Roma step up Rodrigo Mora pursuit as Milan enter the race; Udogie targeted for left wing

Roma have stepped up efforts to sign Porto attacking midfielder Rodrigo Mora with an improved offer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The club is determined to strengthen the attack following difficulties that emerged during the British tour, with Mora identified as the priority target for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The 2007-born playmaker and winger is known as Porto's youngest ever debutant. Negotiations have centred on the structure of the deal. Porto president André Villas-Boas is demanding better terms on the obligation-to-buy clause before approving the transfer. Earlier proposals from Roma included a loan fee of 7–8 million euros with a purchase option of 42–43 million euros, which could convert to an obligation based on specific performance targets for Roma and the player. The Friedkin Group has been in close contact with agent Jorge Mendes to unlock the deal. AC Milan have also been linked with Mora, potentially as part of a separate package involving Gimenez. Mora has agreed personal terms with Roma on a contract through 2031 and is keen on the move, seeing it as an opportunity for regular football and a better tactical fit. However, there have been no direct contacts between the clubs in recent days. Porto manager Francesco Farioli stated on 14 August that Mora remains a Porto player and will be used when appropriate, dismissing market speculation as normal during the transfer window.

Roma have improved their offer for Rodrigo Mora and are pushing to complete the transfer soon. According to Fabrizio Romano, recent contact between the clubs has been positive, and confidence is growing that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will secure the forward. After two days of stalled negotiations, the Giallorossi have returned to the table with an enhanced proposal, and both parties are working to finalize the deal in the coming days. Mora's family and representatives have applied pressure to Porto, accelerating progress towards an agreement. The Portuguese forward remained on the bench for 90 minutes in Porto's domestic league match against Rio Ave yesterday, signalling his availability and potential imminent departure. Roma see the forward as a key reinforcement for their attacking options this summer.

Nahuel Molina made a strong impression in his first appearance for Roma, featuring for over half an hour in a 2–2 friendly against Borussia Dortmund. The Argentine full-back, who joined from Atlético Madrid for 13 million euros plus 4 million in add-ons, demonstrated his attacking thrust, intensity, ball control, and defensive aggression. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini identified him as the right player to elevate Roma's play on the flanks and bring additional international experience ahead of the club's return to the Champions League. Molina's solid performance at Dortmund surprised some Atlético supporters, many of whom had welcomed his departure after inconsistent form in recent seasons. The display prompted reactions on social media, with some observers drawing comparisons to legendary full-back Cafu and questioning why Molina had not performed at this level for Atlético. One fan wrote: "He left Atlético and became Cafu." Another asked: "Now he plays well?" A third joked: "It's clear that Madrid's water did him no good." The comments reflected a mix of irony and mild regret among the Spanish club's fanbase.