Pellegrini pays tribute to Roma's 99th anniversary as contract renewal stalls

Roma have revived their interest in Fenerbahçe defender Jayden Oosterwolde as the summer transfer window enters its final stages. The Dutch centre-back, born in 2001, remains on the club's radar after Roma approached him in June. Oosterwolde is a versatile defender capable of playing centre-back, left-back, or left winger, a flexibility that appeals to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma look to strengthen their defence. Roma first targeted Oosterwolde in April, when Turkish outlets reported Fenerbahçe were demanding at least €20 million for the player, though some sources valued him closer to €15 million. The club rejected Roma's initial approach in the January window, and Roma are now preparing fresh attempts to convince Istanbul to part with him. A complicating factor is that Parma retain 30 per cent of any future resale proceeds after selling Oosterwolde to Fenerbahçe. Several Premier League and La Liga clubs have also expressed interest, intensifying competition for the defender. Oosterwolde's physicality, pace and tactical versatility make him an attractive option for a Roma defence that struggled at points last season. However, securing a deal before the window closes will depend on bridging the valuation gap with Fenerbahçe.

Roma have made direct contact with Chelsea over Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, an English winger currently out of favour at Stamford Bridge and on the radar of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The move remains complicated by differing terms: Chelsea are pushing for a permanent sale because of restrictions on outgoing loan slots, while Roma want to bring him in on loan only. According to Riccardo Trevisani, the deal could only reopen if Chelsea soften their conditions. Bynoe-Gittens, who recently spent time on loan at Borussia Dortmund, fits Gasperini's style of play and represents a low-cost option. His wages align with Roma's wage structure, a factor that appeals to the club's ownership as they seek to add depth without heavy investment. The operation differs from other targets like Fofana, whose transfer has stalled over cost concerns. The player remains on Roma's shortlist as the club's transfer team, led by Tony D'Amico, searches for the right formula and timing in the closing days of the window. No advanced talks are currently underway, but Bynoe-Gittens's profile matches Roma's requirement for two new attacking reinforcements to support Gasperini's squad.

Roma will host Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico, and Wesley has recovered from an ankle problem to be available for selection. The Brazilian will occupy the left flank for the match. Niccolò Pisilli has also trained with the group and is likely to start from the bench. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues preparations at Trigoria ahead of the fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness is still being assessed; the midfielder is targeting a return to the squad for Roma's next match against Atalanta on 5 September at the Olimpico.

Roma will host Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45 at Stadio Olimpico, and Wesley has recovered from an ankle problem to be available for selection. The Brazilian will occupy the left flank for the match. Niccolò Pisilli has also trained with the group and is likely to start from the bench. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues preparations at Trigoria ahead of the fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness is still being assessed; the midfielder is targeting a return to the squad for Roma's next match against Atalanta on 5 September at the Olimpico.

Wesley has returned to full training and will occupy the left flank in Monday's season opener against Fiorentina at the Olimpico, with an ankle problem now resolved. The Brazilian, who missed a friendly against Borussia Dortmund, scored against the Viola at the same venue last season and is ready to feature. Molina will make his debut on the opposite flank. In midfield, Gasperini will deploy the Cristante–Koné pairing, while the main uncertainty centres on the attacking midfield role behind Dybala and Malen, where Mora and Soulé are competing. The defence will be anchored by Svilar in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso forming the back three. Pisilli is also available, though Pellegrini will need more time to recover. Roma are primed for their 2026–27 campaign.

Sebino Nela, the legendary Roma defender and 1982–83 Scudetto winner, has assessed Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the transfer deadline, which falls in less than two weeks. Nela believes Roma has improved but still requires reinforcements in two areas: a wide midfielder and a winger striker. "The Roma has still need of a wide midfielder and of a winger striker," Nela told Il Tempo. "The season is long, there are three competitions and it is important to have a deep squad. In the football of five substitutions, having a bench of level can make the difference." On the summer arrivals, Nela praised Castro and Molina but urged patience with Koulierakis, who is adapting to Italian football. He remains cautious about Rodrigo Mora as an attacking option, questioning whether his profile matches what the team needs despite Gasperini's backing. However, Nela acknowledged that if Mora flourishes under the coach's guidance, "a day, maybe, he will become a new Dybala, especially if he follows the coach's indications." He suggested a strong one-on-one player capable of scoring goals would complete an attack already bolstered by Soulé, Dybala, Mora, and Pellegrini.