Radio Roma debate Oosterwolde injury setback, Kessié interest and attacking reinforcements

Roma have entered the race for Franck Kessié, meeting the midfielder's agent in a Rome hotel on the evening of 25 August and tabling a formal proposal in an attempt to outpace Juventus. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be keen on the player, who currently plays for Al-Ahli. The move represents Roma's attempt to accelerate their midfield pursuit and could force Juventus to move faster on a target they have been pursuing for several weeks. Juventus began contacts with Kessié some weeks ago but have not yet reached an agreement, with several points still to resolve including salary and his integration into a squad that has a midfield logjam. Roma's insertion into the race could shift the balance of the transfer, potentially prompting Juventus to complete the deal before losing out. The source notes that other clubs have also become interested in Kessié's signature as the days pass, with Roma ready to act decisively should Manu Koné depart. Roma's interest in the Ivorian is contingent on outgoings from their midfield. Should Kessié arrive, Neil El Aynaoui could leave the club, with several teams reportedly interested in the Moroccan. The exact terms of any Roma offer remain undisclosed, but the timing of the approach—coinciding with Juventus's own drawn-out negotiations—suggests the club is confident in their position.

Roman radio stations aired a range of expert opinions on Roma's transfer strategy and recent performance. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said the club has a duty to raise standards by completing the squad. He expects activity in the final week of the window, particularly on the wing: "In this last week something will happen, above all on the outside of attack. There is the intention to do it, but not so much to take: we are looking for someone who can give you quality and more offensive solutions, because Gasp always thinks about scoring goals. Fofana? If I have to listen to what Roma says, he cannot be bought at those figures because of UEFA agreements. Then under other conditions it can be done. Him, Gittens, or the famous mister X." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio praised Gasperini's comments about Paulo Dybala, noting the coach said he could even play in extra time. Pruzzo observed that Rodrigo Mora touched the ball only twice in the first half before being substituted early in the second. The first objective, he said, is to preserve Dybala. Nando Orsi also on Radio Radio stressed that Roma's prospects depend heavily on Dybala's availability: if he plays 15 matches like the recent Monday outing, Roma can be the "Anti-Inter"; otherwise not. Orsi rated Dybala's performance against Fiorentina as his best since joining Roma, and called the existing squad fairly solid, though he cautioned that Napoli's midfield contains numerous elite players.

Roma have inserted themselves forcefully into the race for Franck Kessié. On the evening of 25 August, the club met with the Ivorian midfielder's agent at a hotel in Rome and presented their offer during talks. The move represents a concrete step that could shift Juventus's strategy; the Bianconeri had appeared to be leading the pursuit but may now be forced to accelerate their efforts to avoid being overtaken. However, Juventus first need to free up salary space, and the sale of Miretti alone may not be sufficient to do so. Juventus's proposal stands at two years plus an option for a third season worth approximately €4 million plus bonuses. Roma are now fully engaged in the competition and have made a tangible move by engaging directly with Kessié's representatives. The coming hours are expected to be decisive for the midfielder's future as Roma and Juventus prepare to battle for his signature.

Roma is exploring a change to the structure of the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer from Fenerbahce, according to Il Messaggero, having requested additional medical examinations to assess the Dutch defender's physical condition. The club is particularly concerned about a muscular injury sustained by Oosterwolde in early August, with previous reports suggesting a possible return around the end of September. Roma want precise clarity on his actual recovery timeline because if the absence extends longer than anticipated, it could become problematic for a squad in need of immediately available alternatives on the flanks. The original agreement with Fenerbahce was structured as a loan with a right of purchase that would become an obligation if certain conditions were met. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Oosterwolde's fitness, Roma now prefer to convert the deal into an outright loan, avoiding any commitment to a permanent acquisition at this stage. This represents a substantial shift because Fenerbahce would need to accept a formula entirely different from the one on which an initial agreement had been reached. Decisive further medical checks were scheduled for today to determine when Oosterwolde can return to availability for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma will only proceed with a definitive decision on the transfer once those results are known.

