Roma awaits Feyenoord decision on Read, mulls alternatives

Roma director Ghiglione is preparing a decisive push for Atlético Madrid right-back Molina after negotiations for Read stalled. The club's initial offer of €17 million was rejected, but another attempt is planned in the coming days. The 28-year-old Argentine, whose contract with Atlético runs until 2027, fits the profile Gasperini has sought in recent weeks: pace, intensity, ability to attack depth, crossing quality, and full-width defensive capability. Molina was born on 6 April 1998 in Embalse, a small town in Córdoba province. At just 11 years old, he left home and family to join Boca Juniors' youth system in Buenos Aires—a pivotal decision that launched his career. His exceptional speed earned him the nickname "El Galgo" (the greyhound). Originally a striker, Molina was repositioned to right-back, where he found his true calling. After spells at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central, he joined Udinese in 2020, where he made 68 appearances over two seasons, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists—figures that impressed Gasperini. In 2022, Molina's career reached its peak: he won the Qatar World Cup as a protagonist, scoring against Australia in the last 16, and added the Copa América (2021), Finalissima (2022), and Copa América (2024) to his honours. At Roma, only Paulo Dybala shares World Cup-winner status. Molina described the experience: "When you're a child you dream of these moments, but living them is something indescribable." He is one of Scaloni's trusted lieutenants and holds Messi as an idol: "Messi is the best player in history; it is a pride to play at his side."

Roma have accelerated their search for reinforcements on the flanks after negotiations for Givairo Read grew complicated. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has turned his attention to Nahuel Molina, with the Giallorossi submitting an offer worth approximately €17 million plus bonuses to Atlético Madrid. Roma are also in talks with the player over salary and contract length. The bid has been welcomed by Roma supporters hoping for progress in the transfer market, and notably by Atlético fans, who appear unconcerned about a potential departure. One Atlético supporter wrote: "Riusciremo a vendere Molina, Almada e Ruggeri nella stessa settimana? Se questo è un sogno, che nessuno mi svegli" (Can we sell Molina, Almada and Ruggeri in the same week? If this is a dream, don't wake me up), while another added: "Molina lo porto io in braccio" (I'll carry Molina in my arms). Atlético appear willing to consider sales of Matteo Ruggeri and Thiago Almada as well, neither of whom seems to be a priority at the club. The coming days could prove decisive as D'Amico works to provide manager Gian Piero Gasperini with attacking reinforcements on the wings. Molina currently represents the most concrete target on Roma's list.

Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Nahuel Molina, the Atlético Madrid winger, after Feyenoord continued to resist their advances for Givairo Read. Director D'Amico and head coach Gasperini had decided to push hard for Read with a substantial offer, but the Dutch club's resistance has prompted Roma to pivot toward the Argentine full-back instead. Molina, born in 1998, previously played in Serie A between 2020 and 2022 for Udinese, giving him familiarity with Italian football. The move represents a change of strategy after Read's asking price proved prohibitive for the club's current budget constraints. Roma will now monitor how negotiations develop with the Atlético Madrid player as they reshape their recruitment plans for the flank position. No fee or contract terms for a Molina deal have been disclosed at this stage.

Mario Hermoso put Roma ahead in the 38th minute during their second pre-season friendly in Wales against Newport County at Rodney Parade. Bryan Cristante recovered possession to launch the move, then found Hermoso with the help of a deflection off Castro, with the Spanish defender finishing from close range to settle the opening period at 1–0. Gasperini's side began slowly but grew into the match. Mile Svilar made a vital save in the 14th minute to deny Doidge after the Newport forward was left unmarked, while Paulo Dybala and Castro posed occasional threats in attack. Newport threatened early through Biggins, whose long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 4th minute, but Roma's defence gradually tightened. The friendly served as a fitness-building exercise during the Wales training camp. Donyell Malen was absent through fever. Gasperini made a tactical adjustment in the 36th minute, switching Wesley to the right flank and Devyne Rensch to the left. Jenkins received a booking for Newport in the 40th minute. The match was officiated by Martin, with Tweson-Morris and Hooper as assistants.

Donyell Malen will miss Roma's friendly against Newport this evening (kickoff 19:00) due to fever, though the Dutch winger is expected to return within days and will be available for Saturday's fixture against Brighton at 15:00. Castro takes his place in attack alongside Paulo Dybala, a pairing that worked in a previous friendly at Cardiff. Wesley has recovered from a right ankle problem and was included in the squad. Koulierakis, another recent addition, starts from the first minute. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin joined the squad at Vale Resort ahead of the match. Malen's absence is not deemed serious and he is expected to be fully fit for the Brighton game on Saturday.

Roma are pushing hard to sign Alessio Cacciamani, the Torino left-back, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to strengthen the left flank. A meeting between the two clubs is scheduled to discuss the player's availability. Torino president Urbano Cairo is handling the negotiations personally, signalling how highly the club values the young defender as an asset. Roma identified the left-wing position as a priority after the departure of Angeliño and the expected exit of Salah Eddine. Cacciamani is viewed as the ideal profile to develop alongside Wesley at left-back. The Giallorossi had budgeted 27 million euros for the right flank, and could redirect those funds to increase their offer for Cacciamani in an attempt to break Torino's resistance. However, the negotiations show no sign of being straightforward. Torino's initial valuation of Cacciamani is high, and the club is demanding a significant fee. Roma's opening bid of approximately 7 million euros was rejected on 2 August; Torino are seeking at least 15 million euros for the Under-21 international. The gap between the two positions remains substantial, and the upcoming meeting will test whether there is room to bridge the divide and move the deal forward.