Mancini pledges Roma commitment with Curva Sud message as contract renewal looms

Chelsea have placed Manu Koné high on their shortlist under manager Xabi Alonso and plan to intensify negotiations in the coming hours, according to RMC Sport. However, any move hinges on Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City. Although Koné has previously expressed interest in playing in the Premier League, Roma are holding firm with less than a day until the transfer deadline, demanding no less than €55 million to let the French midfielder leave. The tight timeframe and difficulty in sourcing a suitable replacement have pushed Roma's management to prioritize keeping Koné in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. The club's position reflects their determination to avoid losing a key player at the final hour of the window, despite the midfielder's stated Premier League ambitions.

Real Madrid are monitoring Evan N'Dicka as a potential defensive target, according to Spanish media reports emerging in the closing hours of the transfer window. The Ivorian centre-back, a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, has emerged on the club's radar partly because José Mourinho, who managed Roma and knows N'Dicka well from that spell, is an admirer. The report, carried by Fichajes.net and attributed to Spanish journalist Miguel "Látigo" Serrano of Diario Madridista/OKDIARIO, highlights N'Dicka's value as a left-footed central defender—a specific characteristic Mourinho is seeking. No formal negotiation between Real Madrid and Roma has been opened, and no offer has reached the club. N'Dicka's name sits instead on Madrid's list of monitored defensive opportunities, with any potential move dependent on the Spanish club's own outgoings. The 27-year-old holds a Roma contract until 30 June 2028 and is valued by Spanish press sources at €30–35 million—a figure that would serve as a reference point for any theoretical operation rather than a demand from Roma. The article notes that the situation could gain momentum in coming months. Real Madrid are thinking ahead on their defensive recruitment, with developments tied to Mourinho's squad hierarchy and fitness conditions. N'Dicka's contract position is highlighted as potentially significant: should he enter 2027 without a new deal from Roma, he would edge progressively closer to the final eighteen months of his terms, making him increasingly attractive on the transfer market. For now, however, N'Dicka remains a central player in Roma's technical project with no ongoing negotiations recorded with Real Madrid. Mourinho's knowledge of the defender and appreciation of his profile have nonetheless placed his name firmly in the Spanish club's sights.

Roma have made fresh contact with Stuttgart on Monday 31 August in an attempt to accelerate their pursuit of winger Jamie Leweling, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Giallorossi are pushing to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga club, following the rejection of an initial Roma proposal in recent days. Leweling has now moved ahead of Luiz Henrique as Roma's preferred target in the final hours of the transfer window. Roma and Stuttgart continue to work on bridging the gap over the structure and financial terms of the deal. The club is preparing for what could be decisive hours in negotiations, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini waiting for an attacking midfielder to be delivered. General manager Ghiggia D'Amico is keeping multiple options open as contingencies. The Luiz Henrique option with Zenit remains in parallel play and represents a concrete alternative should the Stuttgart discussions fail to reach a successful conclusion. Roma are now focused on closing the Leweling transfer in what the outlet describes as a final sprint of the window.

Marten De Roon has joined AS Roma and is determined to move past a 2023 incident when he posted a photo with a middle-finger gesture and text mocking the club after Atalanta's victory over the giallorossi. The post drew controversy and a €2,500 fine. In his first interview at Trigoria, De Roon said he had not authorised publication of that post. "I always play around on social media, but on that occasion I overstepped the mark," he explained. "I didn't authorise that post against the giallorossi — it sounds like a lie but it's true. I'm very sorry." He pledged to prove himself on the pitch rather than through words: "Social media is one thing, I want to demonstrate on the field that I am someone who goes beyond that. I will give everything for the shirt and want to repay the trust with facts." De Roon spent nine years at Atalanta under Gasperini, serving as captain, and the coach has now brought him to Roma. The midfielder is excited by his new surroundings. "I'm super happy, it's something very beautiful," he said of Trigoria. "Roma is a great club, the training ground is top level and I'm eager to begin." He is already familiar with the Olimpico but always faced it as an opponent. He relishes the prospect of Champions League football this season: "Last season Roma was in great form, the Olimpico is special, always full and impressive. The fans are very warm and this year we'll play against very strong teams in the Champions League, the atmosphere will be amazing. We must enjoy these evenings and try to achieve great results." De Roon believes he can contribute immediately. He knows Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini from Serie A, and two fellow Dutch players are already at the club: Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch. "I want to help because I know Gasperini's system very well. There are two Dutch lads: Malen and Rensch. I want to play my part and I've joined a very strong squad," he said. He acknowledged he must now earn the affection of Roma supporters who saw him as an enemy until recently: "Super happy to be here, I can't wait to play in front of you at the Olimpico. I hope to be welcomed in the right way. Daje Roma."

