Roma accelerate transfer push: Fofana talks complicated by Leipzig interest, D'Amico pressing on Endrick

Manu Koné's future at Roma remains uncertain despite Manchester United's pursuit failing to materialise. The French midfielder will return to Gasperini's squad from Tuesday following the post-World Cup break, but could still leave the capital in the coming weeks. Chelsea have emerged as a serious threat to sign him, according to Il Messaggero. The Blues risk losing Enzo Fernández to Manchester City, who are expected to part with Rodri in the coming hours and are also monitoring Buoaddi as a Spanish alternative. Should that move go through, Xabi Alonso's side would be positioned to make their move for Koné. Gasperini offered clarity on Roma's transfer stance in the aftermath of Brighton–Roma, telling reporters: "I don't know if we will avoid departures. We have a chief executive; you should ask him these questions." The conditional nature of any Chelsea move means Roma's position on selling the number 17 remains a critical variable in whether negotiations progress.

Roma returned to Italy on the afternoon of 8 August following a 3–0 friendly defeat to Brighton during their ten-day training camp in Wales and England. The squad travelled by coach to London before boarding a direct flight to Fiumicino. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini granted his players two full days of rest before resuming work. Training resumes on Tuesday at the Fulvio Bernardini centre in Trigoria, where Lorenzo Pellegrini will rejoin the group. Gasperini also expects to have Nahuel Molina on the pitch the same day. The Argentine right-back is set to arrive in Rome in the coming days to undergo medical tests ahead of signing his contract with Roma.

Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico is pursuing a left-sided winger after settling contract renewal discussions. While Malick Fofana of Lyon remains a priority target, the deal faces complications from Leipzig's interest and a complex web of agent fees and commissions linked to the Diomande transaction. Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG has emerged as an alternative option. The 21-year-old could arrive on loan to gain playing time that manager Luis Enrique has struggled to provide at Parigi. Roma continue to monitor other possibilities across the Premier League and Spain, including Chelsea's Jamie Gittens and a potential loan move for Endrick from Real Madrid, who is also being tracked by Fenerbahçe and various English clubs.