Roma revives Nkunku pursuit as Mora talks stall; swap deal with Soulé explored

Negotiations between Roma and Porto over Portuguese winger Rodrigo Mora have hit a standstill. After an agreement appeared complete on Tuesday evening — involving a paid loan with a conditional obligation to buy for a total of 45 million euros — Porto reversed course. Two days of intense talks followed through agent Jorge Mendes's office, but no final resolution has been reached. Porto continues to push for easier payment conditions, while Roma wants to enforce the existing agreement. Roma director D'Amico remains committed but is exploring backup options. A move for Fofana remains difficult, with Lyon unwilling to accept less than 45 million euros without creative payment structures. Midfielder Nkunku, a longtime target of coach Giampiero Gasperini, could return to the conversation after Milan, who holds his registration, indicated a loan might be possible — though his 9 million euro gross salary poses an obstacle. For the vice-Wesley role, Roma is pursuing Cacciamani while also tracking Luis Henrique and Udogie as potential loan options, though those would likely only materialise late in the window.

Matías Soulé has emerged as an unexpectedly valuable squad member for Roma ahead of the club's friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August at 17:30. Two months of uncertainty in the transfer market—with multiple enquiries but no formal offers—have left him as Roma's sole pure winger, securing his position as Gasperini eyes him for the Dortmund clash alongside Paulo Dybala. The German club itself conducted a June inquiry without following through on a move. Soulé's expected permanence comes as Roma now hosts a substantial Argentine contingent. Molina joined the group yesterday for his first training session, joining Dybala, Castro, and Soulé—a concentration of Argentine talent unseen since the year following the Scudetto, when Samuel, Batistuta, Cufré, Balbo and Cejas were at the club. The winger's willingness to stay has been constant; he wishes to play Champions League football but understands the club would consider any offer that arrived. His impressive performances across the capital and in pre-season fixtures have impressed the coach. Soulé's prospects are strengthened by injuries elsewhere: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli remain sidelined, leaving the attacking midfield ranks thin. The former Juventus player, once in an outcast role, now offers Gasperini tactical flexibility heading into the competitive season.

Roma's pursuit of left-back Mora has stalled since Wednesday, with the two clubs locked in a valuation dispute. Roma are holding firm at €7 million for a loan with a right of purchase set at €43 million—a right that becomes an obligation if Mora reaches 60% of playing time and Roma qualify for the Champions League. Porto demand €10 million upfront and insist any option becomes compulsory on terms unrelated to Roma's league position, plus a sell-on clause on any future transfer. Director D'Amico has a maximum of four days to close the deal before exploring other targets, a pattern seen previously with Tresoldi, Castro, Read and Molina. Mora remains the profile Roma prefer: a 19-year-old talent commanding €2 million annually, with costs spread across five years. The club is already evaluating alternatives. Nkunku is one option; clarity on the Frenchman will emerge after Lyon's two-legged tie with Fenerbahçe for Champions League qualification. Fofana and Diao are also being considered. On the left flank, Roma like Luis Henrique but intend to sign him on loan with a purchase option. Cacciamani is the first choice; however, the gap with Torino remains wide—Roma have tabled €12 million (€10 million plus €2 million in add-ons) while the Turin club demand €20 million. Udogie is another option under review.