Roma accelerate transfer activity as Gasperini awaits reinforcements

Roma are nearing the completion of a transfer for Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese player, according to radio discussion on Roman sports broadcasts. Piero Torri, speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma (90.9), noted that Mora had a strong first year at his previous club but spent the last season on the bench. Torri expressed reservations: "We are not far from closing the deal for Rodrigo Mora. The boy comes from a singular growth path where in the first year he did very well while in the last season he was on the bench and I have doubts about the fee invested for the Portuguese player's transfer." Roberto Pruzzo, on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), warned against repeating mistakes in squad recruitment, citing concerns over expensive signings who do not immediately integrate into the team. He stressed that Roma need quality in attack and must improve as a squad. Pruzzo said: "The important thing is that he has the possibility not to wait too long, because otherwise it becomes chaos that comes down on you. I don't know Mora, but that it doesn't happen like with Vaz: you end up with a significant expense and a player who is part of the squad only partially. Roma made its choice, the priority is to have some quality up front. Roma is behind as a team, then inserting a couple of players I don't think is complicated. There is a need for the team to make a leap in quality." Nando Orsi added that any player costing significant fees must make an immediate impact under Gasperini's direction, and questioned whether Mora would provide the quality Roma require at the highest level.

Roma continue to pursue an attacking winger for Gian Piero Gasperini, with Rodrigo Mora the primary target. Should that deal collapse, the club will turn their attention to Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners have signalled their willingness to sell the Brazilian, and Roma are in discussions with Martinelli's representatives to lower his salary from 11 million euros gross. Arsenal are asking for 50 million euros—a high figure given that Martinelli's contract expires in one year. The move represents a potential fallback option in Roma's summer recruitment strategy. Any agreement would require bridging a significant gap between the player's current wage demands and what the Giallorossi are prepared to offer, while also matching Arsenal's substantial valuation. The outcome will depend on the progress of the Mora negotiations and whether Roma can structure terms acceptable to all parties.

Roma had targeted Endrick, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, as a potential signing this summer, with the club prepared to negotiate a loan deal with a purchase option. However, Real Madrid has decided to retain the 18-year-old attacker despite the overtures, ending recent talks with the Serie A side. According to The Athletic, Endrick's future could shift depending on his playing time; if the Brazilian fails to secure regular minutes, Real Madrid may reconsider a loan arrangement. The Spanish club deployed the same solution during the previous season, sending Endrick to Lyon in January on a temporary deal. Roma has been caught off guard by Real Madrid's decision to close the door, though a fresh attempt in the January transfer window is not ruled out. Significantly, Endrick has yet to fully commit to staying. The talent could request a move if he feels relegated to a secondary role within Carlo Ancelotti's squad. Real Madrid announced on August 10 that Endrick would remain at the club for the upcoming campaign, with interest also coming from Aston Villa.

Roma have moved decisively in the transfer market, with nineteen-year-old Porto forward Rodrigo Mora close to joining the club and Argentine right-back Nahuel Molina officially arriving in the capital. Molina landed at Ciampino airport after Roma agreed a deal with Atlético Madrid worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. He will replace Zeki Çelik on the right flank. The Mora deal is in its final stages, with Roma having worked extensively to fend off competition from Galatasaray. Porto president André Villas-Boas has agreed terms involving 25 million euros upfront—with 50 per cent of any future resale profit returning to Porto—plus a further 25 million euros in 2027. Mora will sign a five-year contract, a profile that immediately impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The move accelerates after the Endrick pursuit collapsed, with the Brazilian now bound for Real Madrid. With midfielder Manu Koné returning to full availability and expected returns of Niccolò Pisilli and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the horizon, Gasperini is building squad depth. Roma are also monitoring possible departures of Matías Soulé and Neil El Aynaoui to maintain financial balance, but the focus is on assembling a competitive, technically strong group ready for Serie A and European football.

Roma continue their pre-season preparation in England on Saturday 8 August, facing Brighton at the American Express Stadium with kickoff at 16:00. Head coach Gasperini will be without Molina, who will join the squad directly at Trigoria, though Malen is available. Pisilli and Bah remain sidelined through injury. The friendly forms part of Roma's summer training schedule following their time in Wales. Gasperini has confirmed his squad composition for the match, with the unavailability of two key players due to injury requiring tactical adjustments. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, accessible via the app or official website through smartphone, PC, or tablet.

Roma face Brighton on Saturday 8 August at 16:00 at the Amex Stadium in their sixth pre-season friendly. The match will be the third and final test of Roma's summer tour. Following victories over Primavera and Trastevere, a draw with Cannes, a defeat to Cardiff City, and a win against Newport County on Tuesday, Gian Piero Gasperini's side continue their build-up to the 2026–27 season. Roma will be without two players for the fixture. Niccolò Pisilli is sidelined by injury and expected to return the following week, while Bah faces a longer absence due to a cruciate ligament rupture. Brighton, managed by Hürzeler, will provide the final acid test before Roma's competitive campaign begins. Brighton vs Roma will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN with a 16:00 kickoff on Saturday 8 August. Viewers can access the stream via the DAZN app on smart TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, or TIM VISION Box. Live coverage and social media updates will also be available on Forzaroma.info, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Roma have identified Inter's Luis Henrique as their primary target to strengthen the left flank, ahead of Tottenham's Destiny Udogie. Tony D'Amico has opened talks in strict secrecy with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio, preparing an offer between €25 and €30 million. The two clubs are scheduled to meet today to discuss the proposal. The Brazilian winger has impressed Gasperini for his tactical balance, combining attacking thrust with defensive discipline and protection of the flank. Luis Henrique played both wings at Inter under Chivu's management, making him an ideal solution for Roma's left side after Angeliño's departure to Deportivo La Coruña. He would provide competition with fellow Brazilian Wesley, who already operates in that area. With the offer ready and Gasperini's backing secured, Roma are pressing to land a player who fully meets the manager's demands for versatility and work rate.

Roma are working to sign Tottenham left-back Udogie, an Italy international and former Verona and Udinese player, after he gave his availability to return to Italian football. The move is positioned as a reinforcement on the flanks following the departures of Angeliño, Çelik and Tsimikas from last season, with only Molina having arrived so far to fill that void. Negotiations are currently on hold, however, as Roma's director of football must resolve two preliminary tasks. The first is to complete a deal for winger Mora — expected to be Gasperini's next signing — from a London club asking around 30 million euros, which would free up funds to pursue Udogie. Fiorentina have also targeted the Tottenham player, but the club do not appear inclined to make an investment of that scale. Roma are more committed to the pursuit. Udogie was previously approached by Fiorentina through Paolo Paratici, the former Tottenham executive, and has indicated willingness to join. His agent, Emeka, is understood to be facilitating the move. The agent is keen to rehabilitate his reputation following what is characterised as poor handling of negotiations over Sancho last season.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has changed his shirt number at Roma after just two weeks with the club. The Greek defender, who wore number 33 in two pre-season friendlies, has opted to take the number 3 shirt, which became available following Angeliño's departure to Deportivo La Coruna. The switch marks a symbolic moment in Koulierakis's early days at the Giallorossi. His adoption of number 3—a traditional defensive jersey—suggests he has settled into his position within Gian Piero Gasperini's squad structure. The number had been unused since Angeliño's exit, freeing it for Koulierakis to claim as he continues to integrate into Roma's defensive lineup ahead of the 2026–27 season.