted to join a Serie A team, and fortunately Roma came and he told me it would be a very important step in my career," the Greek centre-back explained. Head coach Gasperini's tactical system was equally decisive. "One of the other reasons I chose Roma was for the manager and his style of play, because I think it is particularly suited to my characteristics, especially as a left-sided centre-back," Koulierakis said. He added that Tsimikas had spoken to him about the club and Gasperini's demanding approach, noting Gasperini's recent success in Italy and Europe with Atalanta. "I know it will be hard, but with a successful coach like this the foundations are the best," he concluded.

Kostas Koulierakis has made an immediate impact at Roma, scoring on his debut in a friendly against Newport on Tuesday. The Greek defender arrived only days ago and is competing with Mario Hermoso for a starting place in the back line. Koulierakis outlined his reasons for joining in an interview with Teleradiostereo 92.7. "When Roma called me I didn't think twice," he said. "Roma is one of the most important clubs in Italy and has an incredible fanbase. We're talking about a team performing very well and always aiming high." The 24-year-old revealed that Konstantinos Manolas, a Roma legend and fellow Greek player, played a key role in his decision. "We spoke during the summer and call each other often. I explained to him how much I wanted a Serie A club, and when Roma came in he told me it would be a very important step in my career." Gasperini's tactical approach was equally decisive. Koulierakis stated: "One of the other reasons I chose Roma was the coach and his system of play, because I think it's particularly suited to my characteristics, especially as a left-sided centre-back. I spoke with Tsimikas about the club and the manager and he explained how demanding he is, but we've all seen how well he's done in recent years in Italy and Europe with Atalanta. I know it will be hard, but with a successful manager like this the foundations are the best."

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to renew his Roma contract today, with medical checks and signing scheduled for 8 August. The club also expects to confirm the arrival of Nahuel Molina. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remains focused on securing an attacking left winger, the marquee piece of the transfer window. The pursuit of Antonio Nusa has grown complicated, prompting director D'Amico to explore alternatives including Fofana of Lyon and Gittens of Chelsea. Roma is simultaneously working to strengthen the left-back position as a deputy to Wesley. Gasperini wants a young prospect with potential, and D'Amico is negotiating with Torino for Alessio Cacciamani, though the Serie A club is demanding €20 million. Fiorentina's Nicolò Fortini is being evaluated as a backup option. The window remains active as Roma attempts to complete its recruitment objectives before the season progresses.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a four-hour meeting with new CEO Galantic and Tony D'Amico at Roma's Welsh training camp, forcing the coach to cancel a scheduled Sky television appearance. The summit focused on urgent transfer priorities with the league season opening against Fiorentina only weeks away. Gasperini reiterated two critical shortages: a right-footed winger — with the Nusa target remaining financially prohibitive — and reinforcement on the left flank, where Wesley is currently the only available senior starter following the departures of Angeliño and Tsimikas, and with Salah-Eddine also set to leave. The club confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini is undergoing medical tests to formalise an annual contract renewal through 2027 at a reduced salary, while Marash Kumbulla has completed a loan move to Rayo Vallecano with a buy option. Goalkeepers Zelezny and Vasquez remain among the squad members whose positions are still to be clarified. Ticket sales for Roma's first home fixture at the Olimpico have opened to long queues, building on strong momentum from 40,000 season-ticket subscriptions, with a quick sell-out anticipated.

Gian Piero Gasperini has demanded swift action in the transfer market after a recent meeting with new CEO John Galantic, urging Roma to secure a left-winger and a backup to Wesley before the start of official fixtures. The club's primary target, Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig, has definitively fallen away after Leipzig's major sale of Diomandé; the club has raised its demands well beyond €60 million, a figure Roma's hierarchy considers prohibitively expensive. With the Nusa path closed, Roma has redirected focus to Malick Fofana of Lyon, closely monitored by club scouts during European preliminaries. Lyon value the Belgian winger between €40 and €45 million, though the fee could shift depending on whether the French club qualifies for Europe. Roma intends to carefully verify Fofana's ankle condition before proceeding, as injury concerns marked his recent season. Jamie Gittens remains an alternative option as the search continues. Gasperini is pushing hard to complete the squad in the coming days ahead of competitive action.