Roma persist with Gittens pursuit as Chelsea hold firm

Manu Koné will remain at Roma after Manchester City closed a deal for Lille prospect Bouaddi worth €100 million, ending speculation over the French midfielder's future. City had been searching for a Rodri replacement and had scouted Koné, keeping the door open to a potential move, but the signing of Bouaddi removes that possibility entirely. Gasperini confirmed yesterday in a press conference that Koné would stay, and the transfer developments now settle any remaining doubt. Koné will continue as Roma's central midfielder under the head coach. Roma's next fixture arrives shortly, with Fiorentina awaiting from Monday onwards.

Malick Fofana came off the bench to score in Lyon's 2-0 victory over Toulouse on 22 August, a performance that signals his physical condition as his future hangs in the balance ahead of a crucial European tie. Entering at the 63rd minute, Fofana netted at the 85th after cutting to the centre, beating his marker and finishing precisely to the far post. The goal is particularly significant given the injury problems that heavily disrupted his previous season. Roma remain attentive to Fofana's situation. The club has temporarily put the transfer on hold following its investment in Rodrigo Mora and wants to structure any deal as a loan with a right of redemption that would convert to an obligation under certain conditions. Lyon, however, prefer an outright sale at present. The outcome of Lyon's European fixture will prove decisive. Fofana's willingness to leave is directly tied to Champions League football: if Lyon qualifies, he is inclined to stay in France for another full season; elimination would reopen the possibility of departure and could reactivate Roma's interest. Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca rotated his squad for the Toulouse match with an eye on the bigger picture. On Wednesday 26 August, Fenerbahce will visit the Groupama Stadium for the second leg of the Champions League playoff, with the tie level at 1–1 from the first encounter. That match could decide not only Lyon's European season but also whether Fofana moves. Should Fenerbahce eliminate Lyon, the midfielder's path out of France would become far more concrete, and Roma would have a genuine opening to revive negotiations on terms closer to their preference.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing to integrate Oosterwolde into Roma's squad, with the versatile defender capable of playing as a fullback or centre-back. The Piedmont-born coach is ready to deploy his new tactical option across multiple positions in the back line.