Roma agree deal with Stuttgart for Leweling; awaiting player approval

Roma have reached an agreement with Stuttgart over the transfer of winger Jamie Leweling, but the deal now hinges on the German international's response. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, the two clubs have already settled their terms after several hours of talks. Leweling has asked for time to consider his future and has not yet communicated his decision. Roma are awaiting his answer by this evening or, at the latest, by tomorrow morning. Roma's pursuit of an attacking winger has shifted focus decisively toward Leweling, displacing Luiz Henrique from the club's priority list. The Brazilian, for whom Roma hold agreements with both Zenit and the player himself, has been frozen out as Roma direct their efforts elsewhere. Leweling's negotiation had stalled after Roma's initial proposal—a loan with an obligation to buy—was rejected by Stuttgart in recent days. The Giallorossi have now changed their approach, tabling a permanent transfer offer of €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with a contract through 2031 on the table for the player. Leweling, however, retains other options. Premier League clubs including Everton and Liverpool are also tracking him, and a stay at Stuttgart remains a possibility he is considering. The 23-year-old's deliberation comes in the closing hours of the summer transfer window, with Roma pressing for a resolution as they seek to deliver an attacking reinforcement to manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The intensity of negotiations on the Roma–Stuttgart axis has escalated sharply over the past 24 hours, with both clubs attempting to bridge differences on the structure and financial terms of the operation.

Roma defeated Lecce 4-0 on 31 August, with Manu Koné starting and playing a key role, hours after Chelsea were reported as potential suitors for the midfielder. Koné has been linked with several English clubs and was seen as a possible replacement for Enzo Fernandez, who could move to Manchester City. At his post-match press conference, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini firmly shut down the speculation. He stated: "Absolutely not, it's a media thing. No one has ever spoken to me about departures, not Koné or anyone else. Especially now, with just 24 hours to go before the transfer window closes." Gasperini also addressed the club's position, saying: "I also know that the owners aren't in favor of any sales. I don't know who has come forward because we've never received any official offers there either, so this too must be denied." Gasperini used the occasion to highlight Roma's current squad depth issues. He explained: "You can't always have Dybala and Malen. Today we only had two players on the bench in attack. We'll have Pellegrini and Rensch back. But you have to remember that there's always someone out. Today we lost Ndicka suddenly." He added: "Anyone who plays in the Champions League, in particular, must have a strong squad with players who don't feel the impact so severely when you lose someone, as happened last year at a certain point in the season. The owners are certainly putting in the effort, within what they can do, in cutting the number of signings they can achieve." With 24 hours remaining in the transfer window, Gasperini's comments reflected both the club's unwillingness to sell and Roma's continued need for reinforcements in attacking areas.

Gian Piero Gasperini has categorically dismissed reports linking midfielder Manu Koné with a move to Chelsea, calling the speculation purely a media creation. Rumours of the French midfielder's potential exit circulated on 31 August 2026, less than 24 hours before the transfer window closure. Gasperini stated: "Koné can leave? Absolutely not. It's a media thing. No one has ever spoken to me about exits—not just for Koné, but for anyone else at this moment, with less than 24 hours to the market closing. And I also know that the ownership does not agree with sales. I don't know who presented themselves, because we have never received any official offers either. So this is something to categorically deny." The head coach emphasised that neither the club nor its ownership have received any formal bids, and that no player departures are being considered in the final hours of the window.