Roma chase Luiz Henrique and Leweling as market tightens with two days left

Chelsea have placed Manu Koné high on their shortlist under manager Xabi Alonso and plan to intensify negotiations in the coming hours, according to RMC Sport. However, any move hinges on Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City. Although Koné has previously expressed interest in playing in the Premier League, Roma are holding firm with less than a day until the transfer deadline, demanding no less than €55 million to let the French midfielder leave. The tight timeframe and difficulty in sourcing a suitable replacement have pushed Roma's management to prioritize keeping Koné in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. The club's position reflects their determination to avoid losing a key player at the final hour of the window, despite the midfielder's stated Premier League ambitions.

Real Madrid are monitoring Evan N'Dicka as a potential defensive target, according to Spanish media reports emerging in the closing hours of the transfer window. The Ivorian centre-back, a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, has emerged on the club's radar partly because José Mourinho, who managed Roma and knows N'Dicka well from that spell, is an admirer. The report, carried by Fichajes.net and attributed to Spanish journalist Miguel "Látigo" Serrano of Diario Madridista/OKDIARIO, highlights N'Dicka's value as a left-footed central defender—a specific characteristic Mourinho is seeking. No formal negotiation between Real Madrid and Roma has been opened, and no offer has reached the club. N'Dicka's name sits instead on Madrid's list of monitored defensive opportunities, with any potential move dependent on the Spanish club's own outgoings. The 27-year-old holds a Roma contract until 30 June 2028 and is valued by Spanish press sources at €30–35 million—a figure that would serve as a reference point for any theoretical operation rather than a demand from Roma. The article notes that the situation could gain momentum in coming months. Real Madrid are thinking ahead on their defensive recruitment, with developments tied to Mourinho's squad hierarchy and fitness conditions. N'Dicka's contract position is highlighted as potentially significant: should he enter 2027 without a new deal from Roma, he would edge progressively closer to the final eighteen months of his terms, making him increasingly attractive on the transfer market. For now, however, N'Dicka remains a central player in Roma's technical project with no ongoing negotiations recorded with Real Madrid. Mourinho's knowledge of the defender and appreciation of his profile have nonetheless placed his name firmly in the Spanish club's sights.

Roma have made fresh contact with Stuttgart on Monday 31 August in an attempt to accelerate their pursuit of winger Jamie Leweling, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Giallorossi are pushing to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga club, following the rejection of an initial Roma proposal in recent days. Leweling has now moved ahead of Luiz Henrique as Roma's preferred target in the final hours of the transfer window. Roma and Stuttgart continue to work on bridging the gap over the structure and financial terms of the deal. The club is preparing for what could be decisive hours in negotiations, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini waiting for an attacking midfielder to be delivered. General manager Ghiggia D'Amico is keeping multiple options open as contingencies. The Luiz Henrique option with Zenit remains in parallel play and represents a concrete alternative should the Stuttgart discussions fail to reach a successful conclusion. Roma are now focused on closing the Leweling transfer in what the outlet describes as a final sprint of the window.

Roma have brought back Lorenzo Paratici, a 17-year-old forward from Sampdoria who wore the giallorossi shirt last season, and are completing the signing of Ante Mardešić, a 17-year-old Croatian midfielder from NK Trnje who impressed during a trial at Trigoria. The club continues to work on multiple attacking fronts as the transfer window enters its final hours. Matías Soulé has been offered to Atlético Madrid in recent days, but the Spanish club is pursuing an advanced deal for Jonathan David and the Argentine winger has not gained traction there. Niccolò Pisilli remains central to Roma's project; the club will only consider offers above €60 million for the 21-year-old midfielder, with interest reported from Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in England and Juventus, Inter and Milan in Italy, though Pisilli himself wants to stay in the capital. Real Madrid have evaluated Evan N'Dicka as a defensive reinforcement, with José Mourinho reportedly appreciating the 27-year-old centre-back. A valuation of €30–35 million is suggested, though Roma consider N'Dicka important to the squad. On the attacking front, Roma continue working on Jamie Leweling, a 25-year-old German winger-fullback from Stuttgart. The Bundesliga club rejected an initial proposal of €5 million on loan plus €35 million obligation to buy; Stuttgart's valuation reaches €50–55 million. Roma have accelerated pursuit of Luiz Henrique, a 25-year-old Brazilian. The club raised its offer to €5 million for a loan with €30 million for a subsequent obligation to buy—set to become mandatory under certain conditions—though some sources indicate an overall deal around €35 million. Wages still need to be agreed. Botafogo have renewed their interest; reports differ on whether Henrique is considering his options or committed to Roma. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a 22-year-old winger, remains Gasperini's preferred profile for technical qualities, but Chelsea continue to complicate the operation. Roma hope for an opening to a loan; Chelsea prefer a permanent sale at around €50 million. The door remains open until the final hours, with negotiations running in parallel on Henrique and Leweling. Matías Soulé's future is one of the potential catalysts for Roma's final market moves. Fulham, Newcastle and Sunderland have expressed interest in the 23-year-old Argentine, though no decisive offer has arrived. Roma's valuation stands around €40 million, though could drop slightly in a final rush. Gasperini has signalled a possible stay, but an important offer could prompt Roma to sell and sign two new attacking wingers. Jan Ziółkowski's loan move to Monza is now confirmed; the 21-year-old Polish defender departs on loan with a right of redemption and is expected to complete medical checks and formalities imminently.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Serie A matchday 2 fixture against Lecce. Neil El Aynaoui and Robinio Vaz are absent from the squad list, both players close to departing the club. Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable through injury. The 24-man squad features goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini. In defence, Gasperini has included Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. Midfield options are Cristante, Koné, Pisilli and Mora, while attack is covered by Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Roma have named their travelling squad for the match at Lecce following their home victory against Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has included new signing Leonardo Balerdi in the squad, and De Roon will also depart with the team after receiving official clearance overnight. Devyne Rensch remains unavailable but is expected to return to the manager's disposal on Tuesday. Lorenzo Pellegrini is absent, as are Jan Ziółkowski and Robinio Vaz due to transfer matters. The squad list shows Gasperini has named three goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. In defence, the group includes Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, Rodrigo Mora and De Roon. Up front, Roma have Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala available.

