Kessié eyes Roma but terms too steep; Oosterwolde deal stalls over medical

Marseille defender Balerdi is joining Roma as cover for Evan N'Dicka, with financial pressures at the French club driving the sale. The centre-back can also operate as a right-sided defender in Gasperini's three-man defence and arrives with experience across multiple defensive positions. Last season under De Zerbi, Balerdi was among Ligue 1's most precise defenders, recording a 92% pass accuracy rate and recovering 5.4 balls per 90 minutes. He regularly anchored Marseille's build-up play, averaging 82 touches per match, which reflects his comfort on the ball during the construction phase. Roma have struggled to impose control in their build-up without a dedicated ball-playing midfielder since Paredes departed, making Balerdi's arrival a potentially significant piece of Gasperini's midfield puzzle. His background in central midfield gives him the technical security to start attacks from deep positions. The 2025–26 season showed Balerdi's defensive distribution was a core part of Marseille's structure, positioning him as more than a conventional centre-back for his new club.

Roma are evaluating Leonardo Balerdi, the Marseille captain, as a reinforcement for their defence in the closing stages of the transfer window. The 27-year-old Argentine central defender has been shaped by experience across South America, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, and offers tactical flexibility within a three-man defence. In Roma's thinking, Balerdi could numerically fill the position vacated by Jan Ziółkowski, who is currently completing a transfer to Monza. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees him primarily as competition for Evan N'Dicka, though his versatility would allow him to operate across multiple defensive positions. Balerdi was born in Villa Mercedes, Argentina, in 1999 and developed at Boca Juniors before joining Borussia Dortmund at twenty. His spell in Germany yielded limited continuity, but the move to Marseille in 2020 proved the turning point. In France he has become a cornerstone of the squad, earning the captain's armband under Roberto De Zerbi's management. The 2025–26 season saw him make 36 appearances for Marseille, scoring once and providing one assist, demonstrating the consistency he has achieved in his adopted league. As a right-footed centre-back, Balerdi combines physical strength, aggression and leadership presence. Beyond his core role, he can operate as a wide centre-back in a three, offering the flexibility Gasperini values for building play from deep and adapting to different defensive constructions. Balerdi made his Argentina debut in 2019 and has become an established international. His potential arrival would add depth and experience to Roma's backline during a season that includes Champions League football, allowing Gasperini to rotate his defensive unit without altering the team's structural shape.

Roma are finalising the signing of Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille, with the deal entering its final stages. Tony D'Amico has negotiated a loan with an obligation to buy subject to certain conditions being met. The move comes after Roma abandoned their pursuit of Jayden Oosterwolde, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeking to strengthen his defence in the closing days of the transfer window. Bareldi, a 1999-born Argentine right-footed defender, can play as a centre-back and brings the aggression in pressing, ability to support attacks, and composure in building play that Gasperini requires for a defence operating high up the pitch. The loan deal with conditional obligation represents a different approach to the Oosterwolde pursuit but allows Gasperini to add a defender with significant international experience to his squad. An initial one-year contract plus four further years, binding Balerdi to Roma until 2031, has already been agreed. The deal would be completed in the final days of the market, following the collapse of Roma's earlier operation, the Fenerbahçe deal. According to Nicolò Schira, the transfer is now in its closing stages and could be confirmed shortly.

Roma are finalising the signing of Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille, with the deal entering its final stages. Tony D'Amico has negotiated a loan with an obligation to buy subject to certain conditions being met. The move comes after Roma abandoned their pursuit of Jayden Oosterwolde, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeking to strengthen his defence in the closing days of the transfer window. Bareldi, a 1999-born Argentine right-footed defender, can play as a centre-back and brings the aggression in pressing, ability to support attacks, and composure in building play that Gasperini requires for a defence operating high up the pitch. The loan deal with conditional obligation represents a different approach to the Oosterwolde pursuit but allows Gasperini to add a defender with significant international experience to his squad. An initial one-year contract plus four further years, binding Balerdi to Roma until 2031, has already been agreed. The deal would be completed in the final days of the market, following the collapse of Roma's earlier operation, the Fenerbahçe deal. According to Nicolò Schira, the transfer is now in its closing stages and could be confirmed shortly.

Roma and Fenerbahce have reportedly reached a fresh agreement over the transfer of Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde, according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International. The deal would revive a move that appeared to have collapsed after Oosterwolde failed to complete his initial medical examination with the Serie A club. Oosterwolde's arrival at Roma never materialised despite an earlier agreement, and the transfer subsequently stalled. The new accord between the two clubs now hinges on Oosterwolde's acceptance of revised contract terms that Roma's representatives have put to his representatives. This latest development marks another unexpected turn in a protracted negotiation that seemed closed after Roma rejected his initial move.

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.

