Pellegrini targets return after contract renewal

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Manu Koné is back at Trigoria after a month at the centre of transfer speculation. United, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Saudi Arabia all made enquiries, but only Atlético Madrid made a concrete offer—€43 million—which Roma rejected. The midfielder returns following the World Cup and a brief spell away, including a visit to his former club, and will train with Gasperini today as he works to regain match fitness. Koné's absence has left a void in Roma's midfield during pre-season. Defeats to Cardiff and Brighton exposed a lack of balance and quality in the centre of the park, with Gasperini visibly waiting for the French midfielder's return to provide the rhythm and intensity his side has lacked. After spending the summer in limbo, Koné's stay in Rome is now secure. He has consistently stated his contentment in the capital and his desire to continue his story in giallorosso, never pushing for a move away despite the interest. Following personalised training to catch up with his teammates, Koné will reclaim the midfield role that is rightfully his. Fiorentina lies ahead, and with Koné's return, Gasperini has recovered the engine that will drive Roma's campaign forward.

Roma are pressing to close a deal for Alessio Cacciamani, the 2007-born Torino left-back who impressed in Serie B last season. The club has tabled an offer of around €12 million, cutting the gap with Torino's asking price to just €2 million. Cacciamani would provide depth on the left flank behind Wesley as Roma prepare for the new season under Gasperini. To generate funds and offset spending, Roma are simultaneously working on player sales. Jan Ziolkowski is expected to receive an official offer from Saudi Arabia worth approximately €20 million—a substantial profit on his €6 million summer purchase. That deal could unlock further investment in the squad. Matías Soulé remains a possible departure to finance additional signings, though no official offers have been received so far; Milan had shown some interest in recent days but nothing concrete has materialised. Tony D'Amico continues to manage multiple fronts across the transfer market, with the aim of delivering Gasperini a complete and competitive squad ahead of the season's start.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Roma have moved decisively in the transfer market, with nineteen-year-old Porto forward Rodrigo Mora close to joining the club and Argentine right-back Nahuel Molina officially arriving in the capital. Molina landed at Ciampino airport after Roma agreed a deal with Atlético Madrid worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. He will replace Zeki Çelik on the right flank. The Mora deal is in its final stages, with Roma having worked extensively to fend off competition from Galatasaray. Porto president André Villas-Boas has agreed terms involving 25 million euros upfront—with 50 per cent of any future resale profit returning to Porto—plus a further 25 million euros in 2027. Mora will sign a five-year contract, a profile that immediately impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The move accelerates after the Endrick pursuit collapsed, with the Brazilian now bound for Real Madrid. With midfielder Manu Koné returning to full availability and expected returns of Niccolò Pisilli and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the horizon, Gasperini is building squad depth. Roma are also monitoring possible departures of Matías Soulé and Neil El Aynaoui to maintain financial balance, but the focus is on assembling a competitive, technically strong group ready for Serie A and European football.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to Roma's training base at Trigoria but will not participate in Wednesday's session following the club's pre-season retreat in Wales. The midfielder is in the final phase of physiotherapy treatment for a muscular injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh and will rejoin group training after 15 August. Manu Koné has completed his post-World Cup break and will be available for selection immediately. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will have access to both players as Roma prepare for the campaign ahead. Koné remains at the club despite a light enquiry from Chelsea, and is expected to stay at Roma barring any surprise developments. Pellegrini, who recently signed a new contract, was previously captain of the club. His recovery means Roma will have two key midfield reinforcements ready soon as Gasperini builds towards the opening fixtures of the season.