Jayden Oosterwolde's transfer to Roma remains incomplete as the club awaits final medical clearance today and works to renegotiate terms with Fenerbahçe. After undergoing additional medical examinations, the Dutch defender's physical condition must be fully assessed before any deal can be sealed. Roma has decided to change the original structure of the agreement, moving away from a loan with a right of purchase that would become mandatory under certain conditions. The new proposal Roma is putting forward is a straightforward loan without any obligation to buy at the end of the season. This shift significantly alters the nature of the transaction and places Fenerbahçe back at the centre of negotiations, as the Turkish club must now decide whether to accept Roma's revised terms and permit Oosterwolde to complete his move to the capital. The change in formula reflects Roma's caution given the medical uncertainty surrounding the player, who arrived in Rome with a hamstring problem. The club is treating his physical recovery as a crucial factor before finalising the operation. Oosterwolde is currently in Rome, but his transfer cannot yet be considered concluded. Roma has altered the conditions of the deal and is now awaiting Fenerbahçe's response to whether they will accept the revised structure without a purchase obligation attached.

Roma are working on multiple fronts in the transfer market. El Aynaoui is being offered for sale, with Crystal Palace among the interested clubs alongside the usual Arab suitors; Roma are asking 30–35 million euros. Should he depart, Kessié is Roma's top target for midfield, though Rios and Ayari are also under consideration. A swap involving El Aynaoui and Kessié is being explored, though Kessié is not the only midfield option being pursued. Fofana remains in advanced negotiations. Fabrizio Romano reports that Roma and the Belgian midfielder have already reached agreement on personal terms, and Fofana continues to favour a move to the Giallorossi. Lyon's demands are now settled: the French club wants 37.5 million euros in fixed fees plus 2.5 million euros in add-ons, for a total package of 40 million euros. The outcome of tonight's Lyon fixture may carry weight in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Jan Ziółkowski's future at Roma is uncertain. According to Romano, Monza are leading the race to sign the young Roma defender, possibly on loan for the coming season. Oosterwolde has completed advanced medical checks. Gittens and Mbaye remain under consideration for the attack as the club assesses all available options.

Roma have entered the race for Franck Kessié, meeting the midfielder's agent in a Rome hotel on the evening of 25 August and tabling a formal proposal in an attempt to outpace Juventus. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be keen on the player, who currently plays for Al-Ahli. The move represents Roma's attempt to accelerate their midfield pursuit and could force Juventus to move faster on a target they have been pursuing for several weeks. Juventus began contacts with Kessié some weeks ago but have not yet reached an agreement, with several points still to resolve including salary and his integration into a squad that has a midfield logjam. Roma's insertion into the race could shift the balance of the transfer, potentially prompting Juventus to complete the deal before losing out. The source notes that other clubs have also become interested in Kessié's signature as the days pass, with Roma ready to act decisively should Manu Koné depart. Roma's interest in the Ivorian is contingent on outgoings from their midfield. Should Kessié arrive, Neil El Aynaoui could leave the club, with several teams reportedly interested in the Moroccan. The exact terms of any Roma offer remain undisclosed, but the timing of the approach—coinciding with Juventus's own drawn-out negotiations—suggests the club is confident in their position.

Roma remain active in the transfer market with multiple targets in focus as the summer window enters its final phase. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the 22-year-old winger, continues to gain ground in Roma's pursuit of a final attacking reinforcement. New contact with Chelsea is expected in the coming hours, following the club's rejection of Roma's initial proposal of a loan with a purchase option for an overall package worth around €45 million. Chelsea have declined that formula and prefer either an outright sale or stronger guarantees on any obligation to buy. Roma's sporting director D'Amico continues to push the negotiations. Malick Fofana, 21, remains another priority target. The Lyon forward has already chosen Roma and personal terms have been agreed, but the French club's €35 million fixed fee plus €5 million in bonuses has left Roma pausing to assess the financial sustainability of another major investment following the recent signing of Mora. Lyon's Champions League qualifying match against Fenerbahce could prove pivotal; an elimination of the French side could facilitate a sale. Meanwhile, defender Jan Ziolkowski, 21, has attracted concrete interest. Parma have opened talks with Roma and tabled an offer of between €7 and €8 million for a permanent transfer. Club-to-club dialogue is described as well under way, though the proposal has not yet fully satisfied Roma's demands. Monza also remain in contention but would prefer a loan arrangement instead. Neil El Aynaoui, 25, the Moroccan midfielder, is another player Roma may be willing to sell. He is not considered untouchable, and an appropriate offer in the final week of the window could see him depart. Any significant departure would give the club greater financial room to complete the squad with the final reinforcement Gasperini has requested.

