Guerreiro offered but Gasperini unconvinced; Sancho also rejected

Roma rejected an approach from Chelsea in the closing stages of the summer transfer window over the sale of Manu Koné, the club's hierarchy deciding to keep the midfielder despite financial pressure. Chelsea had identified Koné as the ideal replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who moved to Manchester City, but no formal offer reached sporting director D'Amico's desk. The decision to hold firm reflects Gasperini's reliance on Koné as a cornerstone of the Roma midfield since arriving last year, with the coach having only been without him due to injury. Koné's importance to Gasperini's system lies in his dynamism and physical power in the centre, qualities that enable the manager to control matches. His presence allows the team to dominate possession and transition play. The midfielder has started all three league fixtures, putting in strong performances against Fiorentina and Lecce before Saturday's match against Atalanta delivered further proof of his value to the project. In that Atalanta fixture, Koné recovered the ball seven times and made two interceptions while also orchestrating transitions quickly, supporting Bryan Cristante in build-up play with key passes and through balls. Gasperini's faith in him underlines how central he remains to Roma's Champions League ambitions this season. The club chose sporting stability over the balance-sheet relief a transfer would have provided.

Roma began preparations for their Champions League campaign with a training session on Thursday ahead of their debut in Europe's elite competition against Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday. Lorenzo Pellegrini trained with the group and is targeting a recall to the squad. The club's focus extends beyond the pitch: director D'Amico has identified a need for a left-sided forward, and Roma are considering Jadon Sancho, currently a free agent. New contact has been made with the English player, with the idea of a pay-per-appearance contract arrangement.

AS Roma are evaluating the possibility of signing free agent Raphaël Guerreiro to reinforce their left-back options, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur. The Portuguese defender would represent an experienced quality option to complement the wide players at the disposal of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Guerreiro has endured a difficult period recently, during which he had even considered an early retirement during the summer. His name is now back in focus on the transfer market as Roma assess whether to bring him into the squad as a reinforcement for the left flank. At present this remains a prospect to monitor, with no indication of active negotiations having begun.