Gittens edges Fofana as Roma close in on left-wing target; Aguerd eyed for defence

Roma have approved the sale of Jan Ziółkowski to Monza on loan with a €18 million purchase option. The defender's departure clears the way for the club to pursue Aston Balerdi from Olympique Marseille, with director D'Amico negotiating a loan deal with an obligation to buy, subject to conditions. Bareldi was a genuine target for Roma a year ago, when Marseille rejected a move and demanded €30 million. The two clubs are now in talks over different terms. The Argentine centre-back has already agreed personal terms with Roma, as he had a year prior, and is awaiting confirmation to travel to the capital. His arrival would make Balerdi the fifth Argentine player in Roma's squad.

Roma are targeting Leonardo Balerdi to strengthen their defence as Jan Ziółkowski prepares to leave for Monza. The 27-year-old Argentine centre-back, who rose through Boca Juniors and Borussia Dortmund before establishing himself at Marseille, brings high-level experience and solid international credentials. Balerdi is no conventional stopper of muscle and clearances. His principal strength is his relationship with the ball: he enjoys building from the back, escaping pressure, playing vertical passes and carrying possession out of defence. Last season he ranked among defenders with the highest percentages for completed passes and accuracy in forward play. He is also an aggressive centre-back who prefers to anticipate the striker rather than wait inside the area, and plays with personality and authority — he is comfortable in a three-man defence, where his ability to step up against an attacker plays to his strengths. Yet his asset is also his liability. Balerdi's technical confidence sometimes leads him to attempt one more action than necessary. When an exit goes wrong or he loses position, the error can be costly. This happened repeatedly at Marseille, and the alternation between excellent displays and occasional lapses drew criticism and whistles from the Vélodrome crowd. In short: he is not a faultless defender, but a modern, technical and courageous centre-back. If he can limit his distractions, he can be a player of significant calibre. A right calf injury in March was followed by another in June that forced him to withdraw from Argentina's Copa América squad. The problem appeared resolved during pre-season when he returned to regular action, but in August he felt fresh calf pain and missed Marseille's opening league match against Strasbourg. This does not necessarily signal a fragile player, but it is an aspect Roma will need to examine carefully during medical checks. Compared to Ziółkowski, Balerdi would represent a clear shift: less prospect of future development, but far more immediate experience. He would arrive ready from the start, with quality on the ball and commanding presence.

Roma have submitted a bid to Olympique Marseille for centre-back Leonardo Balerdi on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy. According to Gianluca Di Marzio's report, the proposal centres on a loan with a right of rescission that would convert to an obligation upon the fulfilment of certain conditions. No fees or specific conditions triggering a permanent deal have been disclosed. The move signals a shift in Roma's defensive recruitment strategy under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the club seeks to bolster its back line. Bareldi, 27, is an Argentine centre-back standing approximately 1.88 metres tall and right-footed. He joined Europe in 2019 with Borussia Dortmund before moving to Marseille, where he has been a regular since 2020. He has also earned caps for the Argentine national team. Roma's interest adds an experienced international profile to their list of possible defensive reinforcements, and the outcome will now depend on Marseille's response and whether the two clubs can find common ground on the proposed structure.

