Roma Mercato LIVE: Kessié in focus, El Aynaoui set for exit, Fofana talks progress

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 is exploring a change to the structure of the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer from Fenerbahce, according to Il Messaggero, having requested additional medical examinations to assess the Dutch defender's physical condition. The club is particularly concerned about a muscular injury sustained by Oosterwolde in early August, with previous reports suggesting a possible return around the end of September. Roma want precise clarity on his actual recovery timeline because if the absence extends longer than anticipated, it could become problematic for a squad in need of immediately available alternatives on the flanks. The original agreement with Fenerbahce was structured as a loan with a right of purchase that would become an obligation if certain conditions were met. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Oosterwolde's fitness, Roma now prefer to convert the deal into an outright loan, avoiding any commitment to a permanent acquisition at this stage. This represents a substantial shift because Fenerbahce would need to accept a formula entirely different from the one on which an initial agreement had been reached. Decisive further medical checks were scheduled for today to determine when Oosterwolde can return to availability for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma will only proceed with a definitive decision on the transfer once those results are known.

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.

Neil El Aynaoui has not won over Gasperini in his first season at Roma and would be allowed to leave if a suitable offer arrived. Crystal Palace have shown strong interest in the former Lens player, and the English club could table an official bid in the coming days. Roma value El Aynaoui at €30–35 million; Crystal Palace are considering their position with the transfer window closing in just over a week. Before Roma's match against Fiorentina, sporting director Tony D'Amico stated: "It is difficult to imagine a sale a week before the end of the market." Roma are preparing contingency plans. Frank Kessiè, who played under Gasperini at Bergamo a decade ago and is currently a free agent, has emerged as a potential replacement. Juventus, managed by Massara, also hold strong interest in Kessiè—a development that may mask a tactical negotiating move. Richard Rios, a Colombian midfielder who never left Gasperini's thinking, remains a priority option; he could leave Benfica after just one year for around €30 million. Two further targets have been scouted in recent weeks: Yasin Ayari of Brighton, valued at €40 million and also tracked by Borussia Dortmund, and Habib Diarra of Sunderland, who shares representation with Fofana, Luis Henrique and Endrick.

