Roma make serious move for Kessié with agent talks, attempt to overtake Juventus

Roma have entered the race for Franck Kessié, meeting the midfielder's agent in a Rome hotel on the evening of 25 August and tabling a formal proposal in an attempt to outpace Juventus. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be keen on the player, who currently plays for Al-Ahli. The move represents Roma's attempt to accelerate their midfield pursuit and could force Juventus to move faster on a target they have been pursuing for several weeks. Juventus began contacts with Kessié some weeks ago but have not yet reached an agreement, with several points still to resolve including salary and his integration into a squad that has a midfield logjam. Roma's insertion into the race could shift the balance of the transfer, potentially prompting Juventus to complete the deal before losing out. The source notes that other clubs have also become interested in Kessié's signature as the days pass, with Roma ready to act decisively should Manu Koné depart. Roma's interest in the Ivorian is contingent on outgoings from their midfield. Should Kessié arrive, Neil El Aynaoui could leave the club, with several teams reportedly interested in the Moroccan. The exact terms of any Roma offer remain undisclosed, but the timing of the approach—coinciding with Juventus's own drawn-out negotiations—suggests the club is confident in their position.

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.