Jan Ziółkowski has left AS Roma to join Monza on a season-long loan deal with a right of recall. Roma confirmed the transfer on 31 August 2026, with the arrangement structured as a loan with an option for Monza to make the move permanent at the end of the period by exercising the agreed clause. Ziółkowski departs after accumulating 23 appearances and one goal in a Roma shirt. The defender's exit brings his time at the club to a close, at least for the immediate future, as Roma continue their 2026-27 campaign.

Roma have brought back Lorenzo Paratici, a 17-year-old forward from Sampdoria who wore the giallorossi shirt last season, and are completing the signing of Ante Mardešić, a 17-year-old Croatian midfielder from NK Trnje who impressed during a trial at Trigoria. The club continues to work on multiple attacking fronts as the transfer window enters its final hours. Matías Soulé has been offered to Atlético Madrid in recent days, but the Spanish club is pursuing an advanced deal for Jonathan David and the Argentine winger has not gained traction there. Niccolò Pisilli remains central to Roma's project; the club will only consider offers above €60 million for the 21-year-old midfielder, with interest reported from Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in England and Juventus, Inter and Milan in Italy, though Pisilli himself wants to stay in the capital. Real Madrid have evaluated Evan N'Dicka as a defensive reinforcement, with José Mourinho reportedly appreciating the 27-year-old centre-back. A valuation of €30–35 million is suggested, though Roma consider N'Dicka important to the squad. On the attacking front, Roma continue working on Jamie Leweling, a 25-year-old German winger-fullback from Stuttgart. The Bundesliga club rejected an initial proposal of €5 million on loan plus €35 million obligation to buy; Stuttgart's valuation reaches €50–55 million. Roma have accelerated pursuit of Luiz Henrique, a 25-year-old Brazilian. The club raised its offer to €5 million for a loan with €30 million for a subsequent obligation to buy—set to become mandatory under certain conditions—though some sources indicate an overall deal around €35 million. Wages still need to be agreed. Botafogo have renewed their interest; reports differ on whether Henrique is considering his options or committed to Roma. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a 22-year-old winger, remains Gasperini's preferred profile for technical qualities, but Chelsea continue to complicate the operation. Roma hope for an opening to a loan; Chelsea prefer a permanent sale at around €50 million. The door remains open until the final hours, with negotiations running in parallel on Henrique and Leweling. Matías Soulé's future is one of the potential catalysts for Roma's final market moves. Fulham, Newcastle and Sunderland have expressed interest in the 23-year-old Argentine, though no decisive offer has arrived. Roma's valuation stands around €40 million, though could drop slightly in a final rush. Gasperini has signalled a possible stay, but an important offer could prompt Roma to sell and sign two new attacking wingers. Jan Ziółkowski's loan move to Monza is now confirmed; the 21-year-old Polish defender departs on loan with a right of redemption and is expected to complete medical checks and formalities imminently.

Leonardo Balerdi has given his first interview as a Roma player, describing his arrival from Marseille as a move to convince Gasperini and climb the defensive hierarchy. The Argentine former Marseille captain spoke to the club's official channels about his childhood, Gasperini's interest dating back to his Atalanta years, and his experiences elsewhere. "I am truly happy and very calm," Balerdi said. "From the moment I arrived here in Rome they welcomed me with incredible affection and warmth." Bareldi is included in Roma's squad for the trip to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 for the second Serie A round. Roma come into the fixture on the back of a 4–0 home win against Fiorentina and aim to maintain that momentum. However, Devyne Rensch remains unavailable and will return to Gasperini's disposal on Tuesday; Lorenzo Pellegrini is also sidelined. Jan Ziółkowski and Robinio Vaz are absent due to transfer matters. Gasperini has already moved to strengthen the squad, completing the arrival of Marten De Roon from Atalanta within 24–48 hours. De Roon, who boasts over 60 international caps, was released by Atalanta after many years at the club and was not in their plans. Gasperini explained the reasoning behind the De Roon move at his pre-match press conference: "De Roon came about quickly in the space of 24–48 hours. He had a situation at Atalanta after many years and did not fit their plans. There was this opportunity and I made contact with Percassi. They made the decision very quickly and left him free to decide. So El Aynaoui has the chance of a new experience. From an economic perspective it is important because it gives us the chance to move on another role. De Roon is intact even if he is an advanced age; he will enter a strong group that wants to be protagonists. Two captains have arrived and I believe we give this squad a strong physical turning point that it needs, as well as personality. Marten is Dutch like Malen and balances out the Argentines. I am certainly happy and I think from this aspect we come out solid." With three days remaining in the summer transfer window, Roma continue to pursue reinforcements for Gasperini, particularly a left-winger with a right foot. The club is now pushing hard for Luiz Henrique, a Brazilian winger born in 2001 at Zenit. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks are ongoing between Roma and Zenit over Henrique, who has signalled openness to the move and made Roma his priority. The two clubs must now reach final agreement.

