Gasperini wants an attacking winger; concerns raised over Dybala's fitness

Roma's transfer window has erupted into activity in the closing hours before the market shuts at 20:00 today. The most pressing move involves Leweling, the German winger who has never been closer to joining Roma. The player has signalled his willingness to move, and Roma have raised their offer to Stuttgart: €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses are on the table. A plane is already arranged to bring him to the capital, with departure scheduled for 16:00. The picture has shifted dramatically since last year, when sporting director Massara failed to secure a winger and closed the incoming market early without fanfare. This summer, however, D'Amico is working non-stop right up to the deadline to complete the squad. Meanwhile, an outgoing deal that appeared settled has unravelled: El Aynaoui's transfer to Leipzig has suddenly become uncertain, creating the possibility that the midfielder could remain at Roma. On the defensive flank, Roma are also monitoring Cabal as a potential alternative to Wesley on the left. Juventus are asking €12 million for the former Verona player, though Atalanta are also pushing hard. Cabal reportedly prefers Roma to his other suitors. Time is running out with the window set to close at 20:00, and Roma still have pieces to fit into place.

AS Roma have made a surprise move to reopen discussions over a deal for Leweling, according to Fabrizio Romano. The club has tabled an improved proposal to both the player and his club. A private aircraft is standing by in Stuttgart awaiting final clearance to proceed with the transfer.

Neil El Aynaoui's move to Leipzig has collapsed at the final hour, leaving the Moroccan midfielder potentially set to remain at Roma. The deal appeared complete: a loan with a €4 million fee plus a €25 million purchase option. But the transfer has now stalled, and El Aynaoui could yet stay in the capital. The development comes with the transfer window on the verge of closing. El Aynaoui had seemed destined for Germany, but his future may now remain giallorosso. With Roma's midfield stretched, the 24-year-old represents an additional option for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. El Aynaoui, who joined Roma last summer on a five-year deal from Lens, could carve out fresh space to turn his history at the club around.

Roma demolished Lecce 4–0 at the Via del Mare, delivering a display of tactical and physical dominance that underlined Gian Piero Gasperini's team's excellent current form. The national press unanimously celebrated the performance, with particular praise for Donyell Malen's increasingly devastating form and for squad players who seized their starting opportunities with compelling showings. Malen earned the highest individual rating across the papers surveyed, with marks of 8 to 8.5, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as a surprise standout, consistently rated between 6.5 and 7.5 in a defensive line that held firm. Bryan Cristante impressed in midfield with ratings of 6.5 to 8, and Paulo Dybala registered 6.5 to 7 before being replaced late in the match. Gasperini himself received widespread commendation, rated between 7.5 and 8 by the publications. The team lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar was steady in goal, Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso anchored the defence alongside Ghilardi, and Manu Koné controlled the midfield before his substitution on 67 minutes. Matías Soulé appeared in an attacking role and was replaced on 60 minutes, as was Wesley. Santiago Castro and Niccolò Pisilli entered from the bench, while Marten de Roon came on in the closing stages.

