Race Against Time: Koné Holds Key to Roma's FFP Target, but N'Dicka on Standby

Roma are preparing a concrete move for Belgian forward Moreira, a 2004-born prospect, with an offer of €30 million plus 10 per cent of any future resale. However, the package falls short of Strasbourg's valuation, with the French club demanding roughly €50 million. Agent Jorge Mendes is working to find a formula that will persuade Strasbourg to negotiate. Moreira was left on the bench in a recent match and has just been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain. The teenager has emerged as Roma's primary attacking target this window. The gap between the two clubs' valuations remains substantial, though Mendes' involvement suggests ongoing dialogue. Moreira's availability for transfer discussions was constrained while competing in the World Cup; his elimination means he can now focus fully on his future and potential moves.

Roma are exploring a move for Alejandro Garnacho following the Mason Greenwood situation, with director Tony D'Amico having made contact with the winger's representatives. Chelsea regard Garnacho as available, but the club's preference is a permanent sale. Roma have no intention or financial capacity to pursue a permanent deal at present, leaving a loan move as the sole realistic option under discussion. Work continues behind the scenes on other right-wing targets classified as Champions League-calibre players. Leipzig's Nusa and Paris Saint-Germain's Mbaye are under consideration, while Ajax's Godts—who operates mainly on the left—has resurfaced as a possibility. Director D'Amico has also sounded out Dan Ndoye and Eintracht Frankfurt's Can Uzun, an emerging international playmaker. Como's Diao, who could leave the club, remains on the radar despite competition from Galatasaray. Manu Koné has impressed at international level with France, bolstering his standing at the club. Meanwhile, Roma have experienced a significant uptick in season-ticket sales, signalling renewed supporter confidence heading into the new campaign.

Manchester United has abandoned its pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson following doubts over the Brazilian's physical condition. Atalanta, however, remains confident the player has no fitness issues and is prepared to reintegrate him into the squad. With Ederson off the table, United is now actively exploring alternatives in midfield—and the search has turned toward Roma's Manu Koné. The French midfielder has attracted interest from the English club in recent days, particularly from media coverage in England. Koné's involvement with his national team at the World Cup could work in Roma's favour, potentially enabling the club to secure a higher transfer fee. The collapse of United's Ederson pursuit may now reignite the club's interest in Koné, opening a fresh pathway for the transfer.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a centre-back as a priority addition to Roma's squad, according to his list of targets presented to ownership. The search is not limited to attacking reinforcements; Gasperini wants an experienced central defender aged 28 or above to serve as a deputy to Mario Hermoso, giving the Spanish defender rest when needed. He has ruled out pursuing young prospects requiring development, such as Jan Ziółkowski, in favour of an established player. Roma enquired about Leo Ostigard in recent weeks, though the Norwegian would only arrive if Evan N'Dicka departs the club—a scenario ruled out with N'Dicka currently viewed as non-transferable. The defensive overhaul is not urgent, with attacking reinforcements taking priority in the coming window. However, the backline will be reinforced before the season progresses further.

Roma successfully resisted attempts by rival clubs to acquire key players on June 30th. Juventus approached the club for Mile Svilar, while Inter and Porto both made offers for Niccolò Pisilli. Additionally, Matías Soulé rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, with his agent expressing frustration over how the negotiations were handled. Despite pressure from multiple directions, Roma declined all approaches and maintained their squad. UEFA has granted Roma a one-month extension on the deadline for including player sales in their financial records due to World Cup scheduling, though this grace period does not apply to new acquisitions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his desire to retain Wesley, Evan N'Dicka, and Manu Koné as cornerstones of his squad, and the club hierarchy has prioritized keeping the manager satisfied. Roma intends to argue to UEFA that they can manage financial losses through peripheral transactions if necessary. Failure to meet Financial Fair Play requirements could expose Roma to fines exceeding €10 million and squad restrictions in 2027–28, though harsher penalties are considered unlikely. The club's strategy appears focused on retaining its top-tier players while strengthening the squad around the margins in the coming weeks.

Inter have emerged as interested suitors for Roma defender N'Dicka, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly reluctant to lose the player. However, Roma's financial situation ahead of the June 30 transfer deadline has created pressure to consider departures. The club's hierarchy, including D'Amico, is actively working through the final hours before the cutoff date. Gasperini's preference to retain N'Dicka contrasts with Roma's need to generate funds, setting up a potential conflict between sporting and financial priorities at the club.