Malen chases third elite scalp as he aims for derby glory

Roma's hopes of signing Brazilian forward Endrick have dimmed significantly after Real Madrid communicated to the player and his representatives their intention to retain him at the club. The contacts between Roma and Endrick's camp had been continuous in recent days, but Real Madrid's decision to keep the player in the Spanish capital appears to have closed that avenue. Real Madrid manager Mourinho has approved the decision, with the club's recent pre-season period convincing him that Endrick has shown enough quality to remain useful to the team. The development forces Roma's recruitment strategy to shift. The club had identified Endrick as one of two primary attacking targets, alongside Mora, who remains a more realistic prospect. The player's growth and performances during Madrid's training camp have persuaded the Portuguese coach that selling him is unnecessary. This outcome means Roma's technical director D'Amico may now need to pivot to alternative attacking targets as the transfer window continues.

Nahuel Molina has completed his move from Atlético Madrid to AS Roma on a deal worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. The Argentine defender touched down at Rome's Ciampino airport, where around 100 supporters greeted him with chants and songs. Molina responded with smiles, selfies, autographs and a message of "Forza Roma". Medical examinations and contract signature are scheduled, with his first training session under Gasperini expected tomorrow. Roma have accelerated negotiations for Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora, reaching a personal agreement on a five-year contract. Agent Jorge Mendes is pushing Roma as the priority in talks with Porto, and the two clubs are converging on Roma's revised offer of 25 million euros immediately plus a further 25 million in 2027. Roma hold the advantage over Galatasaray and are working with optimism to complete the deal in the coming hours. Negotiations also continue over Brazilian forward Endrick. Roma have been working behind the scenes for weeks to convince him that the capital offers the ideal platform to revive his career, though he remains keen to stay at Madrid to fight for his chances. Aston Villa present strong competition for his signature. Meanwhile, Roma are evaluating Inter's Luis Henrique as an option to strengthen the wing, with the Brazilian capable of operating as a secondary striker as well. Inter value Henrique at approximately 30 million euros, but several Premier League clubs are also interested.

Roma continue to pursue Endrick from Real Madrid as a key attacking target, with director D'Amico prioritising the young Portuguese talent after weeks of negotiations. Liverpool have evaluated Endrick but only on a permanent basis, a condition Real Madrid will not accept; the Spanish club insists on a loan arrangement to ensure the player receives regular playing time and development. Real Madrid have now assigned Endrick the number 9 shirt for the coming season—a shirt previously worn by legends Ronaldo Nazário and Cristiano Ronaldo—signalling the club's commitment to keeping him in the squad. Aston Villa remain Roma's main rival for the player's signature. Roma's interest in Endrick dates back more than a month, with continuous contact maintained with Real Madrid, though official approval remains outstanding. The loan formula proposed by the Spanish side aligns with Roma's preference, but Liverpool's rejection of any temporary deal has removed them from the race. According to Diario AS, Real Madrid have communicated to Endrick their intention to retain him, a position Mourinho endorses. With a deal for Mora reportedly close to completion in the coming hours, Roma plan to accelerate their push for Endrick once that transfer is finalised.

Roma players Wesley and Donyell Malen featured in a viral video while relaxing on the island of Ponza. The footage, shared across social media, captured the pair in a light-hearted encounter with a local ice-cream boat attraction known as 'Il Barchino dei Gelati', one of the island's best-known features. The clip showed the players smiling, waving and enjoying downtime together in a relaxed atmosphere that quickly gained thousands of views and comments. The video was widely reposted by Roma fan accounts and social media pages, with supporters delighted to see their players taking time to unwind before returning to competitive fixtures. The moment generated significant engagement across platforms as fans shared their enjoyment of the pair's casual holiday appearance together.

Roma players Wesley and Donyell Malen encountered Alfio Boschi, the celebrated ice cream boat vendor who has become famous on social media for meeting celebrities, during an outing on Ponza. The interaction produced a lighthearted exchange, with Boschi asking Malen: "How many goals have you scored?", before turning to Wesley with: "And what pressure do you put on your opponents? Don't you let them breathe!". Boschi's ice cream boat has become known for its encounters with high-profile figures from football and beyond, regularly shared across social platforms. The encounter between the two Roma players and the Ponza vendor is the latest in a series of celebrity meetings the boat has facilitated.

Wesley and Donyell Malen shared a lighthearted seaside encounter at Ponza, the footage of which has gone viral on social media. The Roma pair were the stars of an entertaining scene involving the famous "Barchino dei Gelati" (ice-cream boat), a well-known fixture in the area.