Roma pursues Mbaye alongside Fofana and Gittens; Ziółkowski nears exit

Roma's search for a left winger is constrained by strict UEFA financial limits that require the club to respect a ceiling of €10–12 million in annual cost per player, according to the Corriere dello Sport. The annual cost combines gross salary and amortisation of the transfer fee over the contract length. Roma is under UEFA supervision from Nyon and has not met its profit targets by the end of July, forcing the club to be precise about new acquisitions. The financial parameters explain why certain moves remain unfeasible. A deal for Rafael Leão, who earns €7 million net (€13 million gross), would exceed Roma's budget even if the Milan loan proved inexpensive because his wage alone makes the annual cost too high. Head coach Gasperini recently remarked on these constraints, saying "those that limit only us", reflecting frustration at the rules governing Roma's spending. Conversely, a move for Youri Fofana would align with Roma's economic expectations: at €35 million fixed transfer fee and €3.5 million gross salary through 2031, Fofana would cost Roma €10.5 million annually (€7 million amortisation plus €3.5 million salary), keeping him within the permitted range. The club's calculations show that in the current transfer market, a loan deal can sometimes cost more than a permanent transfer. Any left-winger target must possess specific attributes—athleticism, pace, explosive acceleration—and must fit within the tight financial framework Roma now operates under.

Jayden Oosterwolde has arrived in Rome to complete medical tests and sign a contract with Roma, with the transfer from Fenerbahçe structured as a paid loan of €1 million plus a redemption clause set at €15 million. The clause converts to an obligation once Oosterwolde reaches 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes. Speaking to Turkish media, the defender said: "I am sad to leave Fenerbahçe, unfortunately the club chose to send me away. I will continue to be a fan but I am happy to go to Roma." Gasperini will have the player available in approximately two weeks, once he has recovered from a biceps femoris injury. With Oosterwolde's arrival settled, sporting director Tony D'Amico is turning attention to reinforcements for the attack. Malick Fofana remains the preferred target, and Roma are awaiting the outcome of tomorrow's Champions League match between Olympique Lyon and Fenerbahçe—a French elimination would boost the deal's prospects. Jamie Gittens is also under consideration, though Chelsea have rejected a loan-plus-option proposal and are demanding a permanent sale instead. On departures, Crystal Palace have made an inquiry for Neil El Aynaoui, while Parma and Monza have shown interest in Jan Ziolkowski. Roma's management has so far resisted selling key players and ruled out their departures.

Rodrigo Mora has impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini despite being deployed from the first minute, but the manager has signalled that a second attacking reinforcement is needed to complete the summer overhaul. Mora's contract contains a €110 million release clause. Sports director D'Amico is focused on identifying that final piece after closing the Oosterwolde deal, responding to Gasperini's requests made at the start of summer. With Lyon's decision on Fofana still pending, Donyell Malen sits atop Roma's target list. Chelsea have already rejected Roma's opening proposal for the winger, but the club intends to return with a fresh bid in the coming days. Chelsea have also registered interest in Manu Koné should Enzo Fernandez depart, while Crystal Palace have reportedly approached Roma regarding Neil El Aynaoui. Meanwhile, Roma are working to find solutions for surplus players Anass Salah-Eddine and Vasquez, the remaining members outside the project still at Trigoria.

Jayden Oosterwolde is arriving at Roma from Fenerbahçe. The Dutch defender is due in the capital tomorrow morning, 25 August, with his arrival scheduled for 11:35 at Ciampino airport. The 2001-born player can operate as a centre-back, as a defensive midfielder, or on the wing, providing tactical flexibility for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Oosterwolde represents another defensive reinforcement following the arrival of Konstantinos Koulierakis, with Jan Ziółkowski's future at the club still uncertain. However, Oosterwolde is currently managing a muscular issue that will keep him sidelined for another two weeks. Before heading to Amsterdam earlier on 24 August, he released a statement in which he admitted that he did not want to leave Fenerbahçe.

