Roma make move for Kessié ahead of Juventus

Roman radio stations aired a range of expert opinions on Roma's transfer strategy and recent performance. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said the club has a duty to raise standards by completing the squad. He expects activity in the final week of the window, particularly on the wing: "In this last week something will happen, above all on the outside of attack. There is the intention to do it, but not so much to take: we are looking for someone who can give you quality and more offensive solutions, because Gasp always thinks about scoring goals. Fofana? If I have to listen to what Roma says, he cannot be bought at those figures because of UEFA agreements. Then under other conditions it can be done. Him, Gittens, or the famous mister X." Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio praised Gasperini's comments about Paulo Dybala, noting the coach said he could even play in extra time. Pruzzo observed that Rodrigo Mora touched the ball only twice in the first half before being substituted early in the second. The first objective, he said, is to preserve Dybala. Nando Orsi also on Radio Radio stressed that Roma's prospects depend heavily on Dybala's availability: if he plays 15 matches like the recent Monday outing, Roma can be the "Anti-Inter"; otherwise not. Orsi rated Dybala's performance against Fiorentina as his best since joining Roma, and called the existing squad fairly solid, though he cautioned that Napoli's midfield contains numerous elite players.

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Roma have inserted themselves forcefully into the race for Franck Kessié. On the evening of 25 August, the club met with the Ivorian midfielder's agent at a hotel in Rome and presented their offer during talks. The move represents a concrete step that could shift Juventus's strategy; the Bianconeri had appeared to be leading the pursuit but may now be forced to accelerate their efforts to avoid being overtaken. However, Juventus first need to free up salary space, and the sale of Miretti alone may not be sufficient to do so. Juventus's proposal stands at two years plus an option for a third season worth approximately €4 million plus bonuses. Roma are now fully engaged in the competition and have made a tangible move by engaging directly with Kessié's representatives. The coming hours are expected to be decisive for the midfielder's future as Roma and Juventus prepare to battle for his signature.

Roma's radio commentators have dissected the club's transfer position and recent on-field performance in a wide-ranging discussion centred on left-back Jayden Oosterwolde's medical status, midfielder Franck Kessié's availability and an ongoing push to strengthen the forward line. Oosterwolde suffered an injury on 5 August initially thought minor, but subsequent assessments suggest a tendon issue that could sideline him for five to eight weeks, pointing towards a late September or mid-October return. David Rossi of Rete Sport said: "On Oosterwolde there are further medical examinations; the Fenerbahce had sent documents to Roma to say 'look, everything is fine' and that could have raised more concerns at Trigoria. I think Lulli's performance the other night has caused Roma some doubts." The injury timeline and medical uncertainty have reportedly prompted Roma to seek clarity on his availability before finalising any deal. The debate on Kessié centred on whether his reported availability at no cost represents value. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo argued: "This was El Aynaoui's moment—he played in the cup and was praised as one of his country's best midfielders, and it seems he asked Roma for a starting position. That means he'd have to sit out either Cristante or Koné, and I think Gasperini will never leave those two out right now. For that reason Roma told him to find another solution without any hard feelings. Kessié at no cost I'd agree with, but I don't think he'll settle for one and a half million. For me El Aynaoui is better—he's younger, a different prospect." Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo added: "Kessié is very close to Juventus; you'd have to prize him away from them, but I don't know if that's possible. Kessié is 29 and I checked his injury history—he's never had any particular problems. It surprises me; it probably comes from the player's unhappiness, because Gasperini had said the midfield package was what it was. It surprises me that now this midfield problem emerges, given that Roma already has other things to solve and needs to complete its market." Radio voices also highlighted the possibility of late-window movement on the wing, with alternatives such as Nusa (now out of budget following RB Leipzig's salary restructuring after the Diomande sale), Fofana, and unconfirmed targets discussed. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma has "the intention" to add an attacking winger in the final days of the window, while Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio highlighted Paulo Dybala's fitness as "the thing I liked most," noting Gasperini's suggestion the forward could handle extra time.

Roma remain active in the transfer market with multiple targets in focus as the summer window enters its final phase. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, the 22-year-old winger, continues to gain ground in Roma's pursuit of a final attacking reinforcement. New contact with Chelsea is expected in the coming hours, following the club's rejection of Roma's initial proposal of a loan with a purchase option for an overall package worth around €45 million. Chelsea have declined that formula and prefer either an outright sale or stronger guarantees on any obligation to buy. Roma's sporting director D'Amico continues to push the negotiations. Malick Fofana, 21, remains another priority target. The Lyon forward has already chosen Roma and personal terms have been agreed, but the French club's €35 million fixed fee plus €5 million in bonuses has left Roma pausing to assess the financial sustainability of another major investment following the recent signing of Mora. Lyon's Champions League qualifying match against Fenerbahce could prove pivotal; an elimination of the French side could facilitate a sale. Meanwhile, defender Jan Ziolkowski, 21, has attracted concrete interest. Parma have opened talks with Roma and tabled an offer of between €7 and €8 million for a permanent transfer. Club-to-club dialogue is described as well under way, though the proposal has not yet fully satisfied Roma's demands. Monza also remain in contention but would prefer a loan arrangement instead. Neil El Aynaoui, 25, the Moroccan midfielder, is another player Roma may be willing to sell. He is not considered untouchable, and an appropriate offer in the final week of the window could see him depart. Any significant departure would give the club greater financial room to complete the squad with the final reinforcement Gasperini has requested.

Roma are working on multiple fronts in the transfer market. El Aynaoui is being offered for sale, with Crystal Palace among the interested clubs alongside the usual Arab suitors; Roma are asking 30–35 million euros. Should he depart, Kessié is Roma's top target for midfield, though Rios and Ayari are also under consideration. A swap involving El Aynaoui and Kessié is being explored, though Kessié is not the only midfield option being pursued. Fofana remains in advanced negotiations. Fabrizio Romano reports that Roma and the Belgian midfielder have already reached agreement on personal terms, and Fofana continues to favour a move to the Giallorossi. Lyon's demands are now settled: the French club wants 37.5 million euros in fixed fees plus 2.5 million euros in add-ons, for a total package of 40 million euros. The outcome of tonight's Lyon fixture may carry weight in the negotiations. Meanwhile, Jan Ziółkowski's future at Roma is uncertain. According to Romano, Monza are leading the race to sign the young Roma defender, possibly on loan for the coming season. Oosterwolde has completed advanced medical checks. Gittens and Mbaye remain under consideration for the attack as the club assesses all available options.