Roma target Nusa or Fofana for left wing; Cacciamani remains preferred

Gian Piero Gasperini cancelled a scheduled Sky Sport interview on the evening of 6 August to attend a dinner meeting with owner Ryan Friedkin at the Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales, where Roma's squad is on retreat. The gathering evolved into a formal transfer strategy session, with CEO John Galantic present to gather the head coach's assessments on ongoing negotiations covering contract renewals, signings and departures. Gasperini's decision to prioritise the meeting over the broadcast appearance signals Roma's urgency in the transfer market. The club faces mounting pressure: Fiorentina will visit the Stadio Olimpico for the opening day of the new Serie A in 17 days. Sources indicate the coach sought updates on the status of various deals in play across the summer window, reflecting recent developments that have characterised Roma's transfer activity this summer. The timing underscores Gasperini's belief that action must now take precedence over words. With the start of the season imminent, every opportunity for dialogue between coaching staff and ownership becomes crucial to building the squad and moving Roma closer to its objectives.

Manu Koné will rejoin Roma training on Monday after an extended break following the World Cup, Gasperini confirmed. The midfielder has been the subject of sustained Premier League attention during the transfer window, with Manchester United the most active suitor. Roma are willing to listen to offers but have set a €60 million floor on any deal. Manchester United's interest has cooled in recent days, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The club's scouting chief Christopher Vivell backs Koné as the ideal midfielder to strengthen the squad, but manager Erik ten Hag holds a different view. Carrick prefers either a player with established Premier League experience or a superior profile such as Tchouameni. Since the final decision rests with the manager, this divergence has significantly increased the likelihood of Koné remaining at Roma for the 2026-27 season—a prospect that will please Gasperini. The French midfielder, on loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach with an obligation to buy, has emerged as a key figure in Roma's midfield plans and Gasperini is keen to have him available for the full campaign.

Nahuel Molina, a left-back from Atlético Madrid, is on his way to Roma to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the club. The Argentine defender will join Roma on a deal running until 2030 at a salary of €2.5 million per season. Roma are targeting his arrival at Fiumicino tomorrow to accelerate the process, with his Spanish passport en route. The club has already completed terms with both Atlético Madrid and the player. Molina's signing forms part of Roma's ongoing transfer activity this summer. He will train with the squad upon their return to Trigoria, coinciding with the first session involving new recruit Manu Koné, who is wrapping up extended leave following international tournament commitments. Lorenzo Pellegrini, having recovered from injury, is also set to rejoin training at the same time. The arrival underlines the reshaping of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Nahuel Molina, a left-back from Atlético Madrid, is on his way to Roma to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the club. The Argentine defender will join Roma on a deal running until 2030 at a salary of €2.5 million per season. Roma are targeting his arrival at Fiumicino tomorrow to accelerate the process, with his Spanish passport en route. The club has already completed terms with both Atlético Madrid and the player. Molina's signing forms part of Roma's ongoing transfer activity this summer. He will train with the squad upon their return to Trigoria, coinciding with the first session involving new recruit Manu Koné, who is wrapping up extended leave following international tournament commitments. Lorenzo Pellegrini, having recovered from injury, is also set to rejoin training at the same time. The arrival underlines the reshaping of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Gian Piero Gasperini has become the driving force behind Roma's transfer strategy and squad planning, with director D'Amico and ownership The Friedkin Group now following his tactical blueprint. At 68, Gasperini has adopted a markedly different public approach than his previous style—eschewing confrontation for behind-the-scenes pressure in operational meetings at Trigoria. Where José Mourinho relied on provocative gestures, Gasperini works directly and methodically to impose his vision. The clearest example is Gasperini's influence over contract renewals. Though The Friedkin Group initially resisted extending Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gasperini's growing credibility—bolstered by Roma's Champions League qualification—allowed him to secure one-year renewals for both players. He achieved this through relentless advocacy in closed-door talks, pushing his case whenever the opportunity arose. The renewals came only after sustained pressure, with ownership finally conceding limited terms rather than outright refusals. Gasperini's next test, and the true measure of his market influence, centres on recruiting a left-sided winger capable of playing with his right foot. The success or failure of this signing will define how far his authority now extends at Roma.

Roma have moved away from pursuing RB Leipzig's Jens Nusa and now have Malick Fofana of Lyon as their primary target for the left winger role. The Norwegian Nusa, valued at €60 million, has complicated negotiations, particularly after declaring: "I have never expressed the desire to leave Leipzig." By contrast, Fofana, a Belgian with attributes that appeal to head coach Gasperini, has risen to the top of Roma's shopping list. However, Roma intend to proceed cautiously with a potential €45 million investment owing to concerns over an ankle injury that kept Fofana sidelined for much of last season, though early medical reports are encouraging. With the defence now sorted—including the closure of a deal for Molina—Roma's focus has shifted entirely to attacking reinforcements. Sporting director D'Amico is prioritising the wide positions. Real Madrid's Endrick is also available on loan, and Roma are keen to include a buy-clause similar to that negotiated for Nico Paz. The Brazilian prospect could feature across the front line regardless of a potential departure by Matías Soulé. Elsewhere, momentum continues building towards a contract renewal for Lorenzo Pellegrini.