Mijnans back in focus: Roma, Bologna and Milan battle for AZ midfielder

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called for a new signing within a week following a 3–0 friendly defeat at Brighton. The coach made the demand to ownership after the match, expressing concern about the squad's depth. "The squad has few players. We must move on the market," Gasperini said. With less than two weeks until the season begins, the two new attacking players he requested remain absent, leaving him dissatisfied with preparations. "At this stage of pre-season, I hoped to be further along," Gasperini confessed, placing pressure on sporting director D'Amico. "The sporting director is negotiating very young and important players." Gasperini expects a new arrival during the week of Ferragosto. The leading target is reportedly Endrick, a Brazilian prospect that Real Madrid wants to send out on loan. D'Amico is working to formalise an offer. Endrick's arrival would necessitate the departure of Matías Soulé. Gasperini's frustration underscores Roma's struggle to complete recruitment with the transfer window in its final stages and the new season approaching.

Roma are maintaining their efforts to sign winger Endrick, according to director D'Amico, despite competition from English clubs and Real Madrid's interest in the player. Endrick would prefer to test himself at Real Madrid under Mourinho, but limited playing time there has given Roma an opening. The club has also offered Porto's Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect, but he is close to joining Galatasaray. Three days ago, following a meeting between Gasperini and the ownership, it became clear that the left-winger signing would not arrive immediately. The club's primary targets remain Nusa and Fofana, in order of preference. Leipzig continue to demand €60 million for Nusa, while Fofana carries a lower valuation of around €45 million but raises fitness concerns. There is also a market connection involving agents for Fofana and Diomande; following Diomande's sale to Real Madrid, they have proposed the Lyon player to Leipzig. Roma have also made a move for Cacciamani, with the club prepared to offer Torino €10 million plus bonuses. Torino are asking for just under €20 million and need to sell. Inter made an exploratory inquiry for the same player.

Roma's transfer activity continues despite yesterday's confirmation of Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal. Director D'Amico is exploring solutions at left-wing, with Malick Fofana of Lyon remaining a target despite growing competition from RB Lipsia. The German club has emerged as a rival bidder, with rival agents pursuing a move to Germany partly motivated by commission recovery tied to an earlier Diomande deal. Roma maintains interest in PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye, who is available on loan. The club is also monitoring developments around Real Madrid's Endrick, who has attracted interest from Fenerbahçe and several Premier League sides. Chelsea's Jamie Gittens is another name on the shortlist for the left-wing position.