Pes warns against selling Soulé or Koné in current market window

Roma have signed Rodrigo Mora, a 2007-born prospect, from Porto in a deal structured at €25 million up front plus 50% of any future sell-on fee, with an option for Roma to secure full ownership by paying an additional €25 million to the Portuguese club. The initial €25 million outlay ranks Mora as the eighth-most expensive Under-19 signing in Serie A history. Should Roma exercise the buyout clause and pay the extra €25 million, Mora would jump to third place on that all-time list, behind only Nico Paz (€66 million) and De Ligt (€85.5 million). The 19-year-old wears the number 86 shirt and represents a significant investment in Roma's youth strategy. The deal's structure—allowing Roma to defer the completion fee while retaining a financial stake in any onward transfer—reflects modern football's creative approach to high-risk signings of teenage talent. Mora's potential move into the top three most expensive U19 signings would underline Roma's ambition in the market.

Manchester City have added Roma midfielder Manu Koné to their list of midfield targets, according to reports confirmed on 20 August by journalist Ben Jacobs. City, following Rodri's departure, are seeking two midfielders and have already advanced contact with Bouaddi and prepared a fresh offer for Chelsea's Enzo Fernández. Koné is among the profiles under consideration, with updates expected in the coming days. Koné's future remains uncertain despite recent reassurances over his Roma future. The French midfielder had been flagged as a likely departure this summer, but only Atlético Madrid's offer—deemed unsatisfactory—materialised on Roma's desk early in the transfer window. Manchester United had also shown interest previously. Roma are keen to avoid losing one of their key midfield players and will likely resist any bid. No official approach from City has been confirmed beyond the scouting interest. Developments are expected soon as City accelerate their search to fill the void left in their engine room.

Roma have less than two weeks left in the transfer window and must balance incoming reinforcements with outgoings. While it remains difficult to move Koné on, both Soulé and Ziółkowski are on the market. Ziółkowski arrived in the capital a year ago but has not convinced head coach Gasperini and may now generate useful revenue for the club's balance sheet. Roma's sporting director awaits offers, but the club is already preparing a defensive contingency plan. Koulierakis has arrived and will serve as Mario Hermoso's backup in theory, but should Ziółkowski leave, the club intends to plug the gap by signing an experienced centre-back on loan rather than permanently. In recent days, Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce was offered to Roma. The approach reflects the club's preference to maintain financial flexibility while addressing defensive depth before the window closes.

Roma have less than two weeks left in the transfer window and must balance incoming reinforcements with outgoings. While it remains difficult to move Koné on, both Soulé and Ziółkowski are on the market. Ziółkowski arrived in the capital a year ago but has not convinced head coach Gasperini and may now generate useful revenue for the club's balance sheet. Roma's sporting director awaits offers, but the club is already preparing a defensive contingency plan. Koulierakis has arrived and will serve as Mario Hermoso's backup in theory, but should Ziółkowski leave, the club intends to plug the gap by signing an experienced centre-back on loan rather than permanently. In recent days, Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce was offered to Roma. The approach reflects the club's preference to maintain financial flexibility while addressing defensive depth before the window closes.

Radio commentators across Rome's airwaves have offered contrasting views on Roma's transfer strategy following the club's acquisition of Mora for €25 million. The deal includes a 50% sell-on clause to Porto, with Ugo Trani noting that Roma may add another €25 million to the fee if Mora performs well. Piero Torri struck a cautionary note on midfield departures, saying: "Selling Koné today would be suicide, unless I already have a replacement in hand. In my ideal formation, I put Koné and then choose the other midfielder. Either an insane offer arrives or I keep him. Even if the need to raise cash remains." Fofana's move from Lyon is described as well advanced, with agreement in place between club and player, though Lorenzo Pes warned that Roma must first commit €30 million to close that deal or find an alternative approach. Several panellists flagged incomplete squad depth. Simone Valdarchi expects at least one more incoming transfer and suggested Roma is tracking players including Cacciamani and Luis Henrique for the wing. Francesco Balzani identified a left-sided winger as Gasperini's priority and noted a continuing gap at left-back, with Molina having filled the absence of Çelik on the opposite flank. The consensus pointed to possible departures from Soulé and Ziółkowski as potential funding mechanisms, with Balzani singling out Soulé as an exit candidate. Balzani added that Mora's formula "is very advantageous for Roma. Today with €25 million it is difficult to buy interesting players."

Roma have offered Lyon €35 million in base fee plus bonus for Belgian winger Malick Fofana, with personal terms agreed, but the French club wants to wait until after their Champions League preliminary against Fenerbahçe on 26 August before finalising discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is awaiting owner approval from the Friedkin Group, who have already invested approximately €100 million this summer on Castro, Koulierakis, Molina and Mora. A sale would help Roma's finances and strengthen their negotiating position. Director of sport D'Amico is seeking offers for several squad members. No bids have arrived for Manu Koné, but Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski are available for transfer. Soulé has attracted interest from Fiorentina and Sunderland, while Ziółkowski has drawn attention from Saudi clubs. Roma value the Polish defender at approximately €20 million, which would generate useful profit for the balance sheet. With 1 September approaching, Roma must accelerate their efforts.