Roma begin pre-season under Gasperini with thirteen-strong squad as Friedkin arrives for talks

Roma have accelerated negotiations to sign Morato from Nottingham Forest as a defensive reinforcement. The deal is structured as a loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions. Morato's arrival would clear the way for Jan Ziółkowski's departure, with Monza waiting to complete the Polish centre-back's move. The two clubs are working through the formula of the transfer, with Monza pushing to include a right of purchase while Roma considers its position. Jayden Oosterwolde's situation has also entered a decisive phase after comprehensive medical checks. Roma and Fenerbahce continue talks, with the club attempting to modify the structure of the operation to reach an agreement. Optimism is filtering through from the negotiations. In midfield, Kessié remains the standout target, though Roma are exploring other profiles. The transfer window is entering its most active phase.

Zibi Boniek has backed Roma to fight for the Serie A title, saying the club can compete at the highest level after a strong start to the season. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek praised recent arrivals and squad depth while identifying a priority for the transfer market. "We start brilliantly with a beautiful match. Roma can fight for the top because it only has Inter ahead of it, we're on the same level as the other big clubs," Boniek said. He argued that Roma do not lack a left winger but rather need "another strong number 8", adding that any top-quality player arriving will strengthen the team. He singled out recent debutant Lulli for his fearlessness and praised Santiago Castro as "a serious and genuine striker", though he must wait his turn with Donyell Malen in imperious form and Paulo Dybala in "perfect connection" with him. On academy defender Jan Ziółkowski, Boniek confirmed the young Pole is set to leave on loan to develop regularly elsewhere. He also highlighted Niccolò Pisilli as "the most dangerous midfielder in the squad" who sees goal, saying: "If he plays as a starter he'll bring home 8–10 goals, he will have his space in a strong department."

Roma's pursuit of Nottingham Forest defender Morato is progressing on the basis of a loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation if certain conditions are met. The arrival of the Brazilian centre-back would free space in Roma's squad and clear the way for Jan Ziolkowski's departure to Monza, a move that is now in an advanced stage of negotiation. Monza, managed by Ivan Juric, are treating with Roma for Ziolkowski on a loan basis with the possibility of inserting a right of purchase. The deal would offer the 2005-born defender greater playing time and continuity in his development, while Roma are determined not to sell him permanently for less than his initial €20 million valuation. Parma and other European clubs have also made enquiries about him in recent weeks. A significant issue has emerged elsewhere in the squad: Jayden Oosterwolde has reportedly passed his medical tests with Roma, but the examinations revealed a different situation than the initial assessment provided by Fenerbahce. Recovery times could be considerably longer than the two to three weeks initially communicated by the Turkish club. Roma and the player are working together to find a solution, with no final decision yet taken on the transfer. Radio commentary from Aspri suggested that head coach Gasperini has clear tactical hierarchies in mind. On potential midfielder targets, Aspri said: "Gasperini has the hierarchies well established. If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become of great substance. There is Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's condition; he has a great love for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Discussion also centred on Roma's pursuit of Fofana from Lyon, with negotiations aimed at reducing the fee demanded.

Roma are reshaping their defence with two moves: Jan Ziolkowski is close to leaving on loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions, with Monza expected to complete the deal this evening. To replace the Polish defender, Roma have opened official talks with Nottingham over a move for Brazilian left-sided centre-back Morato on a similar loan arrangement with a purchase option. The 2001-born Morato, 1.92m tall, is likely to serve as backup to Evan N'Dicka in the defensive hierarchy. His market value sits around €15 million. The signing represents a shift in Roma's defensive approach: Jayden Oosterwolde will now operate purely as a left-back rather than fill the sixth-defender role in Gasperini's system.

Six AS Roma players have been nominated for awards at the Gran Galà del Calcio, which takes place on 2 September at the Teatro della Scala in Milan. Sky Sport will broadcast the ceremony live. Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka for best defender, Manu Koné for best midfielder, and Donyell Malen for best forward. Malen has made a strong start to the season with a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Gian Piero Gasperini is also in contention, nominated for best coach of the previous season.

AS Roma will have a strong presence at the 2026 AIC Gran Galà del Calcio on 2 September at Milan's Teatro alla Scala, with the club nominated for multiple individual and collective honours. Roma is in contention for the award of Society of the Year alongside Como and Inter, reflecting the strength of its season. Five Roma players and staff feature on the award shortlists: Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka is among the selected defenders, Manu Koné is listed among the best midfielders, Donyell Malen appears in the forwards' list, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is nominated in the managers' category. The gala represents recognition of Roma's competitive standing this season. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky Sport from 7 p.m., streamed on NOW, and shown on free-to-air TV8 from 9:20 p.m.

Rodrigo Mora has impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini despite being deployed from the first minute, but the manager has signalled that a second attacking reinforcement is needed to complete the summer overhaul. Mora's contract contains a €110 million release clause. Sports director D'Amico is focused on identifying that final piece after closing the Oosterwolde deal, responding to Gasperini's requests made at the start of summer. With Lyon's decision on Fofana still pending, Donyell Malen sits atop Roma's target list. Chelsea have already rejected Roma's opening proposal for the winger, but the club intends to return with a fresh bid in the coming days. Chelsea have also registered interest in Manu Koné should Enzo Fernandez depart, while Crystal Palace have reportedly approached Roma regarding Neil El Aynaoui. Meanwhile, Roma are working to find solutions for surplus players Anass Salah-Eddine and Vasquez, the remaining members outside the project still at Trigoria.

