Roma sets Koné price at €60m and opens Chelsea axis for attack

Roma have accelerated negotiations to sign Morato from Nottingham Forest as a defensive reinforcement. The deal is structured as a loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation under certain conditions. Morato's arrival would clear the way for Jan Ziółkowski's departure, with Monza waiting to complete the Polish centre-back's move. The two clubs are working through the formula of the transfer, with Monza pushing to include a right of purchase while Roma considers its position. Jayden Oosterwolde's situation has also entered a decisive phase after comprehensive medical checks. Roma and Fenerbahce continue talks, with the club attempting to modify the structure of the operation to reach an agreement. Optimism is filtering through from the negotiations. In midfield, Kessié remains the standout target, though Roma are exploring other profiles. The transfer window is entering its most active phase.

Roma's pursuit of Nottingham Forest defender Morato is progressing on the basis of a loan with a right of purchase that can become an obligation if certain conditions are met. The arrival of the Brazilian centre-back would free space in Roma's squad and clear the way for Jan Ziolkowski's departure to Monza, a move that is now in an advanced stage of negotiation. Monza, managed by Ivan Juric, are treating with Roma for Ziolkowski on a loan basis with the possibility of inserting a right of purchase. The deal would offer the 2005-born defender greater playing time and continuity in his development, while Roma are determined not to sell him permanently for less than his initial €20 million valuation. Parma and other European clubs have also made enquiries about him in recent weeks. A significant issue has emerged elsewhere in the squad: Jayden Oosterwolde has reportedly passed his medical tests with Roma, but the examinations revealed a different situation than the initial assessment provided by Fenerbahce. Recovery times could be considerably longer than the two to three weeks initially communicated by the Turkish club. Roma and the player are working together to find a solution, with no final decision yet taken on the transfer. Radio commentary from Aspri suggested that head coach Gasperini has clear tactical hierarchies in mind. On potential midfielder targets, Aspri said: "Gasperini has the hierarchies well established. If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become of great substance. There is Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's condition; he has a great love for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Discussion also centred on Roma's pursuit of Fofana from Lyon, with negotiations aimed at reducing the fee demanded.

Lyon manager Fonseca has named Malick Fofana in the starting XI for tonight's Champions League playoff return against Fenerbahce, kicking off at 21:00. The fixture has drawn close attention at Roma's Trigoria, as the Belgian forward is among the names being tracked by Gasperini's attack unit. Fofana is keen to play Champions League football, and Lyon's potential elimination could shift the transfer landscape significantly. Should the French club exit the competition, they may be forced to lower their asking price, which could alter both their position and the player's own stance. Roma are monitoring the situation closely and waiting to see how events unfold.

Six AS Roma players have been nominated for awards at the Gran Galà del Calcio, which takes place on 2 September at the Teatro della Scala in Milan. Sky Sport will broadcast the ceremony live. Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka for best defender, Manu Koné for best midfielder, and Donyell Malen for best forward. Malen has made a strong start to the season with a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Gian Piero Gasperini is also in contention, nominated for best coach of the previous season.

AS Roma will have a strong presence at the 2026 AIC Gran Galà del Calcio on 2 September at Milan's Teatro alla Scala, with the club nominated for multiple individual and collective honours. Roma is in contention for the award of Society of the Year alongside Como and Inter, reflecting the strength of its season. Five Roma players and staff feature on the award shortlists: Mile Svilar is a candidate for best goalkeeper, Evan N'Dicka is among the selected defenders, Manu Koné is listed among the best midfielders, Donyell Malen appears in the forwards' list, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is nominated in the managers' category. The gala represents recognition of Roma's competitive standing this season. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky Sport from 7 p.m., streamed on NOW, and shown on free-to-air TV8 from 9:20 p.m.

Gian Piero Gasperini deployed three different formations during Roma's match against Fiorentina, avoiding the 3-4-2-1 system that defined last season but never abandoning the aggressive one-on-one pressing and intensity that characterise his approach. The tactical adjustments were made to nullify Fiorentina's threats rather than to compensate for transfer market gaps or absences. Gasperini's willingness to shift shape underscores a deeper principle: Roma's behaviour remains unchanged regardless of formation. The side consistently attacks, with N'Dicka operating as a target on the attacking third and Mancini and Hermoso—later replaced by Koulierakis—covering the flanks. Fiorentina manager Grosso began in a 4-3-2-1 before moving to 4-2-4 when Roma went two goals clear. With Kean deployed alongside Pellegrino, Gasperini matched the adjustment with an identical system. The lineup featured Svilar in goal, Lulli, Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back, Cristante and Koné in midfield, and Soulé, Dybala, Malen and Wesley in attack. Soulé had replaced Mora at 2-0. When Grosso shifted to 4-3-3 late on, Gasperini responded by introducing El Aynaoui and Pisilli for Koné and Dybala, switching to a 3-5-1-1. This brought Mancini, N'Dicka and Koulierakis across the back, a five-man midfield of Lulli, Pisilli, Cristante, El Aynaoui and Wesley, with Soulé supporting Castro in attack. Roma scored a fourth goal. Gasperini's track record with such adjustments is long and proven, but the club now needs a right-footed winger capable of providing thrust on the break and winning one-on-one duels. The manager will learn soon whether Chelsea is willing to negotiate for Gittens, and after Lyon play Fenerbahce tomorrow evening, whether an agreement with Fofana can be finalised.

