Molina emerges as Roma's top target: the Argentine winger Gasperini is waiting for

Roma have accelerated their search for reinforcements on the flanks after negotiations for Givairo Read grew complicated. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has turned his attention to Nahuel Molina, with the Giallorossi submitting an offer worth approximately €17 million plus bonuses to Atlético Madrid. Roma are also in talks with the player over salary and contract length. The bid has been welcomed by Roma supporters hoping for progress in the transfer market, and notably by Atlético fans, who appear unconcerned about a potential departure. One Atlético supporter wrote: "Riusciremo a vendere Molina, Almada e Ruggeri nella stessa settimana? Se questo è un sogno, che nessuno mi svegli" (Can we sell Molina, Almada and Ruggeri in the same week? If this is a dream, don't wake me up), while another added: "Molina lo porto io in braccio" (I'll carry Molina in my arms). Atlético appear willing to consider sales of Matteo Ruggeri and Thiago Almada as well, neither of whom seems to be a priority at the club. The coming days could prove decisive as D'Amico works to provide manager Gian Piero Gasperini with attacking reinforcements on the wings. Molina currently represents the most concrete target on Roma's list.

Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Nahuel Molina, the Atlético Madrid winger, after Feyenoord continued to resist their advances for Givairo Read. Director D'Amico and head coach Gasperini had decided to push hard for Read with a substantial offer, but the Dutch club's resistance has prompted Roma to pivot toward the Argentine full-back instead. Molina, born in 1998, previously played in Serie A between 2020 and 2022 for Udinese, giving him familiarity with Italian football. The move represents a change of strategy after Read's asking price proved prohibitive for the club's current budget constraints. Roma will now monitor how negotiations develop with the Atlético Madrid player as they reshape their recruitment plans for the flank position. No fee or contract terms for a Molina deal have been disclosed at this stage.

Roma have submitted a written offer to Atlético Madrid for right-back Nahuel Molina as they pursue alternatives to Givairo Read. The club's initial proposal stands at 17 million euros including bonuses, according to reports on 4 August, though earlier in the day Roma had offered 13 million plus 3 million in add-ons. Atlético Madrid's opening demand is 15 million plus 5 million in bonuses, though the Spanish club is reportedly willing to negotiate down by 3–4 million. Molina, who is on holiday until 10 August following the Copa América with Argentina, has opened the door to a transfer; however, Atlético continues to prefer an outright sale rather than a loan with an obligation to buy. Roma's interest in Molina intensified after negotiations with Feyenoord over Read broke down. The Italian club offered 25 million plus 3 million in bonus to the Dutch side but has signalled that 27 million is their final bid. Should that fail, Molina and Sporting's Iván Fresneda remain the primary alternatives. The Argentine defender is not considered untouchable by Atlético Madrid and is regarded as available in the current transfer window. One complication: Molina has reportedly indicated he would seek improved terms over his current contract, which is worth approximately 2.8 million euros net annually, should he leave Madrid.

Mario Hermoso put Roma ahead in the 38th minute during their second pre-season friendly in Wales against Newport County at Rodney Parade. Bryan Cristante recovered possession to launch the move, then found Hermoso with the help of a deflection off Castro, with the Spanish defender finishing from close range to settle the opening period at 1–0. Gasperini's side began slowly but grew into the match. Mile Svilar made a vital save in the 14th minute to deny Doidge after the Newport forward was left unmarked, while Paulo Dybala and Castro posed occasional threats in attack. Newport threatened early through Biggins, whose long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 4th minute, but Roma's defence gradually tightened. The friendly served as a fitness-building exercise during the Wales training camp. Donyell Malen was absent through fever. Gasperini made a tactical adjustment in the 36th minute, switching Wesley to the right flank and Devyne Rensch to the left. Jenkins received a booking for Newport in the 40th minute. The match was officiated by Martin, with Tweson-Morris and Hooper as assistants.

Paulo Dybala impressed during Roma's visit to Newport, where the Welsh town laid on a special welcome for the Argentine forward. Giallorossi fans decorated the city with yellow and red scarves and shirts ahead of the fixture. Roma held a 1–0 lead at half-time as the second half got under way. The club's hierarchy travelled to Wales for the match, with representatives including Gandler, Ryan Friedkin, and Galantic present to support the team. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was working with a depleted attacking unit, missing five forwards for the outing. The squad was pursuing further transfer activity in attack, with a fresh bid being prepared for Nusa, while Fofana remained under consideration as an option.

Donyell Malen will miss Roma's friendly against Newport this evening (kickoff 19:00) due to fever, though the Dutch winger is expected to return within days and will be available for Saturday's fixture against Brighton at 15:00. Castro takes his place in attack alongside Paulo Dybala, a pairing that worked in a previous friendly at Cardiff. Wesley has recovered from a right ankle problem and was included in the squad. Koulierakis, another recent addition, starts from the first minute. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin joined the squad at Vale Resort ahead of the match. Malen's absence is not deemed serious and he is expected to be fully fit for the Brighton game on Saturday.