Lyon's Champions League exit opens door for Roma move for Fofana

Roma have abandoned their move for Jayden Oosterwolde after conducting additional medical tests that altered their assessment of the defender's injury status. Oosterwolde had already arrived in the capital in recent days and passed initial medical examinations, but further investigation into a biceps injury he was carrying prompted Roma to reopen talks with Fenerbahce about modifying the deal's terms. When no new agreement could be reached, the club decided not to proceed with the signing. The transfer had been structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, with a combined value under €20 million. Roma's medical team established that the defender would require three to four weeks to return to group training and a minimum of six to eight weeks before he could play, timescales the club deemed unacceptable. Having reassessed the situation with the Fenerbahce hierarchy, Roma chose to withdraw rather than risk the investment given the extended recovery period. Oosterwolde will now return to Turkey. The move had been expected to be wrapped up swiftly after the midfielder arrived at Ciampino airport two days ago, with only medical clearance standing between the player and his registration.

Roma are exploring defensive reinforcements as the transfer window enters its final days, with uncertainty over Jan Ziółkowski's future complicating their planning. The Polish defender is in talks with Monza over a potential departure, forcing Roma to plan for a replacement centre-back option. The pursuit of Morato has grown increasingly difficult after Nottingham Forest rejected Roma's advances on a loan with a purchase option. Director D'Amico has turned his attention to Thilo Kehrer, the 1996-born defender leaving Monaco according to Sky Sport. Kehrer is viewed as an experienced profile capable of providing Gasperini with defensive cover when needed. The move would allow Roma to manage their squad depth at centre-back depending on whether Ziółkowski departs before the window closes.

Roma's Champions League League Phase opponents were confirmed on 27 August, and the draw delivered a mouth-watering set of fixtures. The giallorossi will face Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United, along with trips to Istanbul and Old Trafford among their eight opponents. The detailed fixture calendar with dates and kickoff times will be announced within a couple of days. The League Phase participation guarantees Roma almost €50 million—a minimum figure awarded even if the club loses all eight matches. New CEO John Galantic expressed enthusiasm about the draw and the transfer window's final days, saying: "Gasperini is demanding because he is a winner, which is better this way. He is happy with the players who have arrived, but the club will remain vigilant about possible opportunities." Belgian forward Malick Fofana remains Roma's priority transfer target. Fofana is keen to join Roma and is waiting for a signal from the giallorossi, though a club-to-club agreement has not yet been reached. Roma are pushing hard, with fresh contact between the clubs reported from France aimed at accelerating the deal. All parties are convinced an agreement can be reached. Gittens is Roma's alternative, with director D'Amico continuing efforts to bring him in on loan from Chelsea; contact with his agent is ongoing and talks took place on 27 August. The next step will determine whether Chelsea are willing to accept a loan formula. Chelsea rejected Roma's approach in recent days, but Roma intend to try again. Jayden Oosterwolde will not join Roma. The club conducted additional medical checks following an injury concern and consulted Professor Lempainen; the assessment revealed a lengthy recovery period potentially lasting until January. That evening, Roma withdrew and Oosterwolde will return to Fenerbahce instead. Franck Kessié has drawn closer to Juventus. The relationship between Gasperini and Neil El Aynaoui never developed, and Roma would allow him to leave if offers of €30 million materialise, though none appear imminent. Kessié has been proposed as El Aynaoui's replacement but is demanding €4.5 million per season in wages, which is too high. Defensive moves are expected soon. A deal to sign Morato from Nottingham Forest no longer looks certain after Nottingham rejected a loan; Thilo Kehrer of Monaco has emerged as an option. Jan Ziółkowski is close to leaving on loan to Monza, pending the arrival of his replacement. Robinio Vaz is near a move to Hull City; an agreement between the clubs is near completion on a loan deal valued at €2 million with a €30 million purchase option, with Vaz negotiating personal terms with the English club. Manu Koné remains a retention priority, though reports from Spain suggest José Mourinho's interest at Real Madrid—though Madrid must first create squad space.