Roma move for Kessié and Fofana as El Aynaoui heads for exit

Roma's move for Jayden Oosterwolde has hit a standstill after the club's medical team blocked the transfer on 25 August following instrumental tests that revealed a more serious hamstring injury than initially disclosed. The Dutch centre-back underwent medical examinations but scans showed a biceps femoris lesion more severe than Fenerbahçe had reported. The Turkish club estimated a two-week recovery window, but Roma's medical assessment suggests significantly longer rehabilitation, with fears the defender may require surgery. The Friedkin Group have sought a specialist consultation from Professor Lasse Lempainen, who operated on Lorenzo Pellegrini in Finland last season for an identical injury. In the coming hours, Roma will contact Fenerbahçe again and propose restructuring the deal as a straightforward loan. A decision is expected shortly.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.

Roma are working on multiple transfer moves as both incomings and outgoings remain active. Jan Ziółkowski, the Polish defender, continues to attract interest from several Serie A clubs, and the Giallorossi have already identified a replacement should he depart. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma have identified Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, as the ideal substitute for Ziółkowski. The 2001-born centre-back currently plays for Nottingham Forest. The operation could be structured as a loan. Roma are keen to secure a defender's arrival before clearing the way for Ziółkowski's exit, particularly as Monza, under Ivan Juric, are pushing hard to sign the Polish defender on loan.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.

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.

Radio Roma pundits offered their assessments of Roma's transfer priorities and recent performances. Paolo Assogna reported that Roma is pursuing Franck Kessié, whom Gasperini knows and views as a midfield upgrade, while El Aynaoui could generate crucial funds through a sale representing a gain for the club. Gasperini is pressing the ownership for a left-footed right winger. Piero Torri argued that raising standards is a duty Roma can fulfil by completing the squad. He expects activity this final week, particularly on the wing. "Raising the bar is a duty, and Roma can do it by completing the squad," Torri said. "In this final week something will happen, especially on the attacking wing. There is an intention to do it, but not so much to sign: we are looking for someone who can give you quality and more offensive solutions, because Gasp always thinks about scoring goals. Fofana? If I go by what Roma says, he cannot be bought at those figures because of agreements with UEFA. But at other conditions it can be done. Him, Gittens, or the famous Mr X." He also addressed transfer constraints tied to UEFA regulations affecting any Fofana deal. Roberto Pruzzo praised Gasperini's comments on Dybala, noting the coach said he could even play extra time. On Rodrigo Mora's brief appearance—touching the ball twice in the first half before being substituted early in the second—Pruzzo noted that preserving Dybala remains the priority. Nando Orsi argued that Roma's prospects hinge on Dybala's fitness; if he plays 15 matches like Monday's display, Roma has chances, otherwise not. Orsi rated Dybala's performance against Fiorentina as his best since arriving at Roma and called the squad generally solid, though he cautioned that Napoli has formidable midfield depth.

Roma are working on multiple transfer moves as both incomings and outgoings remain active. Jan Ziółkowski, the Polish defender, continues to attract interest from several Serie A clubs, and the Giallorossi have already identified a replacement should he depart. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma have identified Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, as the ideal substitute for Ziółkowski. The 2001-born centre-back currently plays for Nottingham Forest. The operation could be structured as a loan. Roma are keen to secure a defender's arrival before clearing the way for Ziółkowski's exit, particularly as Monza, under Ivan Juric, are pushing hard to sign the Polish defender on loan.

Roma are considering Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, the Brazilian central defender known as Morato from Nottingham Forest, as a potential reinforcement should Jan Ziółkowski depart the club. The move is contingent on Ziółkowski's future; the Polish youngster is increasingly close to a loan move to Monza, which is working to secure him. Roma want to identify a replacement before giving final approval to Ziółkowski's departure. Morato would also arrive on loan. The prospect of Morato is directly tied to Ziółkowski's exit, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in mind. Roma are managing both situations in parallel: securing an outgoing loan while ensuring defensive cover. Morato represents a profile already accustomed to playing at a high level, with characteristics suited to a three-man defence setup. Motaro, born in 2001, is a left-footed defender standing approximately 1.92 metres tall who currently plays in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. He has spent several seasons in Europe following an extended spell at Benfica. His natural position is centre-back, though he can also be deployed on the left side of the defence and, if needed, on the left wing. A new avenue to monitor in the coming hours as Roma work simultaneously on Ziółkowski's possible exit.

Roma are pursuing Nottingham Forest centre-back Morato as a potential replacement for Jan Ziółkowski, who is being eyed by Serie A sides Parma and Monza. According to Sky Sport, the Brazilian defender can arrive on loan with a right of purchase. Ziółkowski, born in 2001, has been a target for both clubs; Monza have proposed a loan deal while Parma could move for a permanent transfer. The defensive reshuffle comes as Roma continue to work on both incomings and outgoings ahead of potential further developments in the Jayden Oosterwolde situation. Morato has played in the Premier League since 2024 and spent five seasons at Benfica before joining Nottingham Forest. Roma are also pursuing attacking reinforcements, with targets reportedly including Gittens and Fofana to complete their offensive options.

Roma's move for Jayden Oosterwolde has hit a standstill after the club's medical team blocked the transfer on 25 August following instrumental tests that revealed a more serious hamstring injury than initially disclosed. The Dutch centre-back underwent medical examinations but scans showed a biceps femoris lesion more severe than Fenerbahçe had reported. The Turkish club estimated a two-week recovery window, but Roma's medical assessment suggests significantly longer rehabilitation, with fears the defender may require surgery. The Friedkin Group have sought a specialist consultation from Professor Lasse Lempainen, who operated on Lorenzo Pellegrini in Finland last season for an identical injury. In the coming hours, Roma will contact Fenerbahçe again and propose restructuring the deal as a straightforward loan. A decision is expected shortly.

Roma are pursuing Nottingham Forest centre-back Morato as a potential replacement for Jan Ziółkowski, who is being eyed by Serie A sides Parma and Monza. According to Sky Sport, the Brazilian defender can arrive on loan with a right of purchase. Ziółkowski, born in 2001, has been a target for both clubs; Monza have proposed a loan deal while Parma could move for a permanent transfer. The defensive reshuffle comes as Roma continue to work on both incomings and outgoings ahead of potential further developments in the Jayden Oosterwolde situation. Morato has played in the Premier League since 2024 and spent five seasons at Benfica before joining Nottingham Forest. Roma are also pursuing attacking reinforcements, with targets reportedly including Gittens and Fofana to complete their offensive options.

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.