Mora Confirmed; Roma Pressing Fofana as Ziółkowski Attracts Offers

Rodrigo Mora reported for duty at Roma's training ground immediately after his move was made official, wasting no time in joining Gasperini's squad for his first session with the group. The Portuguese player, born 2007, has already begun familiarising himself with his teammates and the club's setup. On his official unveiling, Mora told the club's channels: "First of all, I would like to thank Roma and Porto. I am very happy to be here. I thank the fans for the support I received at the airport. Now I am very pleased and hope to have a great season. As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. To be honest, I could not wait to arrive here. I always had faith even when it seemed things were not going so well." Roma completed the deal on a permanent transfer basis of the player's registration rights and 50 per cent of his economic rights for a total of 27 million euros — comprising 25 million euros in fixed fees plus 2 million euros in performance-related bonuses. Although Porto's official statement referenced the shared economic rights structure, Mora is entirely Roma's player; joint ownership no longer exists under Italian football regulations.

Manchester City have moved into contention for Manu Koné after Manchester United withdrew from the race and turned their attention to Brighton's Baleba. According to the Daily Mail, Enzo Fernández and Lille's Bouaddi targets did not advance, prompting City manager Maresca to accelerate the search for a midfield reinforcement following Rodri's injury. Roma are holding firm on a valuation of approximately €55 million for the French midfielder. However, with fewer than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, a departure appears unlikely given the club's position and the limited time to find an adequate replacement. The ongoing uncertainty over Koné's future underscores the complexity of late-window dealings, with City's urgency to bolster their ranks competing against Roma's unwillingness to sell at a discount or rush into a premature exit.

Roma continue to monitor Alessio Cacciamani, and a development at Turin may accelerate their pursuit. Torino confirmed an agreement with Fiorentina to sign Niccolò Fortini on loan with a right of redemption. Since Fortini plays the same position as Roma's target, the path to Cacciamani could warm in the coming hours. Torino's Cairo rejected Roma's opening bid of €10 million plus €2 million in bonuses; the club values Cacciamani at approximately €20 million, though Roma hope to negotiate a lower fee. Meanwhile, the search for alternative targets continues. Udogie remains on standby as Roma's transfer operation winds down. Sporting director D'Amico is hunting for a deputy to Wesley to deliver to head coach Gasperini before the window closes. Luis Henrique appears out of reach; no agreement has been reached either with Inter or the player himself.

Radio commentators across Rome's airwaves have offered contrasting views on Roma's transfer strategy following the club's acquisition of Mora for €25 million. The deal includes a 50% sell-on clause to Porto, with Ugo Trani noting that Roma may add another €25 million to the fee if Mora performs well. Piero Torri struck a cautionary note on midfield departures, saying: "Selling Koné today would be suicide, unless I already have a replacement in hand. In my ideal formation, I put Koné and then choose the other midfielder. Either an insane offer arrives or I keep him. Even if the need to raise cash remains." Fofana's move from Lyon is described as well advanced, with agreement in place between club and player, though Lorenzo Pes warned that Roma must first commit €30 million to close that deal or find an alternative approach. Several panellists flagged incomplete squad depth. Simone Valdarchi expects at least one more incoming transfer and suggested Roma is tracking players including Cacciamani and Luis Henrique for the wing. Francesco Balzani identified a left-sided winger as Gasperini's priority and noted a continuing gap at left-back, with Molina having filled the absence of Çelik on the opposite flank. The consensus pointed to possible departures from Soulé and Ziółkowski as potential funding mechanisms, with Balzani singling out Soulé as an exit candidate. Balzani added that Mora's formula "is very advantageous for Roma. Today with €25 million it is difficult to buy interesting players."

Roma have offered Lyon €35 million in base fee plus bonus for Belgian winger Malick Fofana, with personal terms agreed, but the French club wants to wait until after their Champions League preliminary against Fenerbahçe on 26 August before finalising discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is awaiting owner approval from the Friedkin Group, who have already invested approximately €100 million this summer on Castro, Koulierakis, Molina and Mora. A sale would help Roma's finances and strengthen their negotiating position. Director of sport D'Amico is seeking offers for several squad members. No bids have arrived for Manu Koné, but Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski are available for transfer. Soulé has attracted interest from Fiorentina and Sunderland, while Ziółkowski has drawn attention from Saudi clubs. Roma value the Polish defender at approximately €20 million, which would generate useful profit for the balance sheet. With 1 September approaching, Roma must accelerate their efforts.

Roma are pressing ahead with reinforcements less than two weeks before the transfer window closes, with Malick Fofana emerging as the leading target for an attacking wide position. The Lyon winger has already agreed to the move and rejected Galatasaray, and Roma are prepared to invest approximately €30 million plus bonuses. Lyon want to wait for their Champions League play-off round before making a decision. Alternatives Leão and Martinelli have been ruled out due to prohibitive costs. Work is also progressing on securing full-backs, though obstacles remain. Luis Henrique is a target, but Inter are demanding €30 million while Roma are only willing to offer a loan deal. Torino are seeking €20 million for Alessio Cacciamani, and Tottenham are unwilling to allow Destiny Udogie to leave on a temporary basis. On the outgoings front, Cherubini has departed to Benevento, and Roma are monitoring Matías Soulé, who is being tracked by Fiorentina and Sunderland but has received no concrete offers. The club is also evaluating approaches from overseas for Jan Ziółkowski; selling him permanently could fund the arrival of a centre-back on loan.