Porto demands guarantees on buy obligation as Mora talks stall

Manu Koné has dismissed the prospect of a Chelsea move and reaffirmed his commitment to Roma after the midfielder came close to leaving the club during the summer transfer window. The French midfielder has become a key player for Roma this season, notably scoring twice in a 2–2 draw against Inter. He was also called up to the French national team during the international break. Koné's importance to Gasperini's plans meant the club resisted Chelsea's late approach. The midfielder has credited Roma with his development since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he played from 2021 to 2024. He arrived at the Serie A club at age 23 and has grown considerably both tactically and physically in that time. Speaking at a France press conference ahead of a fixture against Italy, Koné said: "Things have happened for me, but I'm at Roma, I'm focused. What happened has happened. I give 100% for this club, I'll give everything to meet expectations, and that's all." On his time in Rome, he added: "When I arrived in Italy, I was younger (I was 23), and that brought maturity to my playing style. I became more focused. Tactically, I didn't have the skills I have now. I also improved my energy management, which made me the player I am today. I was going through a difficult period at Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Roma approached me; I'm very grateful to them."

Roma attempted to sign Lucas Da Cunha from Como during the summer transfer window that closed a month ago, but the French midfielder and Como captain declined the move to remain with Fabregas's side. Napoli and Atalanta also showed interest in the 2001-born player, as did several Premier League clubs, but Da Cunha opted against leaving. The failed pursuit comes as Roma successfully resisted late-window pressure to sell Manu Koné, a key midfielder for the club. Da Cunha has since impressed for France's national team and earned widespread praise in his home country, making the missed opportunity notable for the Giallorossi as they navigated the summer market.

Alessandro Romano, a midfielder born in 2006 who debuted for Italy against Belgium, has emerged as one of the season's breakout performers after joining Cagliari on loan with a €5 million purchase option from Roma this summer. His rapid impact has triggered intense transfer interest, with Inter and Juventus now actively pursuing the 20-year-old alongside several Premier League clubs who have submitted offers to Cagliari. Roma retain a financial stake in Romano's future: the club has secured a 10% resale clause on any profit Cagliari generates above the €5 million they paid to sign him. Inter are reportedly balancing their pursuit of Romano against ongoing difficulties in renewing the contract of Turkish midfielder Gordon Stipic, while the player's development has become a priority for the club's sporting directors Marotta and Baccin, who have been tracking him for several weeks.

Manu Koné addressed speculation about a potential move away from Roma during a France national team press conference ahead of their match against Italy on Friday 2 October at 20:45. The midfielder acknowledged the late summer transfer window interest but reaffirmed his commitment to the club. "Things happened… I'm at Roma, I'm focused, we have objectives. I'm a Roma player and I'll give 100% for this club," Koné said. Roma are preparing to mark their centenary year, which begins in 2027. The club will launch the celebrations at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday 2 January when they face Frosinone. In a significant gesture, Roma will wear a special one-off commemorative shirt for that fixture—a kit designed exclusively to honour the club's hundred years since foundation and distinct from the kits that will be used throughout the 2027–28 season. Midfielder Nicolò Pisilli spoke separately about a recurring date in his career. "10 October is my date—it's a day bringing me luck in recent years," he told Vivo Azzurro TV in the Generazione Azzurra format. "In 2024 I made my senior Italy debut at the Olimpico, my club's stadium and my home city. In 2025 I scored my first Under-21 double." Pisilli added that his ambitions include winning a Serie A title with Roma and a World Cup with Italy.

Portugal are one step away from qualifying for the next Under-21 European Championship. Tonight's match against Gibraltar at 21:00 is effectively a decider, with Rodrigo Mora confirmed in the starting lineup wearing the number 10. The Roma midfielder will be keen to play a leading role as Portugal look to secure qualification. Victory would take Portugal to 22 points, four clear of the Czech Republic who have already completed their fixtures. With only one round of matches remaining in qualifying Group B, a win would guarantee Portugal's place at the Euros and secure them as group winners, earning automatic passage to the tournament.

Roma will debut a one-off commemorative shirt for their first match of 2027 against Frosinone at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 2 January, marking the start of the club's centenary celebrations. The special kit, created exclusively to honour one hundred years since the club's foundation, will be worn only for that fixture and will officially open the centenary year on the pitch. It will be entirely distinct from the regular kits used throughout the 2027–28 season. The centenary shirt represents a landmark moment in the club's history as Roma prepares for an unforgettable year. The kit was designed as a standalone tribute separate from the standard uniforms that will follow, emphasizing its singular significance for the occasion. Meanwhile, early reports have circulated about the Adidas kit collection planned for the 2027–28 season, reportedly inspired by the clubs that contributed to Roma's founding. The home shirt is expected to reference Roman FC, the third kit Alba Audace, and the away kit the Fortitudo Pro Roma. These designs form a distinct project from the special centenary shirt worn on 2 January, which has been created exclusively for that match.