Roma are evaluating Leonardo Balerdi, the Marseille captain, as a reinforcement for their defence in the closing stages of the transfer window. The 27-year-old Argentine central defender has been shaped by experience across South America, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, and offers tactical flexibility within a three-man defence. In Roma's thinking, Balerdi could numerically fill the position vacated by Jan Ziółkowski, who is currently completing a transfer to Monza. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees him primarily as competition for Evan N'Dicka, though his versatility would allow him to operate across multiple defensive positions. Balerdi was born in Villa Mercedes, Argentina, in 1999 and developed at Boca Juniors before joining Borussia Dortmund at twenty. His spell in Germany yielded limited continuity, but the move to Marseille in 2020 proved the turning point. In France he has become a cornerstone of the squad, earning the captain's armband under Roberto De Zerbi's management. The 2025–26 season saw him make 36 appearances for Marseille, scoring once and providing one assist, demonstrating the consistency he has achieved in his adopted league. As a right-footed centre-back, Balerdi combines physical strength, aggression and leadership presence. Beyond his core role, he can operate as a wide centre-back in a three, offering the flexibility Gasperini values for building play from deep and adapting to different defensive constructions. Balerdi made his Argentina debut in 2019 and has become an established international. His potential arrival would add depth and experience to Roma's backline during a season that includes Champions League football, allowing Gasperini to rotate his defensive unit without altering the team's structural shape.

Roma have agreed personal terms with Leonardo Balerdi after securing the departure of Jan Ziółkowski on loan to Monza. The club are now in active negotiations with Marseille over a loan deal with a buy clause that can become mandatory under certain conditions, with the move described as well advanced. Balerdi, 27, is a centre-back who stands 1.88 metres tall and is right-footed. An Argentine international, he came through Boca Juniors before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2019 and moving to Marseille, where he has been a regular since 2020. Roma's proposal to Marseille is structured around a loan with an option to buy that would convert to an obligation if specific conditions are met. The move represents Roma's attempt to add defensive experience to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad after exploring other targets. No transfer fee or the exact conditions triggering a mandatory purchase have been disclosed. The next step depends on Marseille's response and whether the two clubs can find alignment on the structure Roma has proposed.

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's transfer activity on 28 August focused on outgoings and incomings across multiple positions. Robinio Vaz's move to Hull City moved closer to completion after the two clubs agreed terms on a loan deal worth €2 million with a €30 million purchase option. Hull and Roma have already reached an agreement, with today's key moment being a meeting between the English club and Vaz's agents to secure the player's personal approval. Vaz must still decide whether to accept the move to England, but his departure would create space for Roma to pursue an attacking wide player. Neil El Aynaoui, the 25-year-old midfielder, attracted interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga, with the player keen to find more regular playing time. Roma would prefer a permanent sale, but most offers have come in the form of loans, particularly from Germany. His potential exit could prompt Roma to seek a replacement on similar financial terms. Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed a preference for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens over Malick Fofana for the attacking role, citing the Chelsea player's physical characteristics and ability to shoot. Roma made a fresh approach to Chelsea in recent days, hoping for an opening to a loan deal. Their previous proposal included approximately €3 million for the loan and a purchase option between €37 and €40 million, but Chelsea had rejected it. Roma will attempt to reopen negotiations in the final days of the window. Fofana's stock has declined after Roma completed the acquisition of Rodrigo Mora. Roma had reached agreement with the 21-year-old Lyon winger weeks earlier and structured a deal with Lyon around €30 million plus bonuses, but circumstances changed following Mora's purchase. Roma can now realistically only offer Fofana a loan with a purchase option, and some concerns persist about the Belgian's physical durability following previous ankle problems. In defence, Roma evaluated Nayef Aguerd, the 30-year-old Marseille centre-back, as a potential option to complete the rearguard. This interest came as other defensive targets cooled. Morato, the 25-year-old Brazilian centre-back, had been in close contact with Nottingham Forest but lost ground in Roma's thinking and reportedly did not fully convince Gasperini. Any defensive arrival remains dependent on Jan Ziółkowski's departure, which Roma will only greenlight once they have secured a replacement. Roma also monitored younger talent. Ante Mardešić, a 17-year-old Croatian midfielder from Trnje's 2009 generation, spent two weeks on trial at Trigoria and impressed Roma's staff sufficiently that the club now intends to negotiate his signing for the youth setup. Roma also made an exploratory enquiry about Rocco Vata, a 21-year-old Irish winger at Watford, though Bologna have also moved for him. The club's final-window priorities remain Bynoe-Gittens and Fofana for the attacking department. Separately, Malick Fofana attracted additional suitors when Hull City signalled interest in the Lyon winger, who the French club values at approximately €35 million.

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.

Roma are positioning themselves to sign Franck Kessié ahead of Juventus in the closing stages of the transfer window. Juventus tabled an offer of €3.5 million per season over two years with a view to a third, but Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma are preparing a superior proposal for the free agent midfielder, who departed Al Ahli. Gasperini worked with Kessié at Atalanta early in the Ivorian's career and is keen to reunite with him at Roma. The move would come as Neil El Aynaoui, signed last summer from Lens, faces a probable departure after limited involvement under Gasperini. El Aynaoui's exit would provide Roma with funds to pursue Kessié, a 1996-born midfielder and Italian champion with Milan in 2022. Juventus held talks with Kessié's representatives in Milan on 28 August, but Roma's interest and willingness to exceed Juve's financial terms puts the club from the Capitale in pole position to secure the player.