Roma accelerate pursuit of Morato as Ziolkowski edges closer to Monza loan

Roma have intensified efforts to sign Brazilian centre-back Morato from Nottingham on a loan basis. The two clubs are in active negotiations over a deal structured as a loan with a right of redemption that could become an obligation under certain conditions. Head coach Gasperini is keen on Morato, a 2001-born defender capable of playing across the back line and as a full-back, qualities the manager values for squad flexibility through the season. The move comes as Roma seek to strengthen their defence ahead of the new campaign. The talks have entered a concrete phase, with Roma pushing to close the deal swiftly and Nottingham showing willingness to listen to proposals. Separately, academy product Jan Ziółkowski is edging closer to departure on loan, with Monza under Juric waiting to secure his services.

Roma are negotiating with Nottingham Forest to bring in defender Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, on a loan deal with a right of purchase that could become an obligation under certain conditions. The 2001-born Brazilian centre-back has been identified as the ideal replacement for Jan Ziolkowski, clearing the way for the Polish defender's departure to Monza, where manager Ivan Juric is pushing hard to secure him on loan. Ziolkowski remains the hottest name in Roma's outgoing transfers, with interest from several Serie A clubs. The club's strategy is to lock down an incoming defensive reinforcement before approving Ziolkowski's exit. Once Morato arrives, Roma will give the green light for Ziolkowski to complete his move to Monza. The negotiations between Roma and Nottingham Forest centre on the structural terms of the deal—a loan with a purchase option that would convert to an obligation if specified conditions are met. By resolving the Morato signing, Roma will simultaneously resolve the Ziolkowski situation, allowing the defender to join Juric's project and freeing up squad space at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.