Zibi Boniek has backed Roma to fight for the Serie A title, saying the club can compete at the highest level after a strong start to the season. Speaking to Retesport, Boniek praised recent arrivals and squad depth while identifying a priority for the transfer market. "We start brilliantly with a beautiful match. Roma can fight for the top because it only has Inter ahead of it, we're on the same level as the other big clubs," Boniek said. He argued that Roma do not lack a left winger but rather need "another strong number 8", adding that any top-quality player arriving will strengthen the team. He singled out recent debutant Lulli for his fearlessness and praised Santiago Castro as "a serious and genuine striker", though he must wait his turn with Donyell Malen in imperious form and Paulo Dybala in "perfect connection" with him. On academy defender Jan Ziółkowski, Boniek confirmed the young Pole is set to leave on loan to develop regularly elsewhere. He also highlighted Niccolò Pisilli as "the most dangerous midfielder in the squad" who sees goal, saying: "If he plays as a starter he'll bring home 8–10 goals, he will have his space in a strong department."

Roma's squad worked through a relaxed training session at Trigoria on 26 August following their 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. The session emphasised technical work, with small-sided games, drills and possession exercises conducted at intensity and rhythm. Paulo Dybala stood out, performing a skill move past young teammate Lulli that drew smiles from his companions, reflecting the upbeat mood throughout the group as Roma begin the season on a strong footing. Devyne Rensch did not train with the squad, remaining sidelined by a muscular problem picked up in recent days. His absence marks a setback for the Dutch defender's recovery, though Nahuel Molina worked normally with the group and is available. The positive atmosphere at Trigoria underscores Roma's momentum after their convincing opening fixture, with players visibly enjoying the environment in which they are operating.

Roma are actively negotiating with Lyon to bring down their asking price for midfielder Aurélien Fofana, according to radio pundit Aspri speaking on Radio Radio on 26 August. Aspri stated that the next 24–48 hours would be crucial in persuading Lyon to lower their valuation. If the deal can be completed, Fofana would become Roma's primary attacking midfield target following the recent arrival of Rodrigo Mora. Aspri explained that Gasperini has clear preferences in midfield but faces a delicate balancing act. "Gasperini has the hierarchies very clear," Aspri said. "If someone like Kessié were to arrive, the midfield would become very substantial. There's Juventus and competition that, on paper, is impractical for Roma, but the news is true. Gasperini's doubts concern Kessié's physical condition — he has great affection for the player, but the operation is complicated and interesting because it would change the hierarchies." Aspri added: "The question is: what does Roma want to aim for? Someone like Kessié you must have." On the Fofana situation, he said: "Roma is trying to trim things to satisfy the board. They're working on Fofana, trying to lower the figure Lyon is asking for: if it can be done, then Fofana will be the 'Lookman' of this situation." Camelio, also speaking on Radio Radio, suggested that Kessié remains a possibility if Neil El Aynaoui departs the club. Camelio stated: "I don't see El Aynaoui concentrated: if he leaves, Kessié is a possibility." He went on to outline his preferred shape: "I would play with four at the back and three midfielders: Kessié, Cristante and Koné." Camelio also noted that Roma are seeking to alter the terms of the Fofana deal with Lyon, which as currently structured Roma had not approved. Other commentators debated the merits of the squad's composition, with Melli arguing Roma are already strong enough and questioning whether Kessié should be pursued at all given Juventus' rival interest. Vocalelli highlighted the broader congestion in Roma's attacking positions: "There's a bit of overbooking in the attacking midfielders: Mora, Dybala, Soulé, Pellegrini and the arrival of Fofana." He suggested that any move to bring in Fofana might be linked to Soulé's potential departure, which would create space in the squad. The discussion underscored that Roma's transfer strategy remains fluid, with decisions on multiple fronts — including the Fofana fee, El Aynaoui's future, and potential outgoings — still unresolved.