Nkunku deal proves complex as wages block Roma progress

Roma's pursuit of Porto winger Rodrigo Mora has stalled, prompting director D'Amico to reopen lines of communication for alternative left-sided targets. Negotiations with Porto have yielded no progress in roughly 48 hours, with the clubs deadlocked: Roma has tabled an offer centred on a loan with a mandatory purchase clause tied to 60% of appearances and Champions League qualification, while Porto maintains its asking price. Mora was nonetheless selected by Porto manager Francesco Farioli for the Rio Ave fixture. With the impasse ongoing, D'Amico has renewed contact with Olympique Lyonnais over Malick Fofana, the 2005-born Belgian winger. Lyon's initial valuation of approximately €40 million may be negotiable, and Roma is exploring a structured deal built around a loan with an option to buy subject to certain conditions. The French club's preference to await the outcome of its Champions League playoff against Fenerbahce complicates the move, though Roma has received assurances regarding Fofana's physical condition following an ankle injury last season. Simultaneously, Roma is advancing negotiations for Destiny Udogie of Tottenham to bolster the left flank. The former Udinese defender is open to a Serie A return, but Spurs have not yet agreed to a loan arrangement. Roma faces a wall from Torino regarding target Cacciamani. Further talks are expected in the coming days.

Roma's pursuit of Rodrigo Mora remains in limbo as negotiations with Porto stall over the terms of a potential deal. Roma initially offered €8 million for a loan and €42 million for a conditional transfer tied to Champions League qualification and Mora playing 60 per cent of matches. Porto has now shifted position, insisting on an easier buyout clause—requiring only Conference League qualification—and has reportedly tried to involve Galatasaray in the talks again. With the impasse showing no signs of immediate resolution, sporting director D'Amico has not sat idle. Malick Fofana of Belgium has become a rising alternative target, with Leipzig also monitoring the player. Should negotiations with Mora collapse entirely, Roma are prepared to pivot to the Belgian. Kevin Schade from Brentford also features on the club's shortlist of potential signings.

Manu Koné will start for Roma in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park this afternoon, his first appearance from the opening whistle since the World break. The midfielder's return is laden with significance given the transfer speculation that has surrounded him in recent months. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will use the match against the German club to assess Koné's form and chemistry with the rest of the squad as the club weighs whether to keep him as a cornerstone of next season's team or pursue a sale if an attractive offer materialises before the end of the month. Koné has been under close scrutiny since last summer, when Inter made an approach exactly a year ago. Throughout the past season he remained the subject of ongoing speculation, with speculation intensifying in the latter stages of the campaign as Roma explored potential sales to address budget requirements. His performances in five World Cup matches have made him attractive to several clubs this summer. Manchester United, Chelsea and several Arab clubs, notably Al Ahli, have shown interest. Atlético Madrid submitted a concrete offer of €43 million, but Roma rejected it as insufficient.