Jan Ziółkowski is edging closer to a loan move to Monza as Roma look to move the Polish defender out of the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Roma and the Ivan Juric-managed side are in an advanced stage, with Monza keen to offer the centre-back playing time and minutes for development. Roma are working on a loan deal and have no intention of selling him permanently, particularly at figures well below their initial €20 million asking price. Ziółkowski has been tracked by several Italian clubs in recent weeks. Roma rejected approaches from Parma and other European sides who made enquiries about the 2005-born defender. The loan arrangement would allow the academy graduate to gain first-team experience away from the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma's commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August has dominated discussion across Rome's radio stations, with broadcasters and former players praising the team's performance and title credentials. David Rossi of Rete Sport called it "a monologue, a performance at a level perhaps too high for expectations", while noting that August friendlies are a different proposition from matches that matter. The standout performer was Paulo Dybala, who impressed sufficiently that Gianluca Piacentini declared himself tempted to head to the Circus Maximus: "If Dybala has 35 matches in his legs at that level, it's an easy title. I would sign for him to play 25 full matches like yesterday." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo offered the most striking assessment, claiming the players themselves are convinced of their prospects. "Having the fortune to speak with some footballers, they assure the squad's identity—if they're saying among themselves that they'll make it this year, they're exhausted. These footballers have gained a consciousness, you see it even from how they play in defence. When Dybala talks about doing better than last year, you think he means finishing second 20 points behind first? They're talking about the title. There's Inter, but if Roma continues with this ferocity this year it's entertaining. If Roma competes with Inter, then everything starts again from scratch. This time I couldn't bear to have another title stolen from me by Inter." Lorenzo Pes assessed the Serie A landscape: "Aside from Inter, which is more distant, only Napoli perhaps is stronger than Roma. Roma and Napoli are very close; Roma has the advantage of Gasperini's second year and the fact they've sold none of the big names. Milan and Juve are two unknowns; I think they're slightly behind Como." Discussion also centred on summer recruitment and academy prospects. Piero Torri stated: "If Roma sign Fofana, they buy another one with great quality—take my word. With Fofana–Dybala–Malen I'm settling at the Circus Maximus. I think it can be done." Checco Oddo Casano flagged the need for a winger, believing one will arrive: "The priority is the attacking winger, and I'm convinced one arrives." Roberto Pruzzo and Nando Orsi both highlighted Jan Ziółkowski's (referred to as Lulli) unexpected emergence in the squad, with Pruzzo saying: "Lulli must be there, watch carefully, train at Trigoria, and pick things up bit by bit to try to be useful to the squad," and Orsi praising his personality: "Lulli has the personality to play as a starter." Francesca Ferrazza noted that Gasperini remains actively engaged in the market: "Gasperini is obsessed, living these final market days with the phone in his hand. There's a series of footballers calling him to come to Roma." Whether Roma can maintain this trajectory depends on closing recruitment before the window closes.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdicts on Roma's latest match, with commentators highlighting strong individual performances but uncertainty over squad composition in the closing days of the transfer window. Francesco Balzani praised Roma's display, calling it "the best Roma of Gasperini" they had seen, and credited the coach with bringing consistency to the project. He noted that Malen, despite his quality, had been playing in the wrong league before his arrival, and emphasised that the absence of discontented players and unhappy coaches was a strength Roma must not waste. "One more effort and Roma can position itself below Inter," Balzani said, singling out Dybala's impact: "Dybala—in a league like this—moves mountains." Piero Torri offered detailed assessment of Roma's recent outing. "Rodrigo Mora's debut convinced me," he said. "The Portuguese player had a good match and came close to scoring." Torri also praised Jan Ziółkowski and Manu Koné, describing the full-back—born in 2007—as "notably surprising." He noted that before the match, technical director D'Amico had ruled out major departures, which Torri welcomed. However, he raised a question mark over the coming days: "One must understand what El Aynaoui's future will be, with only days remaining in the transfer market."

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 is exploring a change to the structure of the Jayden Oosterwolde transfer from Fenerbahce, according to Il Messaggero, having requested additional medical examinations to assess the Dutch defender's physical condition. The club is particularly concerned about a muscular injury sustained by Oosterwolde in early August, with previous reports suggesting a possible return around the end of September. Roma want precise clarity on his actual recovery timeline because if the absence extends longer than anticipated, it could become problematic for a squad in need of immediately available alternatives on the flanks. The original agreement with Fenerbahce was structured as a loan with a right of purchase that would become an obligation if certain conditions were met. However, given the uncertainty surrounding Oosterwolde's fitness, Roma now prefer to convert the deal into an outright loan, avoiding any commitment to a permanent acquisition at this stage. This represents a substantial shift because Fenerbahce would need to accept a formula entirely different from the one on which an initial agreement had been reached. Decisive further medical checks were scheduled for today to determine when Oosterwolde can return to availability for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma will only proceed with a definitive decision on the transfer once those results are known.

Jayden Oosterwolde's transfer to Roma remains incomplete as the club awaits final medical clearance today and works to renegotiate terms with Fenerbahçe. After undergoing additional medical examinations, the Dutch defender's physical condition must be fully assessed before any deal can be sealed. Roma has decided to change the original structure of the agreement, moving away from a loan with a right of purchase that would become mandatory under certain conditions. The new proposal Roma is putting forward is a straightforward loan without any obligation to buy at the end of the season. This shift significantly alters the nature of the transaction and places Fenerbahçe back at the centre of negotiations, as the Turkish club must now decide whether to accept Roma's revised terms and permit Oosterwolde to complete his move to the capital. The change in formula reflects Roma's caution given the medical uncertainty surrounding the player, who arrived in Rome with a hamstring problem. The club is treating his physical recovery as a crucial factor before finalising the operation. Oosterwolde is currently in Rome, but his transfer cannot yet be considered concluded. Roma has altered the conditions of the deal and is now awaiting Fenerbahçe's response to whether they will accept the revised structure without a purchase obligation attached.