Jan Ziółkowski is facing an exit from Roma following the arrivals of Koulierakis and Oosterwolde, which have closed the door on the young Polish defender. Parma and Monza have both made enquiries, with Parma seeking a loan deal while Monza have tabled a permanent offer. Foreign clubs, particularly from Saudi Arabia, are also monitoring the situation. Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days. Ziółkowski's path at Roma has been blocked by the new defensive signings brought in this summer. During the recent match against Fiorentina, he remained unused on the bench for the full 90 minutes, unlike Ghilardi, who came on as a substitute and is heading towards staying at the club.

Roma begin the 2026-27 Serie A season at home to Fiorentina, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Matías Soulé drops to the bench. Lulli makes his competitive debut on the right flank in place of Nahuel Molina, who is not at full fitness; Wesley operates on the left. The defence comprises Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso, with Mile Svilar in goal. Gasperini's 3-4-1-2 formation pairs Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield. Fiorentina, managed by Grosso, line up in a 4-3-2-1 with David De Gea in goal and Lautaro Pellegrino as their striker. Roma's substitutes bench includes De Marzi, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Ziółkowski, El Aynaoui, Pisilli, Vaz, Castro, and Soulé.

Jayden Oosterwolde has arrived in Rome to complete medical tests and sign a contract with Roma, with the transfer from Fenerbahçe structured as a paid loan of €1 million plus a redemption clause set at €15 million. The clause converts to an obligation once Oosterwolde reaches 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes. Speaking to Turkish media, the defender said: "I am sad to leave Fenerbahçe, unfortunately the club chose to send me away. I will continue to be a fan but I am happy to go to Roma." Gasperini will have the player available in approximately two weeks, once he has recovered from a biceps femoris injury. With Oosterwolde's arrival settled, sporting director Tony D'Amico is turning attention to reinforcements for the attack. Malick Fofana remains the preferred target, and Roma are awaiting the outcome of tomorrow's Champions League match between Olympique Lyon and Fenerbahçe—a French elimination would boost the deal's prospects. Jamie Gittens is also under consideration, though Chelsea have rejected a loan-plus-option proposal and are demanding a permanent sale instead. On departures, Crystal Palace have made an inquiry for Neil El Aynaoui, while Parma and Monza have shown interest in Jan Ziolkowski. Roma's management has so far resisted selling key players and ruled out their departures.

Rodrigo Mora has impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini despite being deployed from the first minute, but the manager has signalled that a second attacking reinforcement is needed to complete the summer overhaul. Mora's contract contains a €110 million release clause. Sports director D'Amico is focused on identifying that final piece after closing the Oosterwolde deal, responding to Gasperini's requests made at the start of summer. With Lyon's decision on Fofana still pending, Donyell Malen sits atop Roma's target list. Chelsea have already rejected Roma's opening proposal for the winger, but the club intends to return with a fresh bid in the coming days. Chelsea have also registered interest in Manu Koné should Enzo Fernandez depart, while Crystal Palace have reportedly approached Roma regarding Neil El Aynaoui. Meanwhile, Roma are working to find solutions for surplus players Anass Salah-Eddine and Vasquez, the remaining members outside the project still at Trigoria.

Roma are preparing to welcome their fifth summer signing with the arrival of left-back Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahçe. The Dutch defender will arrive at Ciampino at 11:30 on 25 August on a one-year loan with a €15 million purchase option that becomes mandatory after 15 appearances of at least 45 minutes each. Oosterwolde expressed sadness at his departure from the Turkish club, saying: "I am sad to leave Fenerbahçe; unfortunately the decision was made to send me away." Roma's management is operating within strict financial constraints imposed by UEFA, seeking a left winger with an annual cost—amortisation plus gross salary—not exceeding €10–12 million. The pursuit of Malick Fofana remains active, with developments expected after Thursday when Lyon's Champions League playoff against Fenerbahçe concludes; that operation is valued at €35 million with an annual cost of approximately €10.5 million. Ibrahim Mbaye is also under consideration after being positioned on PSG's fringes. The Jamie Gittens deal is proving more complicated due to Chelsea's reluctance to loan him and their €45 million asking price. Director Tony D'Amico has dismissed speculation over a departure of Neil El Aynaoui to Crystal Palace, describing such a move as virtually impossible in the final week of the transfer window.

