Molina impresses on Roma debut as Atlético fans react with surprise

Roma's pursuit of Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora has stalled, with Porto holding firm on their position while Roma maintains its stance. The player wants to move to Italy, but Porto manager Farioli continues to leave him out of the squad and has taken shots at his agent—clear signals that have so far failed to break the deadlock. The situation now risks becoming more complicated. AC Milan have joined the race for the class of 2007 prospect and are exploring the possibility of inserting Mora into a deal involving Gimenez. It remains an idea under consideration between the two clubs, with no agreement yet. Roma retains pole position in the race. Sporting director D'Amico, who had pledged an end to drawn-out transfer sagas following the Greenwood and Summerville arrivals, is waiting for developments. The club is ultimately awaiting definitive approval from Villas-Boas, with Mora himself also in a holding pattern. Milan's intervention adds a new layer to negotiations, though Roma's advantage in talks persists for now.

Arsenal have left Gabriel Martinelli out of their Community Shield squad to face Manchester City today, signalling the club's willingness to offload the 25-year-old Brazilian forward. Roma have identified Martinelli as a potential target after he fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium last season, though he has already rejected an approach from Galatasaray in favour of remaining in Europe's top five leagues. Gian Piero Gasperini is seeking to bolster Roma's attacking options following the club's return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018–19. Roma have already missed out on Crysencio Summerville, who joined Al-Hilal, while their pursuit of Strasbourg's Diego Moreira remains complicated. Martinelli's availability is being considered as an alternative, though the move carries significant uncertainty given that Matías Soulé could leave the Stadio Olimpico. Despite losing his starting position at Arsenal, Martinelli would represent a major signing for Roma, bringing Premier League experience and proven goalscoring ability. However, any deal would require substantial investment. Martinelli's contract expires next summer, but it may take up to €40 million to complete the transfer. Arteta's decision to exclude him from today's squad suggests Arsenal are prepared to negotiate his departure.

Roma produced an encouraging pre-season display against Dortmund, with winger Lulli earning particular praise from head coach Gasperini for his personality, intensity, and boldness. The performance marked the first truly convincing outing of pre-season, but Gasperini has made clear he wants one more wide player before the Serie A season begins in eight days. Three candidates are on Roma's shortlist: Udogie, Cacciamani, and Luis Henrique. Udogie, an Udinese player, tops the wish list and has already agreed to join Roma; the club is preparing to open formal negotiations with Tottenham, with an opening bid around 25 million euros expected in the coming days. Cacciamani, a young Italian at Torino, remains an option, though the Granata value him at a minimum of 20 million euros. Luis Henrique, rated by Inter at nearly 30 million euros, is considered a longer shot—Roma is exploring a loan deal rather than a full transfer. Director D'Amico is working to complete the signing, but time is tight. Roma must fill this final wide-player slot within eight days as the campaign begins.