Roma's pursuit of a left-sided attacking midfielder dominates transfer discussion across Rome radio as the summer window approaches its final days. Commentators on Tele Radio Stereo, Rete Sport and Radio Radio debate whether Gasperini will land his primary target—a wide forward he has been seeking for 15 months—or be forced into a late compromise. Lorenzo Pes stated: "Between Gittens and Fofana, the first is preferred especially by the coach. As long as there is time to do it, Roma will try to construct the operation with Chelsea. The English club has not yet given openings, but Roma will continue to push. If it becomes clear there will be no margin, then we will go to Fofana. The agreement there you had already found. But Gittens has the financial and technical favour, and for this remains the favourite. The two clubs have good relations." Pes added that Gittens would arrive on loan if a deal is struck in the final hours of the market. Alessio Nardo expressed frustration at the extended delay. "Surreal this situation. Gasperini has been asking for this attacking winger profile for 15 months. The important thing is not to find ourselves taking the Zaragoza of the moment on the last day of the market. You must take someone strong, an added starter and not the last leftover that happens to you. You are still in serious delay—we are at the end of a very long transfer campaign and you are still missing that player there. It has become a novel. It would be grotesque to end up with the short end of the stick, and even more demoralizing to take the Zaragoza of the moment at the last." Gianluca Piacentini noted that Roma correctly declined to sign Oosterwolde and that Gasperini likely prefers a player with different physical characteristics than Mora, making Fofana an option—though Gittens's loan structure makes him likely to arrive only in the final window hours if at all. Francesca Ferrazza reported that Roma has neither confirmed nor denied interest in Kessié or Fofana, describing the situation as "very very complicated" and dependent on other pieces falling into place. She also noted that Gasperini's reaction to El Aynaoui's approach in training "does not drive him crazy," raising questions about the winger's future. Piero Torri suggested Kessié's agent approached Roma as leverage to accelerate Juventus's interest, implying Roma is being used in a negotiating game. Roberto Pruzzo expressed scepticism about Kessié's fit for Serie A and backed the idea of selling El Aynaoui if Roma can bring in a player with different strengths. He predicted a 2–0 Lecce result, while Nando Orsi suggested De Roon as an unconventional alternative despite his 35 years and predicted a draw. Checco Oddo Casano warned Roma could be left empty-handed if decisions do not come before Friday and the weekend fixture congestion dilutes focus. The club remains without a fifth defender and a left-sided midfielder as the window enters its final stretch.

Fresh details have emerged on the failed transfer of Jayden Oosterwolde to Fenerbahçe. According to journalist Piero Torri, the player and his representatives were even prepared to freeze his salary during his recovery from injury, saying "As long as the player hasn't returned from injury, don't pay us". The deal collapsed over a disagreement on his expected return date: Fenerbahçe projected October, while Roma's medical assessments placed recovery no earlier than January 2027. Meanwhile, Martina Piemonte has spoken about her return to Roma colours after an eight-year absence. She said: "Roma is something unique. I had offers abroad, but in Italy I wanted only and solely Roma." She credited the bond with her teammates Pilgrim, Corelli, Oliviero, Bergamaschi, Giugliano and Greggi, and added: "We are a very great team, the objectives are high." On Roma's Champions League campaign this season, she stated: "Playing it in the Roma shirt gives me enormous drive." Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to field the same squad that defeated Fiorentina, with the likely only change being Nahuel Molina on the right, now fit and in line for his first league start. A contest remains open on the attacking midfield between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. Devyne Rensch continues to be doubtful. Gasperini can also count on Lulli, promoted after an excellent display at the Olimpico. The Champions League draw delivered two emotionally charged fixtures: Real Madrid, managed by José Mourinho—the last coach to win a trophy with Roma—will visit the Olimpico, while Paris Saint-Germain, where Luis Enrique managed Roma in the 2011-12 season, will be faced away. Among the most challenging away trips will be Manchester United at Old Trafford, inevitably recalling Roma's historic 7-1 defeat in 2007.

Roma have ended negotiations for Jayden Oosterwolde after the left-back failed to pass medical checks, forcing director Tony D'Amico to identify an alternative defensive reinforcement. The player had arrived in Rome and begun his medical examination with an agreement in principle already in place with Fenerbahçe, but clinical assessments prompted Roma to request a substantial revision of the deal's structure and stronger guarantees. Those discussions yielded no resolution, and the transfer is now considered dead. Roma are now pursuing Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, a 25-year-old Brazilian left-footer currently at Nottingham Forest. The club sees him as a solution to the left-sided defensive need that Oosterwolde was meant to address. Morato can operate as a centre-back or on the left side of the defence, giving Gasperini tactical flexibility—a key requirement for Roma's system. He brings Premier League experience and a long spell at Benfica before joining Nottingham Forest, which allows him to understand the intensity of English football. Roma must now determine Nottingham Forest's financial demands and what formula D'Amico can propose to bring the Brazilian to the club. The Oosterwolde deal had appeared nearly complete; Roma's doubts about the 2001-born player's physical condition had initially pushed the club to seek a deeper rework of the agreement's terms, but negotiations failed to reach an acceptable outcome.

