Lyon Lower Asking Price for Fofana as Roma Eyes Left-Winger Target

Roma's transfer hunt for a left-sided winger remains a key focus of debate among the club's media circle. Carina highlighted Rodrigo Mora as a critical target, noting that agent Jorge Mendes is working to resolve a rift between the two clubs. Gasperini showed interest in Christopher Nkunku in January and remains keen now, but the obstacle is his salary: "the player earns over 5 million a year," Carina said. Pruzzo assessed the available alternatives critically, arguing that Luis Henrique and Cacciamani are not players capable of delivering a quality leap forward. He suggested Luis Henrique on loan with a purchase option would be viable, but rejected a €30 million outright fee. Pruzzo backed Matías Soulé's retention despite two years at the club without a breakthrough: "I would keep him, hoping he finds optimal condition and confidence in himself and his qualities to become a squad player." The broader transfer challenge facing Roma emerged in commentary from Mattioli and Orsi. Mattioli noted that market activity has stalled on several fronts, citing the Fofana case as evidence of the club's inability to push past certain financial limits. Orsi flagged a wider puzzle: despite a year of searching, Roma has failed to identify and secure a right-footed left winger. Orsi also suggested that if Roma received €45 million for Mile Svilar, he would sell the goalkeeper and move for Vicario instead.

Roma have reopened contact with Olympique Lyonnais over winger Malick Fofana as contingency planning continues around their pursuit of Porto's Rodrigo Mora. Sporting director D'Amico has sought fresh information on the Belgian winger, born in 2005, who is valued by Lyon at a minimum of €40 million. Transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà reported on X that Lyon's valuation is decreasing, potentially making a move more feasible if Roma's bid for Mora falls through. The 21-year-old Fofana had been tracked by Roma in recent weeks, though concerns over his fitness have previously complicated the potential deal. By revisiting the player's profile now, Roma are preparing for multiple outcomes as they await a definitive response from Porto regarding Mora. The prospect of a lower price tag from Lyon could help Roma navigate a complex transfer window where securing reinforcements remains a priority.

Luigi Cherubini is on the verge of joining Serie B side Benevento on loan with a right of purchase that becomes an obligation upon the fulfilment of certain squad and individual conditions. The 2004-born winger will first sign a contract renewal with Roma through June 2029, extending his current deal that expires next June. The move has been in the works for a week but had not yet been finalised as of 14 August, held up by the delay in completing Cherubini's contract extension with the club. Cherubini, a former Sampdoria and Carrarese player, represents another piece of business on Roma's transfer agenda. Benevento manager Antonio Floro Flores addressed the situation at a press conference on 13 August ahead of the club's Coppa Italia round of 32 tie against Fiorentina. Flores said: "I know they have promised us Cherubini, the club has said 'if he leaves here he comes to you'. We welcome it, we are waiting for him with open arms." The transfer will add to the workload already on Roma's director of sport D'Amico's desk.