Roma closing in on Mora deal; Udogie or Luis Henrique eyed for left-back

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Manu Koné reported back to Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training ground today for medical checks and to resume preparation with the squad following the World Cup. The French midfielder's future remains one of the most sensitive issues on Roma's transfer agenda, though the club's stance has not shifted throughout the summer: Koné has never been officially placed on the market and continues to be viewed as an important player for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma have set a high valuation on the 24-year-old. Any sale would require an offer exceeding €50 million, the club believes. Atlético Madrid tabled a bid of approximately €35 million in late June, which was immediately rejected as too low. Manchester United subsequently showed interest, but Paris Saint-Germain never made a concrete attempt. Koné himself has not openly expressed a desire to leave the capital, with his ties to the Roma environment and the prospect of featuring prominently in the Champions League cited as significant factors. Koné is scheduled to hold talks with Gasperini and club management today to review his international campaign and clarify his role in the new season. Roma's message remains clear: Koné is a key player and the club has no need to sell him. Only an offer deemed impossible to refuse would alter that position.

AS Roma have confirmed the signing of Francesco Ballarin from Venezia on a deal through 2029. The 2009-born midfielder, who won the European Under-17 Championship, will bolster the club's Primavera squad and report immediately to coach Mattia Scala. Ballarin's arrival strengthens Roma's youth development pathway. The club confirmed his capture via social media, welcoming him to the giallorossi colours.

Jan Ziółkowski's future at Roma remains uncertain, with Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly interested in the Polish centre-back. Roma are demanding €20 million to allow his departure. Ziółkowski arrived at the club a year ago from Legia Warsaw. The Giallorossi are actively managing both sides of the transfer market this summer, and the 25-year-old defender is not guaranteed to remain at Trigoria for the 2026–27 season. The centre-back has attracted attention from the Saudi league, though a move depends on Roma receiving their asking price of €20 million. Should Ziółkowski leave, Roma have identified plans to strengthen their defence. Udogie is listed as their primary target to reinforce the backline. The situation continues to develop, with the club preparing contingency options ahead of the new season.

Roma have moved ahead of Galatasaray in the pursuit of Porto winger Rodrigo Mora after a breakthrough in negotiations over the past 48 hours. Sporting director D'Amico has been in continuous talks with Porto, leveraging agent Jorge Mendes's involvement, and has reached agreement on personal terms: a five-year contract worth €2 million per season. The clubs have also settled on a transfer fee close to €40 million. Mora has been on Roma's radar for some time, but the acceleration came when the agreement with his representatives put Roma in a commanding position over their Turkish rivals. Head coach Gasperini is eager to have the Portuguese winger available for the start of the season. All parties involved want to reach a conclusion as soon as possible. During a meeting in Wales, the club's ownership also stressed the need to generate sales. The most likely candidates for exits to create profit are Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski.

Roma have altered their transfer strategy in the closing phase of the summer window, with Mora now the main target to strengthen the attack. Real Madrid have removed Endrick from the market, ending his prominence in Gasperini's wish list. Cacciamani and Udogie are identified as options to reinforce the flanks and defence, should either Ziółkowski or Ghilardi depart. The strategic shift follows a meeting in Wales, which reaffirmed a principle that should have been clear from the start of the market: willingness to compromise on transfer fees, but not on wages. The directive, according to Il Messaggero's Stefano Carina, is to pursue players who do not exceed an annual cost of 10 million euros when combining amortisation, salary and related expenses. This constraint has prompted the club to refocus their recruitment approach as they search for specific player profiles—wide forwards and full-backs. Among candidates circulating through agent channels is Luis Enrique of Inter, who has primarily operated as a deputy to Dumfries in Milan owing to the Dutchman's injury absence, though he prefers playing on the left. Roma have been negotiating for weeks to bring in Cacciamani as a full-back across the entire flank.