Roma delivered a four-goal performance at Lecce in a tactical display that showcased Gasperini's developing system. The Giallorossi dominated from the opening whistle, pressing high across the pitch and recovering possession aggressively through Koné, who repeatedly forced turnovers. Gasperini deployed his customary 3-4-2-1 with Soulé on the left and Dybala flanking Malen, while Lecce set up in a 3-5-1-1 with Pierotti supporting Geubbels. Roma mounted sustained pressure from the start, moving the ball with speed and disrupting Lecce's central defensive line through coordinated forward pressing that stole time and space from the opening moment of possession. The right-flank rotations proved particularly effective, with Ghilardi consistently pushing forward to generate width while Roma systematically penetrated down the baseline; on the left, Wesley initially faced heavier pressure from Veiga, with Soulé struggling to gain ground and Hermoso operating primarily in a covering role to shield Mancini from Geubbels' pace—a crucial mismatch the article identified as dangerous for their system. A single vulnerability emerged in Roma's defensive setup: when Mancini operated as a central defender rather than as a full-back alongside the faster N'Dicka, his reliance on aggression and anticipation left him vulnerable to opponents who could draw him forward and then attack the space laterally. Geubbels exploited this channel after 37 minutes, forcing a save from Svilar. The defensive fragility proved temporary. Malen created further chaos by moving between Lecce's three central defenders, causing confusion over coverage and drifting into offside positions repeatedly; Lecce's high defensive line compounded the problem, leading to a devastating 24-minute spell where Roma took command. The second half brought tactical adjustments from both sides: Di Francesco switched to a four-defender formation with three midfielders and three attacking players, while Gasperini repositioned Soulé behind Dybala and Malen in pursuit of Ngom. Stulic replaced the injured Geubbels, removing a significant threat to Mancini's positioning. Mora and Molina entered for Wesley and Soulé, maintaining Roma's 3-4-1-2 structure; Mora scored his first goal in Italy after Mancini supplied an assist from an uncluttered defensive position. Castro and Pisilli replaced Malen and Koné later in the match, continuing the established rotation pattern from the opening league fixture, before De Roon's introduction sealed the victory with Cristante moving into the number-ten role. The performance underlined how Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility allow him broad scope to manage matches creatively and adapt his approach across the 90 minutes.

Donyell Malen has become a revelation for Roma since his arrival, scoring five goals in the first two Serie A matches of the 2026-27 season. The Dutch forward has completely transformed the club's attacking play, combining prolific finishing with an ability to create for teammates. In yesterday's fixture against Lecce, Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net—Mora notably scoring after managing just one league goal throughout the previous season under Farioli. Roma have already struck eight goals across their opening two matches, a dramatic acceleration compared to last season when head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side required until 26 October, the eighth matchday, to reach that same tally. Only against Fiorentina and Verona last season had Roma scored twice in a single league match. The contrast with the previous year's attacking output is stark. The pairing of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson last season yielded just six goals combined in Serie A, while Malen has already reached five in two games. The attacking unit is set to strengthen further once Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro return to full availability, and Roma are also pursuing an additional forward signing before the close of the transfer window.

Roma's decision to walk away from Jayden Oosterwolde has been proven correct. The Dutch defender is undergoing surgery today after the club rejected him during his medical examination, citing concerns over recovery time from a biceps femoris tendon injury. Oosterwolde has since joined Fenerbahçe, where he will now go under the knife. Roma's medical staff had flagged the risk of surgery to Fenerbahçe before the transfer was terminated. The club deemed the recovery period from Oosterwolde's injury too long to proceed with the signing. That assessment has now been validated by events; Oosterwolde's return to action is not expected until January, a timeline that aligns with Roma's initial reservations following their medical checks. Cihan Kamer, a member of Fenerbahçe's board of directors, confirmed the situation: "The deal with Roma fell through because of Oosterwolde's injury. He is being operated on today." The extended recovery window mirrors the concerns Roma's medical team identified during the player's examination at the club.

Roma's decision to terminate negotiations with Fenerbahçe for winger Jayden Oosterwolde has been validated after the Dutch player underwent surgery today for a biceps femoris tendon injury. Roma's medical team identified during his examinations in the capital that recovery times would be prohibitively long, and immediately informed the Turkish club of the likelihood of surgical intervention. Cihan Kamer, a member of Fenerbahçe's board, confirmed the situation: "The deal with Roma collapsed because of Oosterwolde's injury, and he is being operated on today." The cautious approach taken by Roma's management proved prudent, protecting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad from being left without a key player for the opening phase of the season. Oosterwolde faces a lengthy rehabilitation period, with his return to action estimated only for January. The handling of the medical assessment demonstrated the club's diligence in avoiding a problematic signing that could have hampered early-season performance.

Roma's decision to halt negotiations for Oosterwolde has been vindicated after the Dutch player underwent surgery today for a biceps femoris tendon injury. The club's medical staff had flagged the severity of the injury during examinations and advised Fenerbahce of the surgical risk, leading Roma to decline to register him. Fenerbahce council member Cihan Kamer confirmed the development: "The deal with Roma fell through because of Oosterwolde's injury. He is being operated on today." The player is expected to return to action in January.