Roma chase winger as Gittens and Fofana emerge as targets; Greenwood's Fenerbahçe await in Champions preliminaries

Roma have reached an agreement in principle with Malick Fofana's representatives at the Roc Nation agency, according to a report from Hugo Guillemet of L'Équipe. The deal covers the player and his entourage, but Roma and Olympique Lyon have yet to settle on a fee. Lyon face pressure to raise funds through at least one more significant sale before the transfer window closes, and Fofana remains among the squad members who could depart if a substantial offer arrives. L'Équipe values Fofana at around €40 million, a figure Roma are currently unwilling to pay. The standoff is expected to intensify in the final days of the market. The timing may also be influenced by Roma's Champions League qualifying replay against Fenerbahçe, scheduled for Wednesday evening, which could affect the club's resources and priorities as the window nears its end.

Paulo Fonseca, manager of Olympique Lyonnais, has publicly backed Malick Fofana to stay at the club despite Roma's interest in signing the Belgian winger to strengthen their attack. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Lyon's Champions League playoff return against Fenerbahçe, Fonseca addressed Fofana's fitness after recent injury problems and his prospects at the club. "Now he is well, physically and mentally," Fonseca said of the 2005-born winger. "I think he is a player who will continue with us. He is very motivated to continue with us." The Lyon boss made clear the club has already fielded offers for Fofana and rejected them. "We are not worried about selling Malick. We have offers. If other clubs want him, they will have to pay well. The club refused offers because it believes in this player," Fonseca stated, raising the financial bar around the winger precisely as Roma continues to evaluate his profile to complete their attacking options for the 2026–27 season.

Roma have made a strong start to the season, but the club needs one more decisive move in the transfer market to challenge Inter. The Friedkin Group is working on final signings to strengthen the squad before the window closes. Fofana remains a key target, with the decision resting with the Friedkin ownership. Lyon have frozen their market activity as negotiations continue. Oosterwolde has arrived in Rome and was greeted by supporters with hugs, smiles and autographs, with medical checks and contract signing to follow. Elsewhere, Paulo Dybala has impressed with three assists and creative play, though his form carries financial implications for the owners. Bahoya remains on the club's shortlist of potential signings as Roma look to add depth across the squad.