Roma Move for Kessié as Juventus Continues to Push

Roma have made a sudden push to sign Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié, attempting to capitalize on Juventus's stalled negotiations for the player. According to Sky Sport, Roma accelerated their efforts in recent hours, looking to turn a previous interest into a concrete transfer opportunity. Juventus had intensified contact with Kessié's representatives but has not yet closed a deal; the Bianconeri need to complete further outgoings first, and the sale of Miretti to Besiktas alone would not create sufficient space for the signing. Roma are now attempting to insert themselves into the race. For club director D'Amico, bringing Kessié would add significant international experience to midfield and offer different qualities to those already in the squad. The prospect is made particularly attractive by his previous connection with Gasperini, Roma's current head coach. Gasperini was the manager who launched Kessié at Atalanta during the 2016–17 season, rapidly establishing him as one of Serie A's standout midfielders. After a gap of ten years, their paths could cross again. Juventus remains in contention, but Roma's move could shift the balance of the negotiation in the final days of the transfer window.

Roma have entered the race to sign Franck Kessie, the Ivorian midfielder currently a free agent who has long signalled his preference to join Juventus and return to Serie A. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing for the midfielder, whom he knows from their time together at Atalanta. If the deal closes, Roma could send Neil El Aynaoui out on loan or sell him permanently. Manu Koné, by contrast, is considered a key piece of the squad and will not be moved.

Jayden Oosterwolde landed at Ciampino airport on the morning of 25 August 2026 to complete his transfer from Fenerbahçe to Roma. The Dutch defender underwent medical examinations at Campus Bio-Medico during the day, with registration scheduled to follow once the medical team cleared him for play. Roma has requested additional assessments of Oosterwolde's physical condition before issuing final approval for his registration. The player is recovering from a muscle injury, prompting the club to conduct thorough checks and obtain full clarity on his fitness level before proceeding. The club's decision on whether to complete the registration is expected on 26 August. Once cleared, Oosterwolde will be available to Gasperini from that point, though the muscle injury is likely to keep him sidelined until the first international break in mid-September. The transfer is structured as a loan with a fee of €1.5 million, coupled with a conditional obligation to buy set at €14.5 million. The purchase obligation is contingent on Oosterwolde making a minimum of 14 appearances for the club. Oosterwolde, born in 2001, arrived on a flight from Amsterdam and was greeted at the airport by supporters and journalists covering the transfer.