Roma boost Mora bid as talks progress

Roma have stepped up efforts to sign Porto attacking midfielder Rodrigo Mora with an improved offer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The club is determined to strengthen the attack following difficulties that emerged during the British tour, with Mora identified as the priority target for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The 2007-born playmaker and winger is known as Porto's youngest ever debutant. Negotiations have centred on the structure of the deal. Porto president André Villas-Boas is demanding better terms on the obligation-to-buy clause before approving the transfer. Earlier proposals from Roma included a loan fee of 7–8 million euros with a purchase option of 42–43 million euros, which could convert to an obligation based on specific performance targets for Roma and the player. The Friedkin Group has been in close contact with agent Jorge Mendes to unlock the deal. AC Milan have also been linked with Mora, potentially as part of a separate package involving Gimenez. Mora has agreed personal terms with Roma on a contract through 2031 and is keen on the move, seeing it as an opportunity for regular football and a better tactical fit. However, there have been no direct contacts between the clubs in recent days. Porto manager Francesco Farioli stated on 14 August that Mora remains a Porto player and will be used when appropriate, dismissing market speculation as normal during the transfer window.

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.