Roma move for Kessie in bid to beat Juventus; El Aynaoui may depart

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 Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié in the closing stages of the transfer window, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Juventus remain strongly interested and continue to pursue the player, though they need to complete outgoing transfers first to accelerate their move. Gasperini, who managed Kessié during his time at Atalanta, is keen on the midfielder and Roma are looking to make a strong push in what could be a competitive chase. The midfield is expected to remain active in the final days of the market as the clubs manoeuvre for position.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

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 pursuit of Real Madrid forward Endrick has ended. José Mourinho confirmed the 20-year-old will remain at Madrid, stating: "I didn't want to loan him out or sell him because I like him as a player and I'd like to work with this young man who has important talent." The Brazilian was monitored throughout the summer but Mourinho rejected all approaches. Roma have been offered Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, 25, but the Ukrainian's profile does not appear to have convinced the club's hierarchy. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be pushing for attacking players with different characteristics better suited to his tactical demands. Instead, Roma continue monitoring Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, 21, a left-footed right winger at Eintracht Frankfurt capable of explosive pace and penetrative running. Frankfurt value the French prospect between €35 million and €40 million, and Monaco and Atlético Madrid are also tracking him, though no official bids have been made. Negotiations for Malick Fofana remain deadlocked. Roma have agreed terms with the 21-year-old Lyon winger but cannot bridge the gap with the French club, which is demanding €35 million fixed plus €5 million in add-ons. Roma have paused talks following the substantial investment already committed to Santiago Castro. The window remains open and Roma face a decision in the coming hours on whether to meet Lyon's full demand or pursue alternatives. Paris Saint-Germain youth winger Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, also remains under observation as a younger, more economically sustainable option. Chelsea continue to block attempts to sign Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 22; the Blues rejected a loan-with-option-to-buy proposal and want an immediate sale at a valuation that could reach €45 million. Roma's sporting director has held back, and the deal appears to have cooled. Neil El Aynaoui's future is increasingly uncertain. The 25-year-old Moroccan midfielder has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and now Crystal Palace, who have made enquiries. Roma do not regard him as untransferable and could consider a departure for around €35 million—a sale that would significantly boost Roma's resources for one final attacking signing. In defence, Jan Ziółkowski's time at Roma may be ending; the 21-year-old Polish defender is being linked with Parma and monitored by Monza. The arrival of Oosterwolde, available across the left flank and as a central defender, has given Gasperini greater coverage in the backline and may facilitate Ziółkowski's departure before the window closes.