Roma accelerate in pursuit of Rodrigo Mora as Endrick deal stalls

Roma's pursuit of Brazilian forward Endrick has suffered a significant setback after Real Madrid communicated to the player and his representatives their intention to retain him at the club. Contacts between Roma and Endrick's camp had been continuous in recent days, but Real Madrid's decision—backed by manager Mourinho—now makes the path to signing him difficult. Mourinho was convinced by Endrick's development during the pre-season training period, believing the Brazilian has shown enough quality to be useful to Real Madrid. The situation forces Roma's hierarchy, led by D'Amico, to pivot and identify alternative attacking targets. The club had publicly identified Endrick as one of two primary objectives for the attack this summer, alongside Mora, who continues to move closer to joining. Endrick's potential departure from Madrid is now unlikely, leaving Roma to reshape its forward recruitment strategy as the transfer window progresses.

Nahuel Molina has landed in Italy to complete his move from Atlético Madrid on a deal worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. Around a hundred Roma supporters greeted the Argentine left-back at Ciampino airport with songs and chants; Molina responded with smiles, selfies, autographs and the words 'Forza Roma'. He will undergo medical examinations and sign his contract before training under Gasperini tomorrow. Roma have accelerated negotiations for Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora, securing a personal agreement for a five-year contract. Agent Jorge Mendes is pushing Roma as the priority in talks with Porto, with both clubs moving closer to the Giallorossi's revised proposal: 25 million euros immediately and a further 25 million in 2027. Roma hold an advantage over Galatasaray and are working to close the deal in the coming hours. Separately, Roma continue to press for Brazilian winger Endrick, working behind the scenes with his representatives to persuade him that Rome is the ideal destination to revive his career, though the player would prefer to stay at Madrid to fight for opportunities. Roma face strong competition from Aston Villa for his signature. The club is also evaluating Inter's Luis Henrique as an option to strengthen the wing. The Brazilian can play on the flank or behind the striker, covering multiple positions in Gasperini's system. Inter value him at approximately 30 million euros, and several Premier League clubs are also interested.

Roma continue to pursue Real Madrid forward Endrick as part of director D'Amico's attacking rebuild, following weeks of failed negotiations elsewhere. The club has maintained contact for over a month and is pushing hard to bring him to the capital. However, Real Madrid will only allow Endrick to leave on loan, unwilling to part with him permanently. Liverpool have also expressed interest but only on a permanent transfer basis, leading them to withdraw from the race. Aston Villa remain Roma's main rival for his signature. The Real Madrid board has resisted Roma's advances, preferring a temporary arrangement to allow the player to gain playing time and continuity. This loan formula appeals to Roma, but the Reds' insistence on a definitive deal has ended their involvement in the pursuit. Roma's other target, a Portuguese player, is described as being close to completion, with decisive developments expected in the coming hours. Once that deal is finalised, the sporting director plans to shift full focus to landing Endrick. On Wednesday, Real Madrid unveiled their squad numbers for the 2026–27 season. Endrick has been assigned the number 9—a significant jersey previously worn by legends including Ronaldo Nazário and Cristiano Ronaldo.