The imminent arrival of Jayden Oosterwolde could trigger a departure in Roma's defence, with the new acquisition able to play both left-back and centre-back, offering head coach Gian Piero Gasperini additional flexibility. In the final days of the transfer window, either Jan Ziolkowski or Daniele Ghilardi may leave the club. Ziolkowski is the more marketable asset. The Polish defender has attracted interest from two Saudi clubs, particularly Neom, which has registered strong interest. Roma value him at around €20 million, partly because Legia Varsavia retain 10% of any future sale. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma are awaiting an offer in the region of €16 million from the Saudi club—a figure that could open genuine negotiations. A sale would carry significant importance for Roma's incoming transfers; with Oosterwolde acquired through a deal that defers much of the expenditure, any proceeds from Ziolkowski could become a small fund to reinvest in the attacking winger Gasperini has requested. Oosterwolde's arrival would also permit Roma to lose a centre-back without becoming numerically exposed in defence. Ghilardi is also under scrutiny following reported interest from Bologna. Roma will assess any proposals, and should either defender depart, D'Amico may pursue another centre-back on loan in the final days. Salah-Eddine remains outside the plans, continuing to train separately after rejecting several transfer options including Olympiacos.

Roma remain active in the transfer market with one day until their Serie A opener against Fiorentina, but several targets remain out of reach. The club has completed the signing of Oosterwolde, who is expected to arrive in the capital in the coming hours, and sporting director D'Amico continues searching for a final piece to complete Gasperini's squad. Left winger remains the priority, with three names under consideration: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Malick Fofana and Rafael Leão. Chelsea have flatly rejected Roma's approach for Gittens on loan, with the London club insisting on a permanent transfer only and viewing the player as not for sale. Roma plan a fresh meeting with Chelsea in the coming week to explore whether the club might reconsider, but the obstacle remains substantial. For Leão, Milan are asking for €40 million plus €5 million in bonuses, though the Portuguese winger has opened to a move to Roma and put Turkish proposals on hold. Roma are reasoning around a package of €45 million, with agent Jorge Mendes playing a central role in negotiations. Fofana's availability hinges on whether Lyon qualify for the Champions League—their return leg against Fenerbahçe takes place on 26 August. If they advance, the Belgian winger will stay; otherwise, a sale becomes likely. Luis Henrique remains far from completion despite Roma and Inter making progress on transfer terms. The key obstacle is a lack of agreement with the player himself. Elsewhere, Roma have made contact with Brighton regarding Yasin Ayari, a 2003-born midfielder, though Borussia Dortmund are competing for his signature. Jan Ziółkowski is available for transfer at €20 million valuation, with Saudi Arabian clubs showing interest. Should he depart, Roma plan to pursue a defender on loan, with Salah-Eddine continuing to field other offers after rejecting Olympiacos.

Zibi Boniek has backed Roma to fight for the Serie A title, saying the club can compete at the highest level after a strong start to the season. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek praised recent arrivals and squad depth while identifying a priority for the transfer market. "We start brilliantly with a beautiful match. Roma can fight for the top because it only has Inter ahead of it, we're on the same level as the other big clubs," Boniek said. He argued that Roma do not lack a left winger but rather need "another strong number 8", adding that any top-quality player arriving will strengthen the team. He singled out recent debutant Lulli for his fearlessness and praised Santiago Castro as "a serious and genuine striker", though he must wait his turn with Donyell Malen in imperious form and Paulo Dybala in "perfect connection" with him. On academy defender Jan Ziółkowski, Boniek confirmed the young Pole is set to leave on loan to develop regularly elsewhere. He also highlighted Niccolò Pisilli as "the most dangerous midfielder in the squad" who sees goal, saying: "If he plays as a starter he'll bring home 8–10 goals, he will have his space in a strong department."

Six AS Roma players have been nominated for awards at the Gran Galà del Calcio, which takes place on 2 September at the Teatro della Scala in Milan. Sky Sport will broadcast the ceremony live. Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka for best defender, Manu Koné for best midfielder, and Donyell Malen for best forward. Malen has made a strong start to the season with a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Gian Piero Gasperini is also in contention, nominated for best coach of the previous season.

AS Roma will have a strong presence at the 2026 AIC Gran Galà del Calcio on 2 September at Milan's Teatro alla Scala, with the club nominated for multiple individual and collective honours. Roma is in contention for the award of Society of the Year alongside Como and Inter, reflecting the strength of its season. Five Roma players and staff feature on the award shortlists: Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka is among the selected defenders, Manu Koné is listed among the best midfielders, Donyell Malen appears in the forwards' list, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is nominated in the managers' category. The gala represents recognition of Roma's competitive standing this season. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky Sport from 7 p.m., streamed on NOW, and shown on free-to-air TV8 from 9:20 p.m.