Roma bid €40m for Fofana as Galatasaray counters with huge wage package

Nahuel Molina made a strong impression in his first appearance for Roma, featuring for over half an hour in a 2–2 friendly against Borussia Dortmund. The Argentine full-back, who joined from Atlético Madrid for 13 million euros plus 4 million in add-ons, demonstrated his attacking thrust, intensity, ball control, and defensive aggression. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identified him as the right player to elevate Roma's play on the flanks and bring additional international experience ahead of the club's return to the Champions League. Molina's solid performance at Dortmund surprised some Atlético supporters, many of whom had welcomed his departure after inconsistent form in recent seasons. The display prompted reactions on social media, with some observers drawing comparisons to legendary full-back Cafu and questioning why Molina had not performed at this level for Atlético. One fan wrote: "He left Atlético and became Cafu." Another asked: "Now he plays well?" A third joked: "It's clear that Madrid's water did him no good." The comments reflected a mix of irony and mild regret among the Spanish club's fanbase.

Roma's pursuit of Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora has stalled, with Porto holding firm on their position while Roma maintains its stance. The player wants to move to Italy, but Porto manager Farioli continues to leave him out of the squad and has taken shots at his agent—clear signals that have so far failed to break the deadlock. The situation now risks becoming more complicated. AC Milan have joined the race for the class of 2007 prospect and are exploring the possibility of inserting Mora into a deal involving Gimenez. It remains an idea under consideration between the two clubs, with no agreement yet. Roma retains pole position in the race. Sporting director D'Amico, who had pledged an end to drawn-out transfer sagas following the Greenwood and Summerville arrivals, is waiting for developments. The club is ultimately awaiting definitive approval from Villas-Boas, with Mora himself also in a holding pattern. Milan's intervention adds a new layer to negotiations, though Roma's advantage in talks persists for now.

Arsenal have left Gabriel Martinelli out of their Community Shield squad to face Manchester City today, signalling the club's willingness to offload the 25-year-old Brazilian forward. Roma have identified Martinelli as a potential target after he fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium last season, though he has already rejected an approach from Galatasaray in favour of remaining in Europe's top five leagues. Gian Piero Gasperini is seeking to bolster Roma's attacking options following the club's return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018–19. Roma have already missed out on Crysencio Summerville, who joined Al-Hilal, while their pursuit of Strasbourg's Diego Moreira remains complicated. Martinelli's availability is being considered as an alternative, though the move carries significant uncertainty given that Matías Soulé could leave the Stadio Olimpico. Despite losing his starting position at Arsenal, Martinelli would represent a major signing for Roma, bringing Premier League experience and proven goalscoring ability. However, any deal would require substantial investment. Martinelli's contract expires next summer, but it may take up to €40 million to complete the transfer. Arteta's decision to exclude him from today's squad suggests Arsenal are prepared to negotiate his departure.