Mora held up as Roma pursue alternatives; Martinelli deal ruled out

Gabriel Martinelli has turned down a formal £38.4 million bid from Galatasaray, clearing the way for Roma to pursue the Arsenal winger. The Brazilian forward, 25, has just over a year remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium and is keen to leave after sliding down the pecking order. Arsenal were prepared to accept the Turkish champions' proposal earlier this week, but Martinelli rejected the move, leaving the door open for Roma to make their move. Roma have identified Martinelli as a priority target this summer after failing to land Strasbourg's Diego Moreira and Crysencio Summerville. Massimiliano Allegri at Napoli has also expressed interest in the former Ituano player. Martinelli endured a difficult 2025–26 season, making 30 Premier League appearances as Arsenal won their first league title since 2004, but managed just 11 top-flight starts and one goal, often reduced to a backup role behind Leandro Trossard. Despite his recent struggles in North London, Martinelli would represent a significant acquisition for Roma's attack.

Crysencio Summerville missed a gilt-edged chance on his debut in the Saudi Pro League, blazing over from close range when clean through on goal in what would have been a straightforward finish. The former West Ham forward, who came close to joining Roma in recent weeks before accepting a lucrative move to the Middle East, was visibly frustrated after squandering the opportunity in front of goal. Summerville's misfire came during Al Hilal's 4–2 victory over Al-Faisaly on 14 August. Benzema (penalty), Malcolm and Ruben Neves, who scored twice from the spot, netted the winning goals. The miss has drawn sharp commentary on social media, with supporters suggesting Roma avoided a potential pitfall by not pursuing the deal. The Giallorossi continue to hunt for attacking reinforcements on the wing, with Mora and Fofana among the names under consideration.

The Friedkin Group has taken a direct role in evaluating the financial viability of Roma's pursuit of Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese prospect born in 2007 regarded as an ideal fit for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Mora's family, entourage, and his lawyer have all pushed for a move to Roma, keeping the transfer at the centre of the club's market activity in recent hours. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, the decision now rests with the American ownership, who are assessing whether the deal can proceed based on cost considerations. The Friedkin Group is currently in close contact with club officials—including D'Amico and Gasperini—and Jorge Mendes, Mora's agent. Mendes maintains contact with Porto, but Roma's ownership is reviewing whether to make a higher offer and accept the terms set by Porto president Villas-Boas. The structure of the deal and its financial implications remain under examination, with the coming hours expected to prove decisive in determining whether Roma will move forward or step back from the operation.