Koné must wait for Arsenal and Chelsea: Roma demand €45 million

José Mourinho has issued a clear warning to clubs pursuing Endrick ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League fixture against Roma on Tuesday. The Real Madrid manager said: "Whoever wants to take him in January will have to go over me and fight me." Mourinho doubled down on his determination to keep the Brazilian forward, stating: "Endrick is not going anywhere, I adore him. He is very strong and will help us. Loans are not needed, Endrick will explode here at Madrid." The comments represent a significant setback for Roma, who have continued to monitor the 2006-born forward ahead of the January transfer window. The Giallorossi had come close to signing Endrick on loan during the summer before Mourinho intervened to retain him at the Bernabéu. Interest has resurfaced because of the limited playing time Endrick has received at the start of this season, prompting Roma and other European clubs to renew their pursuit. Mourinho's latest stance suggests he plans to block any departure attempt again, convinced he can revive Endrick's form directly at Madrid. When asked in a press conference today whether he might use his encounter with Mourinho to discuss Endrick, Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini smiled but deflected the question. Gasperini said: "Right now the January market is something that doesn't interest me." For Roma to realistically pursue Endrick in January, they will first need to persuade Real Madrid and overcome Mourinho's clear resistance to letting the player leave.

Roma are monitoring William Gomes of Porto as a potential winger signing, though the club could explore an interim loan option in January before committing to a permanent deal next summer. Gian Piero Gasperini declined to discuss the transfer market ahead of Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but officials are actively working to strengthen the squad. The two clubs already conducted business this summer, with Roma acquiring Rodrigo Mora for €25M plus 50 percent of a future sale. Discussions are now underway to renew Mora's contract, raising his release clause from €80M to €100M and extending his deal by two years to 2031. Gomes, a Brazilian acquired from São Paulo for €9M in 2025, has quickly established himself at Porto with 16 goals and 4 assists in 67 appearances. Roma's strategy appears to involve bringing in a short-term solution on loan in January—with Endrick from Real Madrid mentioned as a possibility—before investing heavily in Gomes or another young prospect next summer. The club has already established a working relationship with Porto through the Mora transfer, which may facilitate negotiations. Regarding Endrick's compatriot at Real Madrid, Alan Redmond, the global head of football at Roc Nation, addressed the speculation surrounding his future. "There was a lot of interest in him, but leaving has never been his goal. There was only some chatter. The deals were never close to being completed. We'll see what happens in the future, but I think he'll stay at Real Madrid for a long time. The teams after him are fantastic, but I don't believe he'll transfer."

Gian Piero Gasperini deflected speculation about January transfer negotiations when asked if he would discuss Endrick with José Mourinho ahead of tomorrow's match at the Olimpico. The Brazilian forward is among the hottest names linked with Roma in the January window, though he is likely to spend the fixture on the bench. When pressed on whether he would use the occasion to broker a deal, Gasperini declined. "I don't think so," he said with a smile, before shifting focus entirely away from the market. "Right now I'm not interested in the January transfer window. We've only just started a run of matches and tomorrow's game is something we've been missing for many years," the coach added. Gasperini made clear his priorities lie solely on the pitch and away from distractions of incoming business.