Marten De Roon presented himself officially to Roma on 31 August 2026, expressing delight at joining the club. "I'm super happy, it's really something very beautiful. The transfer to a great society, I saw the sports centre and it's high level and I have so much desire to start," De Roon said at his unveiling. De Roon spent nine years under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at his previous club, where he regularly started and served as captain. He credited Gasperini with developing both him and the squad to a high standard. "When we spoke a few days ago he made a big effort and gave me this opportunity to come here, and for that I thank him so much. I also thank the club and the society that wanted me: it's not at all obvious, I'm really super happy," De Roon said. He acknowledged Roma's current strength, noting that "the squad is there, it's very strong. There are guys like Bryan Cristante, who I know, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, who have played here for many years. I want to give a hand, I know Gasperini's game very well." On a previous social media post that appeared to target Roma, De Roon clarified his approach: "I'm someone who always jokes on social media, I always try to push the limit. On that occasion I think I overstepped the limit. There's an explanation though: with two friends I manage my social media. It was the only time – it seems like a lie but it's true – where I didn't authorise the post, because I had many interviews after the match. I'm sorry because I overstepped the limit." He expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, describing the stadium as "something very special" and noting that Roma's return to Champions League football creates "a crazy environment." De Roon sent a message to Roma supporters: "I'm super happy to be here. I can't wait to play at the Olimpico in front of you, because I realise it's a very special environment. I hope you welcome me in the right way. Forza Roma!"

Marten De Roon has given his first interview as a Roma player, addressing his previous social media comments about the club while expressing enthusiasm for his move from Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Dutch midfielder spoke to the club's official channels about the excitement of joining a top-tier organisation, his nine-year relationship with Gasperini at his former club, and his eagerness to play Champions League football at the Olimpico. De Roon clarified the contentious social media posts that had drawn criticism from Roma supporters. "I'm someone who always jokes on social media, I always try to push the limit," he said. "On that occasion I think I went over the limit. But there's an explanation: two friends and I manage my social media. It was the only time—it seems like a lie but it's true—that I didn't authorise the post, because I had many interviews after the match. I'm sorry because I went over the limit." He added: "I want to demonstrate on the pitch that I go beyond the limit, I give everything for the shirt and I must repay this trust with facts." De Roon emphasized his gratitude to Gasperini, saying the coach "brought me up high" during their time at Atalanta and played him consistently, even as captain at times. He praised the club's training facilities and highlighted Roma's strength as a squad, naming Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala, and Gianluca Mancini among the experienced players already at the club. On Roma's Champions League campaign, he said: "The stadium is something very special, every time I've played here I was impressed, full of very warm fans. Bringing the Champions League back to the Olimpico against very strong teams gives us an incredible atmosphere. We must enjoy these evenings and try to achieve great results." Closing his remarks, De Roon told Roma's supporters: "I can't wait to play at the Olimpico in front of you, because I realise it's a very special environment. I hope you welcome me in the right way. Forza Roma!"

Real Madrid are monitoring Evan N'Dicka as a potential defensive target, according to Spanish media reports emerging in the closing hours of the transfer window. The Ivorian centre-back, a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, has emerged on the club's radar partly because José Mourinho, who managed Roma and knows N'Dicka well from that spell, is an admirer. The report, carried by Fichajes.net and attributed to Spanish journalist Miguel "Látigo" Serrano of Diario Madridista/OKDIARIO, highlights N'Dicka's value as a left-footed central defender—a specific characteristic Mourinho is seeking. No formal negotiation between Real Madrid and Roma has been opened, and no offer has reached the club. N'Dicka's name sits instead on Madrid's list of monitored defensive opportunities, with any potential move dependent on the Spanish club's own outgoings. The 27-year-old holds a Roma contract until 30 June 2028 and is valued by Spanish press sources at €30–35 million—a figure that would serve as a reference point for any theoretical operation rather than a demand from Roma. The article notes that the situation could gain momentum in coming months. Real Madrid are thinking ahead on their defensive recruitment, with developments tied to Mourinho's squad hierarchy and fitness conditions. N'Dicka's contract position is highlighted as potentially significant: should he enter 2027 without a new deal from Roma, he would edge progressively closer to the final eighteen months of his terms, making him increasingly attractive on the transfer market. For now, however, N'Dicka remains a central player in Roma's technical project with no ongoing negotiations recorded with Real Madrid. Mourinho's knowledge of the defender and appreciation of his profile have nonetheless placed his name firmly in the Spanish club's sights.

