Roma Revive Fofana Interest as Mora Deal Awaits; Lyon Valuation Falling

Roma are pursuing Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a candidate to fill the left-wing slot in attack, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini attracted to the 2005-born player's attributes and potential for development. The club could make a move for Fofana if negotiations with Porto over Rodrigo Mora collapse. Lyon's financial demands have softened in recent weeks, according to reports, with a deal now possible for a fee below €40 million. Fofana remains one of Roma's primary targets for the left-wing position as the transfer window continues. The main uncertainty surrounding any potential agreement centres on the player's physical condition, as he dealt with multiple injuries during the previous season.

Roma's transfer hunt for a left-sided winger remains a key focus of debate among the club's media circle. Carina highlighted Rodrigo Mora as a critical target, noting that agent Jorge Mendes is working to resolve a rift between the two clubs. Gasperini showed interest in Christopher Nkunku in January and remains keen now, but the obstacle is his salary: "the player earns over 5 million a year," Carina said. Pruzzo assessed the available alternatives critically, arguing that Luis Henrique and Cacciamani are not players capable of delivering a quality leap forward. He suggested Luis Henrique on loan with a purchase option would be viable, but rejected a €30 million outright fee. Pruzzo backed Matías Soulé's retention despite two years at the club without a breakthrough: "I would keep him, hoping he finds optimal condition and confidence in himself and his qualities to become a squad player." The broader transfer challenge facing Roma emerged in commentary from Mattioli and Orsi. Mattioli noted that market activity has stalled on several fronts, citing the Fofana case as evidence of the club's inability to push past certain financial limits. Orsi flagged a wider puzzle: despite a year of searching, Roma has failed to identify and secure a right-footed left winger. Orsi also suggested that if Roma received €45 million for Mile Svilar, he would sell the goalkeeper and move for Vicario instead.

Luigi Cherubini is on the verge of joining Serie B side Benevento on loan with a right of purchase that becomes an obligation upon the fulfilment of certain squad and individual conditions. The 2004-born winger will first sign a contract renewal with Roma through June 2029, extending his current deal that expires next June. The move has been in the works for a week but had not yet been finalised as of 14 August, held up by the delay in completing Cherubini's contract extension with the club. Cherubini, a former Sampdoria and Carrarese player, represents another piece of business on Roma's transfer agenda. Benevento manager Antonio Floro Flores addressed the situation at a press conference on 13 August ahead of the club's Coppa Italia round of 32 tie against Fiorentina. Flores said: "I know they have promised us Cherubini, the club has said 'if he leaves here he comes to you'. We welcome it, we are waiting for him with open arms." The transfer will add to the workload already on Roma's director of sport D'Amico's desk.