Koné and El Aynaoui set for World Cup quarter-final clash

Gian Piero Gasperini held a press conference on 22 August ahead of Roma's opening Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico in two days' time. The head coach confirmed that four new players have joined the club this summer: Molina, who won the World Cup and reached the final two months ago and can replace Ferguson; Castro, who reportedly travelled by train to join earlier; Koulierakis, a defender with characteristics the squad lacked; and Mora, a young forward. Gasperini said he remained very satisfied with the new arrivals, noting that "they all strongly wanted Roma, with Castro even leaving by train to arrive sooner." He confirmed that several players have departed—El Shaarawy, Venturino, Zaragoza, Angeliño and Tsimikas among them—and stated the club will reduce the squad while making it more competitive. The wage bill has been lowered by necessity, which Gasperini described as positive work by the club. Roma currently have 23 players registered, with two squad slots still available under UEFA rules, and Gasperini expressed hope of completing further business in the remaining ten days of the window. On Mora specifically, Gasperini said: "Mora is a very young lad who has already reached important numbers. Two years ago at Porto he reached ten goals. For the club it is a very important investment, especially in prospect—he has all the characteristics to emerge and do well." The coach acknowledged that investing in youth can be a necessary path, describing it as a positive element for the club's future.

Mattia Scala opened his tenure as Roma Primavera head coach with victory as the Giallorossi defeated Monza 3-2 at Tre Fontane in the opening day of the championship. Roma surged to a three-goal lead after 35 minutes through Paul, Cama and Di Nunzio, but Monza pulled back with Scifo's late first-half strike. The visitors added a second through Scaramelli at the 76th minute and pressed for an unlikely equaliser in the closing stages, though Roma held on to secure three points despite a testing second half.

Roma have made a formal approach for Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens on loan with an option to buy, according to Alfredo Pedulla. Gittens joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £48.5 million last summer but struggled in his first Premier League season, failing to score in 16 league appearances. He made just five top-flight starts in 2025–26, adding three more in the UEFA Champions League, with former manager Liam Rosenior showing limited faith in the English forward. His contract at Chelsea runs until 2032. Gasperini remains active in the transfer market for attacking reinforcements despite the recent completion of Rodrigo Mora's signing from Porto. The search intensifies because Matías Soulé could still depart Roma, with Milan reportedly pursuing the Argentine winger. Roma have already explored other targets this summer: their pursuit of Diego Moreira fell short, and they attempted to sign Gabriel Martinelli before Arsenal's asking price proved prohibitive. Chelsea may be willing to allow Gittens to move on loan in order for him to gain regular playing time, though they will not accept a nominal fee. Gittens impressed during his final season at Dortmund before his big-money move to England. A transfer to Roma could provide him with the platform to rediscover that form while giving Gasperini another attacking option on the wing.

Roma are pressing ahead with transfer business ahead of their fixture against Fiorentina, with sporting director D'Amico pursuing two final signings—a forward and a winger—to complete Gasperini's squad. Gittens is emerging as the lead target for the attack, with Roma seeking to bring him to the capital on loan, though Chelsea have turned down that approach. Lyon's Fofana remains on the club's list despite those initial rejections. Oosterwolde is drawing closer to Roma; Sky Sport reports continuous contact between the parties, with D'Amico targeting a deal to be completed in the coming hours. Koné is set to stay at Roma; Manchester City, according to Matteo Moretto, are shifting their focus firmly toward Bouaddi with a deal imminent. Nkunku is slipping further away, with RB Leipzig favouring the French striker's return to Germany amid ongoing negotiations with Milan. Roma attempted to sign Tel from Tottenham but received a firm refusal—Tottenham boss De Zerbi considers him non-negotiable. El Aynaoui may depart, with numerous Arab clubs interested; Roma have set a price of no less than €35 million for his departure. D'Amico is preparing a final push to complete the squad. Gittens remains the priority target for attack on a loan basis, while Fofana continues to occupy a place on Roma's wanted list. El Aynaoui is available for sale at €35 million or higher.

Roma are considering selling Neil El Aynaoui and Jan Ziółkowski to Saudi Arabian clubs to generate funds for further signings before the transfer window closes. The club has set El Aynaoui's asking price at €35 million, targeting a net surplus of at least €15 million after the midfielder's €25 million acquisition last summer on a contract to 2030. Roma are seeking €20 million for defender Ziółkowski, whose departure has also attracted concrete offers from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Neom. Combined sales would bring in over €50 million—the figure needed to finance a final attacking reinforcement in the coming days. UEFA Financial Fair Play rules have forced Roma into a cautious approach. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed the ownership and CEO John Galantic to accelerate incomings, but the response has been firm: no departures, no new arrivals. The proceeds from El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski would enable Roma to target Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, valued at €35 million by Chelsea, though sporting director D'Amico is monitoring multiple attacking profiles. This financial squeeze reflects the club's need to balance squad ambitions against regulatory constraints as the window enters its final phase.

Roma are considering selling Neil El Aynaoui to Saudi Arabian clubs as the club works to manage UEFA financial regulations. The midfielder, signed last summer for €25m on a five-year contract until 2030, has been priced at €35m. Roma aim to generate a profit of at least €15m from the sale, calculated against the amortisation of his transfer fee. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed the club's ownership and CEO John Galantic for attacking reinforcements in recent days, but the hierarchy's response is clear: any new signings must be funded by outgoings first. El Aynaoui is not the only departure under consideration. Defender Jan Ziółkowski has also received approaches from Saudi Arabia, specifically from Neom, with Roma demanding €20m for him. The combined proceeds from both sales—totalling over €50m—would be earmarked for a new striker. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens of Chelsea has emerged as a target, valued at €35m by the Blues, though Gasperini is examining other attacking options as well.