Rome's radio stations dissected Roma's transfer activity and the arrival of Marten de Roon on 31 August 2026, with opinion divided over whether the club has adequately strengthened ahead of the new season. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo praised Gasperini's squad-building approach, saying: "Gasp has put together a really impressive group of guys, I like it." He defended Matías Soulé's quality, noting that the winger could deliver 8–10 goals a season and should not be written off. Paulo Cosenza of the same station highlighted the work of sporting director D'Amico, stating: "I have to say this—it is the first time I see a sporting director who, despite having to deal with a thousand difficulties that have a name and a surname, Dan Friedkin, is genuinely trying to satisfy the manager. He is doing exceptional work, despite a path full of obstacles." Francesca Ferrazza added context to Roma's financial manoeuvres, revealing that the club would receive approximately 6 million euros from lucrative loans of Neil El Aynaoui and Robinio Vaz, funds that could finance further arrivals including a right-back. Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport expressed hope that Gasperini would still land a winger, saying: "I still hope Gittens arrives, he is Gasperini's preferred option." He noted that De Roon's arrival alongside fellow newcomer Balerdi would inject leadership into the squad: "With him and Balerdi the club brings in two captains, which means you get people with personality and players who have international experience—things that last season were a significant deficit in certain matches." Lorenzo Pes regarded Balerdi as the window's standout deal: "For 15 million euros you bring home a defender of absolute calibre, who would have played in the World Cup if he had not been injured shortly before. For me it is the best operation of the transfer market." However, he identified a tactical paradox: "Paradoxically Roma has intervened perfectly in roles already covered, leaving uncovered instead the roles most in need." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio predicted a 2–0 Roma win over Lecce, while Mario Mattioli forecast a 1–3 victory. Orsi suggested De Roon would likely play around 30 matches across league and cup if properly managed, as he is "an intelligent player tactically" who suits Gasperini's system after years playing under him. Checco Oddo Casano raised questions about Brazilian winger Luiz Henrique, noting that his signing had stalled: "It is strange that Luiz Henrique was blocked but not yet taken. Logic suggests Roma wants to close something more important first, then wrap up the Brazilian." Multiple commentators referenced Roma's match against Fiorentina as evidence of the team's strength when full-strength, with Orsi stating the club was "dominant" in that fixture.

Roma have two days left in the transfer window to complete their final reinforcement in attack, with director D'Amico working across multiple targets. Luiz Henrique, a Brazilian forward at Zenit, is the frontrunner and an agreement in principle is already in place: a loan with a €5 million fee plus a €30 million right of redemption. However, Roma have not yet committed to the deal because Leweling and Gittens remain under consideration. Leweling's path is complicated—Stuttgart want an obligation to buy rather than an option and have already rejected Roma's initial proposal—while Gittens remains under surveillance pending a potential loan opening from Chelsea. Contact was made yesterday but a breakthrough has not yet arrived. A final decision will come within the next few hours. Luiz Henrique tops the shortlist, but the sale of Matías Soulé could unlock an alternative scenario. Newcastle, Fulham, and Sunderland are tracking the Argentine; should he depart, D'Amico could potentially complete two signings. The situation underscores Roma's uncertainty in the closing window: Leweling presents structural difficulties in negotiation, while Gittens depends on Chelsea's flexibility on loan terms. Soulé's market value—significant enough to attract three Premier League clubs—presents a path to reshape the attacking department. In separate news, Robinio Vaz has left Roma, joining Hull City.

Robinio Vaz has accepted a transfer to Hull City after days of uncertainty, according to Fabrizio Romano. The young forward's decision came overnight following his omission from Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for Roma's trip to Lecce on 31 August. The exclusion reflected Roma's hope that Vaz would resolve the transfer in time. The move is structured as a loan worth €2 million with a non-obligatory buy option set at €30 million. Vaz is expected to complete the formalities and join his new club today. Gasperini had held back the forward from the squad specifically because the transfer remained possible, and Roma hoped for clarity within hours. The deal's completion now opens the path for Roma to recruit an attacking player to complete their forward line, as the manager has prioritised strengthening that area of the squad.