Manchester United offer Rashford to Roma, but wages prove problematic

Manchester United have offered Marcus Rashford to Roma as part of discussions over Manu Koné. The English club are keen on Koné but consider Roma's €60 million valuation too high and are attempting to reduce the asking price. In response, they have proposed Rashford, who has returned from a loan spell at Barcelona and is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. Rashford's wages present a significant obstacle to any deal. The winger earns €11 million per season, a salary structure that concerns Roma's management. A permanent transfer appears unlikely; Rashford could only arrive on loan, but Manchester United would need to subsidise part of his salary—an arrangement Roma currently view as improbable. Director D'Amico continues pursuing a left-winger to provide head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with long-awaited reinforcement on that flank. Nusa remains Roma's primary target, with El Mala ruled out entirely. Leao is also being monitored but faces significant competition from other clubs.

Al-Hilal confirmed the signing of Summerville and used the announcement to taunt Roma. The Saudi club posted a video with the text 'All roads lead to...' followed by 'Riyadh'—a pointed jab at the Serie A side after winning the race for the player. Al-Hilal paid West Ham approximately €70 million in fixed fees and bonuses, and handed Summerville a contract worth €15 million per season. The financial package proved decisive in keeping Roma out of the running, despite their readiness to bring the Dutch forward to the capital. Gasperini's side must now pursue alternative targets to strengthen their wing options. D'Amico is working on securing an outside option for the head coach, with Nusa among the primary candidates. Roma are also monitoring Leao as a potential addition to their attack.

Rafael Leao has been offered to Roma in the early transfer window, but significant obstacles stand in the way of a move to the Giallorossi. Head coach Gasperini has prioritised strengthening the attack with at least two quality wingers and has made clear the club will not exceed a wage ceiling of 4 million euros per player. Leao currently earns 5 million euros net annually at Milan under a contract running until 2028, meaning he would need to accept a pay cut. The Portuguese forward's ability to play Champions League football with Roma—unlike Milan this season—could help persuade him, and Roma's use of the growth decree tax relief might offer a minor advantage. However, Milan are unlikely to offer discounts on a player of Leao's quality, particularly given Roma are direct Serie A competitors. Leao's valuation remains prohibitive. Roma may have offered around 50 million euros for West Ham's Summerville, but Milan would demand 10–20 million euros more for Leao. Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have emerged as rival suitors, though Fenerbahce denied reports of a 100-million-euro bid, stating: "The rumours according to which we would have presented an offer of around 100 million euros for Rafael Leao, including the cost of the transfer and the salary, do not reflect reality." With Summerville off the table, Gasperini and the club's management have shifted focus to Nusa at Leipzig. Leao remains a name to consider only if circumstances improve. Gasperini is awaiting at least one attacking reinforcement before the squad departs for a training camp in Wales.