Roma pursue Koopmeiners loan and intensify Cacciamani bid as Gasperini seeks reinforcements

Radio commentators have criticised Roma's transfer approach this summer, arguing the club overpays whenever pursuing a player. Carina told Radio Radio: "Every time Roma approaches a player, everyone raises the price. You have money to spend but you struggle to spend it because they ask for more." He noted that Castro will cost Bologna around 40 million euros, Lucumí went to Juventus for 20 million, yet Roma spent 18 million on Koulierakis, an unknown quantity. Carina also raised concerns over Porto's latest demands for Mora: the club now wants 10 million euros for the loan (up from 7 million) and is demanding the obligation to buy be unconditional rather than tied to Roma's Champions League qualification and 60 per cent appearance threshold. Orsi observed that Gasperini expected a different market this summer, noting Roma has completed only a couple of its stated targets while missing on more important ones. Torri was more blunt, stating: "The Roma wants to buy for 50 million a bench player at Porto" and questioned why Porto would sell Mora if no other club was offering that fee. He suggested Roma could instead target Moreira and two free agents, or push for Arsenal's Martinelli at 45 million euros. Pruzzo highlighted that Roma now has two quality forwards but faces wider squad gaps, while acknowledging friendly results gave a negative impression. The transfer window remains open, with several targets unresolved.

Rodrigo Mora is close to joining Roma, with his former coach providing an in-depth assessment of his readiness for Italian football. The coach described Mora as a player with strong personality, ambition and winning mentality who is "more than ready" for the demands of Serie A. "Beyond his football talent, he is an exemplary professional," the coach said. Mora is characterized as a tactically intelligent player with refined technical ability and dynamic movement across all phases of play. "He has a special rapport with the ball, refined and intelligent from a tactical standpoint," the coach explained. "He doesn't fear responsibility—he wants the ball, wants to play and wants to make a difference." On his mental strength, the coach noted: "He is very mentally and emotionally strong. He is very competitive with a winning mentality. He doesn't fear the game and rarely suffers under pressure. Rather, the bigger the challenge, the more he grows." The coach offered tactical guidance for Gasperini, Roma's head coach: "Rodrigo is a player who likes to have the ball and knows how to use it. He can dialogue with teammates, create space for himself and the squad, and most importantly, loves to play near goal. He has the quality and composure to be decisive in the box." While Mora can play across offensive positions, including as a winger, the coach believes he performs best in a central role where he has greater ball involvement.

Roma have confirmed their midfield will remain stable for the 2026–27 season, with no new signings planned unless a significant departure occurs—which appears unlikely. Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Neil El Aynaoui will form the core of the department, with Lorenzo Pellegrini available as a supporting option. Koné's future had been the subject of speculation, but he has returned to full training as his departure now appears difficult to execute, particularly given the challenge of finding a suitable replacement before the season opener against Fiorentina. The Frenchman will operate alongside Cristante in midfield. Pisilli, an academy graduate, will not be sold. Porto submitted a €25 million offer for the young midfielder, but Roma and manager Gian Piero Gasperini rejected the proposal, viewing him as an essential technical asset and important for UEFA squad list considerations. El Aynaoui is expected to build on recent positive performances and secure his place as a regular starter in the giallorossi shirt.