Roma pursue Molina as Atlético Madrid consider exits

Mario Hermoso praised Roma's performance in a friendly against Newport County, highlighting a strong second-half display. The defender played in an unfamiliar role but felt comfortable alongside his teammates. "Yes, we had a great match, especially in the second half. At the start they pressed hard, it was more difficult. For me it was a role quite different from usual, but I felt good with my teammates. The important thing is to win: it brings confidence ahead of the next matches," Hermoso said. Hermoso acknowledged that Roma are still awaiting arrival of new players to complete the squad. He backed the club's recruitment strategy, noting that the sporting director and board handle transfer decisions while the players focus on their preparation. "We are a strong team, we are united, we want to do great things," he explained, adding: "All the teammates who arrive to fight with us are welcome." When asked about Castro and Koulierakis specifically, Hermoso described them as ambitious young players joining a squad that had a strong season last year. "They are important pieces to perform well in the league, Champions League and Coppa Italia," he said. Hermoso stressed Roma's commitment to working toward a major season and competing across all competitions.

Roma director Ghiglione is preparing a decisive push for Atlético Madrid right-back Molina after negotiations for Read stalled. The club's initial offer of €17 million was rejected, but another attempt is planned in the coming days. The 28-year-old Argentine, whose contract with Atlético runs until 2027, fits the profile Gasperini has sought in recent weeks: pace, intensity, ability to attack depth, crossing quality, and full-width defensive capability. Molina was born on 6 April 1998 in Embalse, a small town in Córdoba province. At just 11 years old, he left home and family to join Boca Juniors' youth system in Buenos Aires—a pivotal decision that launched his career. His exceptional speed earned him the nickname "El Galgo" (the greyhound). Originally a striker, Molina was repositioned to right-back, where he found his true calling. After spells at Defensa y Justicia and Rosario Central, he joined Udinese in 2020, where he made 68 appearances over two seasons, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists—figures that impressed Gasperini. In 2022, Molina's career reached its peak: he won the Qatar World Cup as a protagonist, scoring against Australia in the last 16, and added the Copa América (2021), Finalissima (2022), and Copa América (2024) to his honours. At Roma, only Paulo Dybala shares World Cup-winner status. Molina described the experience: "When you're a child you dream of these moments, but living them is something indescribable." He is one of Scaloni's trusted lieutenants and holds Messi as an idol: "Messi is the best player in history; it is a pride to play at his side."

Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Nahuel Molina, the Atlético Madrid winger, after Feyenoord continued to resist their advances for Givairo Read. Director D'Amico and head coach Gasperini had decided to push hard for Read with a substantial offer, but the Dutch club's resistance has prompted Roma to pivot toward the Argentine full-back instead. Molina, born in 1998, previously played in Serie A between 2020 and 2022 for Udinese, giving him familiarity with Italian football. The move represents a change of strategy after Read's asking price proved prohibitive for the club's current budget constraints. Roma will now monitor how negotiations develop with the Atlético Madrid player as they reshape their recruitment plans for the flank position. No fee or contract terms for a Molina deal have been disclosed at this stage.