Roma travel to Lecce on Monday 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A 2026–27, aiming to build on a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has injury concerns ahead of the fixture at the Stadio Via del Mare: Devyne Rensch is sidelined with a strain to the left thigh flexor, and Lorenzo Pellegrini remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a right thigh rectus femoris injury. Gasperini is expected to field a settled defensive shape with Mile Svilar in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Nahuel Molina's availability is being assessed; if he cannot play, Giorgio De Marzi will step in after an impressive display against Fiorentina. Wesley continues at left wing-back. Bryan Cristante is assured of his midfield place alongside Manu Koné. In the attacking third, the main selection question concerns Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé; Mora started against Fiorentina and impressed, forcing a good save from De Gea, while Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are primed to lead the line. Malen was the star of Roma's opening fixture, scoring three goals and supplying three assists against Fiorentina, while Dybala also contributed three assists. Niccolò Pisilli rounded off the rout with Roma's fourth goal. The visitors hold a commanding historical record: across 42 meetings with Lecce, Roma have won 29, drawn 11 and lost only twice. The clubs last met in the 2025–26 season, when Roma won 1–0 at home through Robinio Vaz. Lecce arrive after an away victory over Venezia (2–0, goals from Gorter and Tiago Gabriel) and will play in a 4–3–3 formation under manager Eusebio Di Francesco. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, Sky Sport and NOW. Official team sheets will be released approximately one hour before kickoff.

Robinio Vaz's time at Roma is ending. The French forward, born 2008, has struggled to establish himself under Gian Piero Gasperini after limited involvement during pre-season, and is now seeking regular football elsewhere. Hull City, newly promoted to the Premier League, is leading the pursuit on the basis of a loan worth €2 million plus a €30 million option to buy, but Vaz is taking time to consider other concrete offers. Ligue 1 clubs including Lorient, sides from the Bundesliga, and PSV Eindhoven have all registered interest in the former Marseille prospect. Roma are preparing to complete his departure, with negotiations between the club and Hull City advancing toward agreement over the loan-with-option-to-buy structure. Vaz is reviewing the final contractual details before undergoing a medical and signing with the English club. The move comprises €2 million for the loan and €30 million for a potential summer redemption.

Roma are working on multiple fronts as the summer transfer window enters its final phase. Forward Robinio Vaz (19) is close to joining Hull City on a loan deal worth €2 million with a €30 million option to buy, though the move hinges on the player's final approval. Roma and Hull have already agreed the structure, and today an meeting between the English club and Vaz's agents is scheduled to secure his decision. The departure would free space for Roma to bring in an attacking midfielder, a priority shared between the club and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma's main targets for that position remain Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (22) from Chelsea and Malick Fofana (21) from Lyon. However, Bynoe-Gittens has become the preferred option in recent days because Gasperini favours his physical attributes and ability to attack goal. Roma have made a fresh approach to Chelsea hoping to reopen talks on a loan, having previously proposed around €3 million for the loan plus a purchase option between €37 and €40 million, which was rejected. Interest in Fofana has cooled after Roma's acquisition of Rodrigo Mora; the club initially reached a framework with Lyon around €30 million plus add-ons, but now can only realistically offer a loan with a purchase option. Concerns also remain about the Belgian's physical condition following ankle problems. Elsewhere, Roma are exploring defensive reinforcements. Nayef Aguerd (30), the Marseille centre-back, has entered the club's evaluation list as a potential loan option to complete the defence. The centre-half market is evolving as Morato (25) of Nottingham Forest has lost ground—Gasperini was reportedly not fully convinced—and other options including Kehrer are being assessed. Roma are also tracking Rocco Vata (21), an Irish winger at Watford, though this remains only an exploratory inquiry so far. Competition for targets is increasing: Hull City has also declared interest in Fofana, and Bologna are monitoring Vata. On the departures front, Neil El Aynaoui (25) is subject to sustained interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga, though Roma prefer a permanent sale while receiving mostly loan proposals, particularly from Germany. Any departure of Aynaoui could prompt Roma to seek a replacement on similar financial terms. A new centre-back arrival is also conditional on Jan Ziółkowski leaving, which Roma will only authorize once a replacement is secured. Roma are also continuing to develop young talent: 17-year-old Ante Mardešić, a Croatian midfielder from Trnje, has spent two weeks on trial at Trigoria and reportedly impressed the coaching staff; Roma now intend to push to sign him and integrate him into their academy setup.

