Juventus abandon Suzuki pursuit, revive interest in Vicario and Trubin

Gabriel Martinelli has turned down a formal £38.4 million bid from Galatasaray, clearing the way for Roma to pursue the Arsenal winger. The Brazilian forward, 25, has just over a year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and is keen to leave after sliding down the pecking order. Arsenal were prepared to accept the Turkish champions' proposal earlier this week, but Martinelli rejected the move, leaving the door open for Roma to make their move. Roma have identified Martinelli as a priority target this summer after failing to land Strasbourg's Diego Moreira and Crysencio Summerville. Massimiliano Allegri at Napoli has also expressed interest in the former Ituano player. Martinelli endured a difficult 2025–26 season, making 30 Premier League appearances as Arsenal won their first league title since 2004, but managed just 11 top-flight starts and one goal, often reduced to a backup role behind Leandro Trossard. Despite his recent struggles in North London, Martinelli would represent a significant acquisition for Roma's attack.

Crysencio Summerville missed a gilt-edged chance on his debut in the Saudi Pro League, blazing over from close range when clean through on goal in what would have been a straightforward finish. The former West Ham forward, who came close to joining Roma in recent weeks before accepting a lucrative move to the Middle East, was visibly frustrated after squandering the opportunity in front of goal. Summerville's misfire came during Al Hilal's 4–2 victory over Al-Faisaly on 14 August. Benzema (penalty), Malcolm and Ruben Neves, who scored twice from the spot, netted the winning goals. The miss has drawn sharp commentary on social media, with supporters suggesting Roma avoided a potential pitfall by not pursuing the deal. The Giallorossi continue to hunt for attacking reinforcements on the wing, with Mora and Fofana among the names under consideration.

The Friedkin Group has taken a direct role in evaluating the financial viability of Roma's pursuit of Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese prospect born in 2007 regarded as an ideal fit for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Mora's family, entourage, and his lawyer have all pushed for a move to Roma, keeping the transfer at the centre of the club's market activity in recent hours. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, the decision now rests with the American ownership, who are assessing whether the deal can proceed based on cost considerations. The Friedkin Group is currently in close contact with club officials—including D'Amico and Gasperini—and Jorge Mendes, Mora's agent. Mendes maintains contact with Porto, but Roma's ownership is reviewing whether to make a higher offer and accept the terms set by Porto president Villas-Boas. The structure of the deal and its financial implications remain under examination, with the coming hours expected to prove decisive in determining whether Roma will move forward or step back from the operation.

Roma played their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August, with kickoff at 17:30. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini left Molina on the bench and deployed Lulli at left-back in Wesley's absence. Donyell Malen led the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation that also featured Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, midfielders Devyne Rensch, Neil El Aynaoui, Bryan Cristante and Lulli, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in support. The match offered Gasperini a chance to assess the squad's development ahead of the new season. Dortmund lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Kovac, with Gregor Kobel in goal and Serhou Guirassy leading their attack. Roma had several players available on the bench, including De Marzi, Pierluigi Gollini, Koulierakis, Castro, Manu Koné, Molina, Jan Ziółkowski, Mannini, Reale, Robinio Vaz, Morucci and Daniele Ghilardi.

Roma complete their pre-season programme against Borussia Dortmund in a friendly at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, 15 August, with kickoff at 17:30. Gian Piero Gasperini uses the match as the final opportunity to assess his squad's condition and resolve tactical questions before the Serie A campaign begins. The fixture against Dortmund represents a significant test of Roma's preparation following weeks of training at Trigoria and in the summer retreat. The result will serve as a final measure of the team's fitness and form ahead of the official league debut. Gasperini has selected a squad including Mile Svilar in goal, defenders Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, and attacking talents Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen. Dortmund will operate in a 3-4-1-2 formation under Niko Kovac, with Marco Reus absent from their squad list. Roma's XI will line up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, with Bryan Cristante and Neil El Aynaoui in midfield and Devyne Rensch at right wing-back. The clash concludes Roma's friendly schedule before focus shifts entirely to the Bundesliga side's visit.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday 15 August at 17:30 in a pre-season friendly, with Manu Koné available after injury. The midfielder returns to the squad but starts on the bench, as does new signing Molina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley, who is dealing with a minor ankle sprain. Gasperini fielded a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in front of Mile Svilar, with Lulli and Devyne Rensch at full-back. Bryan Cristante and Neil El Aynaoui anchored the midfield, while Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé supported striker Donyell Malen. Roma's competitive season begins on Monday 24 August with a home fixture against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. The match concludes Roma's English tour and training week at Trigoria ahead of the new campaign. The friendly is broadcast live exclusively on DAZN and can be streamed via the app on smart TVs, gaming consoles (Xbox and PlayStation), Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and TIM VISION Box.