Roma's pursuit of Rodrigo Mora on hold as alternatives emerge

Roma have intensified their interest in Lyon winger Malick Fofana, born 2005, after the Mora transfer failed to advance. The club's recruitment team has recently stepped up contact with Fofana's representatives and Lyon, who are willing to sell for less than €40 million. Roma are preparing an opening offer of around €30 million structured as a loan with an obligation to buy under specific conditions—the same format proposed to Porto for the Portuguese target. Lyon wish to retain Fofana for their Champions League playoff ties against Fenerbahçe on 18 and 26 August, which adds pressure to negotiations given time is running short. Gasperini has been waiting nearly a year for a left winger to strengthen his squad. While Christopher Nkunku is also of interest to Roma, that path presents considerable obstacles. The move for Fofana would address a clear gap on the left flank as the 2026–27 season prepares to kick off.

Roma's pursuit of Porto winger Rodrigo Mora has hit an impasse. Despite the player's strong desire to join the Giallorossi, the two clubs remain deadlocked over terms. Roma has maintained its initial offer: an €8 million loan fee with a €42 million purchase option that becomes mandatory only if the club qualifies for the Champions League and Mora features in at least 60 per cent of league matches. Porto, however, has shifted its position, seeking to simplify the buyout clause by linking it to Conference League qualification and has reopened negotiations with Galatasaray. Mora remains available for Porto's Serie A opener against Rio Ave but continues to push for a move to the capital. Director of Sport Tony D'Amico is actively exploring backup options to protect Roma's position. Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana tops the alternative list, with the French club having lowered its asking price—though RB Leipzig are also monitoring the situation. Roma are also tracking Brentford winger Kevin Schade as another option to reinforce the flank.

Antonio Nusa remains a distant prospect for Roma, with progress on a move from Leipzig proving difficult. The Norwegian winger appeals to the Giallorossi, but the transfer is complex. Market expert Fabrizio Romano assessed the situation: "From the point of view of feasibility, little has been done on Antonio Nusa to Roma. As of today, Leipzig have no need to sell him after the sale of Diomandé. For this reason, the Norwegian player should be considered a frozen track for the Giallorossi market at present." The impasse reflects Leipzig's reluctance to part with a key player, having already completed the departure of another. Roma's priority target remains Mora, with Lyon's Fofana in the background as an alternative option.