Roma have approved the sale of Jan Ziółkowski to Monza on loan with a €18 million purchase option. The defender's departure clears the way for the club to pursue Aston Balerdi from Olympique Marseille, with director D'Amico negotiating a loan deal with an obligation to buy, subject to conditions. Bareldi was a genuine target for Roma a year ago, when Marseille rejected a move and demanded €30 million. The two clubs are now in talks over different terms. The Argentine centre-back has already agreed personal terms with Roma, as he had a year prior, and is awaiting confirmation to travel to the capital. His arrival would make Balerdi the fifth Argentine player in Roma's squad.

Roma are targeting Leonardo Balerdi to strengthen their defence as Jan Ziółkowski prepares to leave for Monza. The 27-year-old Argentine centre-back, who rose through Boca Juniors and Borussia Dortmund before establishing himself at Marseille, brings high-level experience and solid international credentials. Balerdi is no conventional stopper of muscle and clearances. His principal strength is his relationship with the ball: he enjoys building from the back, escaping pressure, playing vertical passes and carrying possession out of defence. Last season he ranked among defenders with the highest percentages for completed passes and accuracy in forward play. He is also an aggressive centre-back who prefers to anticipate the striker rather than wait inside the area, and plays with personality and authority — he is comfortable in a three-man defence, where his ability to step up against an attacker plays to his strengths. Yet his asset is also his liability. Balerdi's technical confidence sometimes leads him to attempt one more action than necessary. When an exit goes wrong or he loses position, the error can be costly. This happened repeatedly at Marseille, and the alternation between excellent displays and occasional lapses drew criticism and whistles from the Vélodrome crowd. In short: he is not a faultless defender, but a modern, technical and courageous centre-back. If he can limit his distractions, he can be a player of significant calibre. A right calf injury in March was followed by another in June that forced him to withdraw from Argentina's Copa América squad. The problem appeared resolved during pre-season when he returned to regular action, but in August he felt fresh calf pain and missed Marseille's opening league match against Strasbourg. This does not necessarily signal a fragile player, but it is an aspect Roma will need to examine carefully during medical checks. Compared to Ziółkowski, Balerdi would represent a clear shift: less prospect of future development, but far more immediate experience. He would arrive ready from the start, with quality on the ball and commanding presence.

Negotiations between Roma and Nottingham Forest over Morato remain deadlocked, with the two clubs unable to agree on the structure of a potential transfer. According to Matteo Moretto, the parties are far apart on the terms: Nottingham Forest will only consider a permanent sale, while Roma want to bring the Brazilian in on loan. The standoff has wider consequences for Roma's outgoings — the club will not give the green light for Jan Ziółkowski's move to Monza until the Morato situation is resolved. Roma's recruitment team will seek to unlock the impasse in coming contacts. The club is also pursuing other defensive targets on a temporary basis. Monaco's Kehrer is on the radar, and like Morato, Roma have requested him on loan rather than a permanent deal.