Roma opened the 2026-27 season with a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, a performance that went beyond the scoreline to signal intent across Serie A. Played at the Olimpico, the match saw Roma dominate from start to finish with what the article describes as a team displaying clear identity, hunger, and tactical maturity. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad moved with naturalness, pressed high, attacked spaces and sustained the same intensity that had carried them through a remarkable comeback campaign last season. Gasperini had pushed throughout the summer to preserve the core of his squad, insisting on keeping the players he considered essential to continuity. That strategy bore immediate fruit. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, prompting Gasperini to describe him after the match as "a beast" — a characterisation the article frames as a rebuttal of suggestions that Dybala is fragile. Summer preparation appears to have restored Dybala to peak condition: explosive, sharp, and capable of influencing the entire match. His partnership with Donyell Malen proved particularly destructive — Dybala provided three assists and Malen scored a hat-trick, a combination the article suggests may become one of the most dangerous partnerships in the division. Two academy products made notable impressions on their debuts. Emanuele Lulli, thrown into a match that could have intimidated younger players, performed with surprising composure, showing leg, courage and personality without fear. Rodrigo Mora, used for limited minutes, demonstrated ball control, technical sensitivity, and quality movement in space. The article notes both players merit continued development, with Mora in particular showing visible talent despite his youth. The opening day has left Roma with momentum heading forward. The article acknowledges a single 4-0 in August reveals little about May's destination, but stresses that Roma appears to restart from exactly where the previous campaign ended: with conviction, identity and desire to improve. The squad has added quality and may add more before the transfer window closes. The article suggests that if club officials deliver the final two reinforcements Gasperini continues to request — not simple adjustments but players capable of raising the squad's level further — a genuine step forward could materialise.

Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in a commanding display, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick to lead the charge. Paulo Dybala contributed three assists and Manu Koné was withdrawn only through fatigue, underlining Roma's control. Debutant Daniele Ghilardi impressed in an early appearance, while Evan N'Dicka stood firm at the back as the team moved to 3–4–1–2 formation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. All five major Italian newspapers awarded Roma positive marks across the board. Svilar received ratings between 6 and 6.5 in goal. The defence was solid, with N'Dicka rated 7 to 7.5 by all outlets and Mancini and Hermoso both praised. In midfield, Cristante earned 6.5 to 7, while Wesley was rated 6 to 7 on the flank. Koné's 6.5 to 7.5 reflected his strong showing before substitution. Malen's 8.5 to 9 and Dybala's 8 to 9 dominated the attacking ratings. Corrections made 68 minutes in saw Koulierakis introduced for Hermoso, while Pisilli replaced Koné at 79 minutes. Rodrigo Mora (6.5) and later Matías Soulé (6) featured in attack; Santiago Castro entered for Malen at 68 minutes. Gasperini earned 7.5 to 8 from the press corps. N'Dicka's display of 7 to 7.5, Koné's energy and Ghilardi's first appearance highlighted a Roma side functioning with precision and depth throughout.

Rodrigo Mora has impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini despite being deployed from the first minute, but the manager has signalled that a second attacking reinforcement is needed to complete the summer overhaul. Mora's contract contains a €110 million release clause. Sports director D'Amico is focused on identifying that final piece after closing the Oosterwolde deal, responding to Gasperini's requests made at the start of summer. With Lyon's decision on Fofana still pending, Donyell Malen sits atop Roma's target list. Chelsea have already rejected Roma's opening proposal for the winger, but the club intends to return with a fresh bid in the coming days. Chelsea have also registered interest in Manu Koné should Enzo Fernandez depart, while Crystal Palace have reportedly approached Roma regarding Neil El Aynaoui. Meanwhile, Roma are working to find solutions for surplus players Anass Salah-Eddine and Vasquez, the remaining members outside the project still at Trigoria.