Roma face Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare on 31 August at 18:30 in a Serie A fixture. Four major Italian newspapers predict a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, and Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as the attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected in midfield, with Wesley operating as a full-back. The main variance in predicted lineups centres on one defensive position. Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera all expect Emanuele Lulli at left-back, while Gazzetta dello Sport forecasts Nahuel Molina in that role. All four outlets agree on the remainder of the eleven, including Rodrigo Mora as the number 10 behind the two forwards.

Roma have brought back Lorenzo Paratici, a 17-year-old forward from Sampdoria who wore the giallorossi shirt last season, and are completing the signing of Ante Mardešić, a 17-year-old Croatian midfielder from NK Trnje who impressed during a trial at Trigoria. The club continues to work on multiple attacking fronts as the transfer window enters its final hours. Matías Soulé has been offered to Atlético Madrid in recent days, but the Spanish club is pursuing an advanced deal for Jonathan David and the Argentine winger has not gained traction there. Niccolò Pisilli remains central to Roma's project; the club will only consider offers above €60 million for the 21-year-old midfielder, with interest reported from Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in England and Juventus, Inter and Milan in Italy, though Pisilli himself wants to stay in the capital. Real Madrid have evaluated Evan N'Dicka as a defensive reinforcement, with José Mourinho reportedly appreciating the 27-year-old centre-back. A valuation of €30–35 million is suggested, though Roma consider N'Dicka important to the squad. On the attacking front, Roma continue working on Jamie Leweling, a 25-year-old German winger-fullback from Stuttgart. The Bundesliga club rejected an initial proposal of €5 million on loan plus €35 million obligation to buy; Stuttgart's valuation reaches €50–55 million. Roma have accelerated pursuit of Luiz Henrique, a 25-year-old Brazilian. The club raised its offer to €5 million for a loan with €30 million for a subsequent obligation to buy—set to become mandatory under certain conditions—though some sources indicate an overall deal around €35 million. Wages still need to be agreed. Botafogo have renewed their interest; reports differ on whether Henrique is considering his options or committed to Roma. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a 22-year-old winger, remains Gasperini's preferred profile for technical qualities, but Chelsea continue to complicate the operation. Roma hope for an opening to a loan; Chelsea prefer a permanent sale at around €50 million. The door remains open until the final hours, with negotiations running in parallel on Henrique and Leweling. Matías Soulé's future is one of the potential catalysts for Roma's final market moves. Fulham, Newcastle and Sunderland have expressed interest in the 23-year-old Argentine, though no decisive offer has arrived. Roma's valuation stands around €40 million, though could drop slightly in a final rush. Gasperini has signalled a possible stay, but an important offer could prompt Roma to sell and sign two new attacking wingers. Jan Ziółkowski's loan move to Monza is now confirmed; the 21-year-old Polish defender departs on loan with a right of redemption and is expected to complete medical checks and formalities imminently.

Roma face Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare on 31 August at 18:30 in a Serie A fixture. Four major Italian newspapers predict a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, and Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as the attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected in midfield, with Wesley operating as a full-back. The main variance in predicted lineups centres on one defensive position. Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera all expect Emanuele Lulli at left-back, while Gazzetta dello Sport forecasts Nahuel Molina in that role. All four outlets agree on the remainder of the eleven, including Rodrigo Mora as the number 10 behind the two forwards.

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to lead Roma's attack in the coming fixture after Gasperini's side won their opening match against Fiorentina. The defence remains unchanged, with Gianluca Mancini leading Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, while the right-sided midfield spot is in contention between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina. Rodrigo Mora appears assured of a starting role in the attacking midfield position, though Matías Soulé—who has been at the centre of transfer speculation—offers an alternative. De Roon joined the squad today and will be available from the bench for his Roma debut. The Italian newspapers project five likely lineups in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with most backing Lulli at right-back over Molina, though La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport diverge from the consensus. Tuttosport fields Soulé in a 3-4-2-1 shape, pairing him with Dybala ahead of Malen, while the other four outlets retain Mora in the number 10 role with Dybala and Malen as the primary attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain central midfield constants, with Wesley deployed on the left.