Lyon set Fofana price at €40m as Roma weighs move

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Roma have inserted themselves forcefully into the race for Franck Kessié. On the evening of 25 August, the club met with the Ivorian midfielder's agent at a hotel in Rome and presented their offer during talks. The move represents a concrete step that could shift Juventus's strategy; the Bianconeri had appeared to be leading the pursuit but may now be forced to accelerate their efforts to avoid being overtaken. However, Juventus first need to free up salary space, and the sale of Miretti alone may not be sufficient to do so. Juventus's proposal stands at two years plus an option for a third season worth approximately €4 million plus bonuses. Roma are now fully engaged in the competition and have made a tangible move by engaging directly with Kessié's representatives. The coming hours are expected to be decisive for the midfielder's future as Roma and Juventus prepare to battle for his signature.

Roma is exploring a change to the structure of the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer from Fenerbahce, according to Il Messaggero, having requested additional medical examinations to assess the Dutch defender's physical condition. The club is particularly concerned about a muscular injury sustained by Oosterwolde in early August, with previous reports suggesting a possible return around the end of September. Roma want precise clarity on his actual recovery timeline because if the absence extends longer than anticipated, it could become problematic for a squad in need of immediately available alternatives on the flanks. The original agreement with Fenerbahce was structured as a loan with a right of purchase that would become an obligation if certain conditions were met. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Oosterwolde's fitness, Roma now prefer to convert the deal into an outright loan, avoiding any commitment to a permanent acquisition at this stage. This represents a substantial shift because Fenerbahce would need to accept a formula entirely different from the one on which an initial agreement had been reached. Decisive further medical checks were scheduled for today to determine when Oosterwolde can return to availability for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma will only proceed with a definitive decision on the transfer once those results are known.