Roma are working on multiple fronts in the transfer market. El Aynaoui is being offered for sale, with Crystal Palace among the interested clubs alongside the usual Arab suitors; Roma are asking 30–35 million euros. Should he depart, Kessié is Roma's top target for midfield, though Rios and Ayari are also under consideration. A swap involving El Aynaoui and Kessié is being explored, though Kessié is not the only midfield option being pursued. Fofana remains in advanced negotiations. Fabrizio Romano reports that Roma and the Belgian midfielder have already reached agreement on personal terms, and Fofana continues to favour a move to the Giallorossi. Lyon's demands are now settled: the French club wants 37.5 million euros in fixed fees plus 2.5 million euros in add-ons, for a total package of 40 million euros. The outcome of tonight's Lyon fixture may carry weight in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Jan Ziółkowski's future at Roma is uncertain. According to Romano, Monza are leading the race to sign the young Roma defender, possibly on loan for the coming season. Oosterwolde has completed advanced medical checks. Gittens and Mbaye remain under consideration for the attack as the club assesses all available options.

Andrea Stramaccioni, analysing Roma's 24 August fixture against Fiorentina for DAZN, praised the team's physical condition and intensity, highlighting their high press and defensive organisation. Speaking to Teleradiostereo, he drew particular attention to Paulo Dybala's form. "I played against Gasperini at Palermo when he had Dybala, and what I saw on Monday reminds me exactly of that Paulo in terms of athletic condition," Stramaccioni said. The former coach emphasised the importance of Roma's core group of Italian players and their leadership. "The block of Italians is important. From outside it's hard to understand how important it is to have a tested group that guides the dressing room and would throw themselves in the fire for the coach," he stated. He noted Bryan Cristante's defensive positioning and highlighted Manu Koné as operating "in world form," questioning why France manager Deschamps did not field him in the semi-final. Stramaccioni also praised Santiago Castro, noting Gasperini "almost had to hold Castro back" given the Argentine's eagerness, and spoke of a strong Argentine contingent within the squad driving exceptional desire. Stramaccioni identified a left winger as the missing piece for Roma to harbour serious title ambitions under Gasperini. "Gasperini played Champions League and knows you need two squads. He always says value comes from those in front, it's not rocket science. He won at Atalanta with three strikers; he wants two per role now. Right now one is missing—someone more capable of starting from the left. Today both Dybala and Soulé migrate out but prefer to start from the right. Mora I like very much, but another is needed on the centre-left." Regarding squad development, Stramaccioni noted Lulli's backstory: "His is a nice story. He comes from Palestrina, was enrolled at Roma's Acquacetosa football school and had to quit because of distance from home. Now he's returned and is reaping the rewards." Looking at the transfer window closing days, Stramaccioni said Inter are defined as complete, while Juventus still seek both a striker and midfielder. "Roma I don't think will take a starting player, but they need to complete the squad," he concluded.

Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Roma's performance against Fiorentina, saying the club can position itself as a serious challenger to Inter and Napoli if they add one final piece to complete the left side of attack for Gasperini. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stramaccioni said: "If they add one last piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, in my view they can position themselves as immediate rivals to Inter and Napoli." Watching Roma live on 24 August, Stramaccioni was struck by their intensity and consistency. "It is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. Dybala's performance particularly impressed him: the Argentine created three assists from three ball-carrying accelerations and made a defensive recovery in the 75th minute on the halfway line. "In these conditions in our Serie A it becomes very difficult to stop them. And the chemistry with Malen is natural football chemistry." Stramaccioni also highlighted Koné's world-class level, praised Rodrigo Mora's previously missing characteristics, and noted the strength of Roma's Italian spine—Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini—all of whom renewed their contracts at Gasperini's insistence. Asked whether the title picture had shifted before matchday one, Stramaccioni acknowledged it is early with transfers and squads still being completed, but said: "Inter and Roma have made a very strong start: they have clear and defined ideas of play."

Andrea Stramaccioni believes Roma need only one more signing to establish themselves as genuine challengers to Inter and Napoli this season. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the analyst was impressed by Roma's league debut: "If they add one final piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, Roma can position themselves as an immediate antagonist to Inter and Napoli." Stramaccioni highlighted the intensity and consistency of Roma's opening performance. "On 24 August it is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. He singled out Paulo Dybala's creativity and work rate—"three assists following three accelerations with the ball at his feet, and at 75' he made a defensive run to win the ball back on the midfield line"—and praised the natural chemistry between Dybala and Donyell Malen. He also commended Manu Koné as "at world level" and identified Rodrigo Mora as bringing characteristics the squad previously lacked. Stramaccioni emphasised the strength of Roma's midfield and defence, describing the "personality, strength and solidity of the Italian spine" reinforced by Gasperini's priority renewals of Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini. On the wider title race, he added: "It is early—the market and squads are still to be completed—but Inter and Roma have started very strong: clear and defined ideas of play."