Malick Fofana: Roma target in late pursuit as alternative to Luis Henrique

Rodrigo Mora reported for duty at Roma's training ground immediately after his move was made official, wasting no time in joining Gasperini's squad for his first session with the group. The Portuguese player, born 2007, has already begun familiarising himself with his teammates and the club's setup. On his official unveiling, Mora told the club's channels: "First of all, I would like to thank Roma and Porto. I am very happy to be here. I thank the fans for the support I received at the airport. Now I am very pleased and hope to have a great season. As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. To be honest, I could not wait to arrive here. I always had faith even when it seemed things were not going so well." Roma completed the deal on a permanent transfer basis of the player's registration rights and 50 per cent of his economic rights for a total of 27 million euros — comprising 25 million euros in fixed fees plus 2 million euros in performance-related bonuses. Although Porto's official statement referenced the shared economic rights structure, Mora is entirely Roma's player; joint ownership no longer exists under Italian football regulations.

Manchester City have moved into contention for Manu Koné after Manchester United withdrew from the race and turned their attention to Brighton's Baleba. According to the Daily Mail, Enzo Fernández and Lille's Bouaddi targets did not advance, prompting City manager Maresca to accelerate the search for a midfield reinforcement following Rodri's injury. Roma are holding firm on a valuation of approximately €55 million for the French midfielder. However, with fewer than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, a departure appears unlikely given the club's position and the limited time to find an adequate replacement. The ongoing uncertainty over Koné's future underscores the complexity of late-window dealings, with City's urgency to bolster their ranks competing against Roma's unwillingness to sell at a discount or rush into a premature exit.

Roma continue to monitor Alessio Cacciamani, and a development at Turin may accelerate their pursuit. Torino confirmed an agreement with Fiorentina to sign Niccolò Fortini on loan with a right of redemption. Since Fortini plays the same position as Roma's target, the path to Cacciamani could warm in the coming hours. Torino's Cairo rejected Roma's opening bid of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses; the club values Cacciamani at approximately €20 million, though Roma hope to negotiate a lower fee. Meanwhile, the search for alternative targets continues. Udogie remains on standby as Roma's transfer operation winds down. Sporting director D'Amico is hunting for a deputy to Wesley to deliver to head coach Gasperini before the window closes. Luis Henrique appears out of reach; no agreement has been reached either with Inter or the player himself.