Mora's former coach backs him for Roma: 'He's ready. Gasperini, here's how to get the best from him'

Radio commentators have criticised Roma's transfer approach this summer, arguing the club overpays whenever pursuing a player. Carina told Radio Radio: "Every time Roma approaches a player, everyone raises the price. You have money to spend but you struggle to spend it because they ask for more." He noted that Castro will cost Bologna around 40 million euros, Lucumí went to Juventus for 20 million, yet Roma spent 18 million on Koulierakis, an unknown quantity. Carina also raised concerns over Porto's latest demands for Mora: the club now wants 10 million euros for the loan (up from 7 million) and is demanding the obligation to buy be unconditional rather than tied to Roma's Champions League qualification and 60 per cent appearance threshold. Orsi observed that Gasperini expected a different market this summer, noting Roma has completed only a couple of its stated targets while missing on more important ones. Torri was more blunt, stating: "The Roma wants to buy for 50 million a bench player at Porto" and questioned why Porto would sell Mora if no other club was offering that fee. He suggested Roma could instead target Moreira and two free agents, or push for Arsenal's Martinelli at 45 million euros. Pruzzo highlighted that Roma now has two quality forwards but faces wider squad gaps, while acknowledging friendly results gave a negative impression. The transfer window remains open, with several targets unresolved.

Roma are navigating a complex summer transfer window constrained by settlement agreement rules, working simultaneously on exits and targeted acquisitions to strengthen Gasperini's squad. The club may be forced to sell two or three key players—including Matías Soulé and particularly Manu Koné, who is being courted by Premier League clubs—to comply with financial parameters and avoid European competition sanctions. Should the French midfielder depart, Roma are exploring a loan move for Teun Koopmeiners, a profile Gasperini knows intimately and would integrate readily into his tactical system. Meanwhile, the sporting director is pressing hard on the Cacciamani front. Roma have progressively increased their offer for the 2007-born winger to over 12 million euros plus 3 million in bonuses, drawing closer to Torino's asking price. Club owner Urbano Cairo has signalled openness to a deal, recognizing the difficulty of retaining a talent strongly championed by Gasperini himself. The teenager represents the kind of targeted reinforcement Roma are prioritizing as they balance the dual demand of raising funds through strategic sales while delivering competitive depth to their head coach.

Roma have confirmed their midfield will remain stable for the 2026–27 season, with no new signings planned unless a significant departure occurs—which appears unlikely. Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Neil El Aynaoui will form the core of the department, with Lorenzo Pellegrini available as a supporting option. Koné's future had been the subject of speculation, but he has returned to full training as his departure now appears difficult to execute, particularly given the challenge of finding a suitable replacement before the season opener against Fiorentina. The Frenchman will operate alongside Cristante in midfield. Pisilli, an academy graduate, will not be sold. Porto submitted a €25 million offer for the young midfielder, but Roma and manager Gian Piero Gasperini rejected the proposal, viewing him as an essential technical asset and important for UEFA squad list considerations. El Aynaoui is expected to build on recent positive performances and secure his place as a regular starter in the giallorossi shirt.