Roma transfer live: Malen attracts top clubs, targets Bynoe-Gittens and Fofana

Roma's move for Jayden Oosterwolde has hit a standstill after the club's medical team blocked the transfer on 25 August following instrumental tests that revealed a more serious hamstring injury than initially disclosed. The Dutch centre-back underwent medical examinations but scans showed a biceps femoris lesion more severe than Fenerbahçe had reported. The Turkish club estimated a two-week recovery window, but Roma's medical assessment suggests significantly longer rehabilitation, with fears the defender may require surgery. The Friedkin Group have sought a specialist consultation from Professor Lasse Lempainen, who operated on Lorenzo Pellegrini in Finland last season for an identical injury. In the coming hours, Roma will contact Fenerbahçe again and propose restructuring the deal as a straightforward loan. A decision is expected shortly.

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.

Roma are working on multiple transfer moves as both incomings and outgoings remain active. Jan Ziółkowski, the Polish defender, continues to attract interest from several Serie A clubs, and the Giallorossi have already identified a replacement should he depart. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma have identified Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, as the ideal substitute for Ziółkowski. The 2001-born centre-back currently plays for Nottingham Forest. The operation could be structured as a loan. Roma are keen to secure a defender's arrival before clearing the way for Ziółkowski's exit, particularly as Monza, under Ivan Juric, are pushing hard to sign the Polish defender on loan.

Paulo Dybala has chosen to remain at Roma and continue his experience at the club, rejecting opportunities to return to Argentina or seek a move to the Middle East. Now a mature player beyond the pursuit of World Cups or lucrative long-term contracts elsewhere, Dybala has full awareness of his role at Roma and appears content with it. His relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini mirrors that with his predecessors: the coach deploys him whenever he is fit, with strong understanding between them. Unlike some ageing players, Dybala does not require careful management to avoid fatigue-related injury; his physical problems arrive without warning and are not caused by wear and tear. When he is healthy, managers use him as much as possible. In Roma's recent fixture against Fiorentina, Dybala demonstrated mature football by placing himself entirely at the service of teammate Donyell Malen. Beyond an early attempt at goal, he operated to support the Dutch forward, seemingly keen to help him break Roberto Pruzzo's single-match goal record of five, set against Avellino in 1985–86. This reflected a version of Dybala liberated from routine responsibilities and focused solely on playing the matches that injury and misfortune have too often denied him. His choice of continuity at Roma, combined with his partnership with Gasperini and his willingness to elevate teammates, underlines the maturity of a phenomenal footballer entering a new chapter.

Devyne Rensch's muscular injury is not as serious as initially feared. An MRI on his left flexor revealed no major damage, with recovery expected to take 7–10 days; he is likely to miss the away trip to Lecce as a precaution after sustaining the problem during the match against Fiorentina. Donyell Malen's strong early-season form has reignited the race for the Serie A top scorer award. The Dutch forward has scored 17 goals in 19 matches for Roma, averaging 0.89 goals per game—a tally matching Lautaro Martínez's winning total in last season's title race, although Martínez reached it across 30 appearances. Malen is now positioned as Martínez's primary rival for the honour this term. Head coach Gasperini continues to manage expectations after Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. When asked about the title race, he responded dismissively: "You are a broken record." Gasperini's strategy is to capitalize on the fixture schedule and build momentum against Lecce and Atalanta, targeting 7–9 points before entering a more demanding phase of the season. Paulo Dybala has completed his entire pre-match preparation without injury or physical issues—a notable change from previous campaigns. Gasperini has praised his athletic condition but acknowledges that with Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia all running, he must carefully manage Dybala's minutes and recovery to maintain peak performance. Meanwhile, Unione Tifosi Romanisti and Associazione Italiana Roma Club have strongly protested the travel ban imposed on Roma supporters for the Lecce fixture. The fan groups argue it is "yet another unjust, discriminatory measure against Roma supporters" and point out that the Questore of Rome reported no incidents at the Olimpico during last season, calling for restoration of the "right to free movement of all citizens."

Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Roma's performance against Fiorentina, saying the club can position itself as a serious challenger to Inter and Napoli if they add one final piece to complete the left side of attack for Gasperini. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Stramaccioni said: "If they add one last piece to make Gasperini happy and complete the left side of the attack, in my view they can position themselves as immediate rivals to Inter and Napoli." Watching Roma live on 24 August, Stramaccioni was struck by their intensity and consistency. "It is rare to see a team play at these rhythms for 90 minutes," he said. Dybala's performance particularly impressed him: the Argentine created three assists from three ball-carrying accelerations and made a defensive recovery in the 75th minute on the halfway line. "In these conditions in our Serie A it becomes very difficult to stop them. And the chemistry with Malen is natural football chemistry." Stramaccioni also highlighted Koné's world-class level, praised Rodrigo Mora's previously missing characteristics, and noted the strength of Roma's Italian spine—Mancini, Cristante, and Pellegrini—all of whom renewed their contracts at Gasperini's insistence. Asked whether the title picture had shifted before matchday one, Stramaccioni acknowledged it is early with transfers and squads still being completed, but said: "Inter and Roma have made a very strong start: they have clear and defined ideas of play."

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.

Roma are working on multiple transfer moves as both incomings and outgoings remain active. Jan Ziółkowski, the Polish defender, continues to attract interest from several Serie A clubs, and the Giallorossi have already identified a replacement should he depart. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma have identified Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, as the ideal substitute for Ziółkowski. The 2001-born centre-back currently plays for Nottingham Forest. The operation could be structured as a loan. Roma are keen to secure a defender's arrival before clearing the way for Ziółkowski's exit, particularly as Monza, under Ivan Juric, are pushing hard to sign the Polish defender on loan.

Roma are considering Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, the Brazilian central defender known as Morato from Nottingham Forest, as a potential reinforcement should Jan Ziółkowski depart the club. The move is contingent on Ziółkowski's future; the Polish youngster is increasingly close to a loan move to Monza, which is working to secure him. Roma want to identify a replacement before giving final approval to Ziółkowski's departure. Morato would also arrive on loan. The prospect of Morato is directly tied to Ziółkowski's exit, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in mind. Roma are managing both situations in parallel: securing an outgoing loan while ensuring defensive cover. Morato represents a profile already accustomed to playing at a high level, with characteristics suited to a three-man defence setup. Motaro, born in 2001, is a left-footed defender standing approximately 1.92 metres tall who currently plays in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. He has spent several seasons in Europe following an extended spell at Benfica. His natural position is centre-back, though he can also be deployed on the left side of the defence and, if needed, on the left wing. A new avenue to monitor in the coming hours as Roma work simultaneously on Ziółkowski's possible exit.

Roma are working on multiple transfer moves as both incomings and outgoings remain active. Jan Ziółkowski, the Polish defender, continues to attract interest from several Serie A clubs, and the Giallorossi have already identified a replacement should he depart. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma have identified Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, known as Morato, as the ideal substitute for Ziółkowski. The 2001-born centre-back currently plays for Nottingham Forest. The operation could be structured as a loan. Roma are keen to secure a defender's arrival before clearing the way for Ziółkowski's exit, particularly as Monza, under Ivan Juric, are pushing hard to sign the Polish defender on loan.

Roma are considering Felipe Rodrigues da Silva, the Brazilian central defender known as Morato from Nottingham Forest, as a potential reinforcement should Jan Ziółkowski depart the club. The move is contingent on Ziółkowski's future; the Polish youngster is increasingly close to a loan move to Monza, which is working to secure him. Roma want to identify a replacement before giving final approval to Ziółkowski's departure. Morato would also arrive on loan. The prospect of Morato is directly tied to Ziółkowski's exit, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in mind. Roma are managing both situations in parallel: securing an outgoing loan while ensuring defensive cover. Morato represents a profile already accustomed to playing at a high level, with characteristics suited to a three-man defence setup. Motaro, born in 2001, is a left-footed defender standing approximately 1.92 metres tall who currently plays in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. He has spent several seasons in Europe following an extended spell at Benfica. His natural position is centre-back, though he can also be deployed on the left side of the defence and, if needed, on the left wing. A new avenue to monitor in the coming hours as Roma work simultaneously on Ziółkowski's possible exit.

Roma are pursuing Nottingham Forest centre-back Morato as a potential replacement for Jan Ziółkowski, who is being eyed by Serie A sides Parma and Monza. According to Sky Sport, the Brazilian defender can arrive on loan with a right of purchase. Ziółkowski, born in 2001, has been a target for both clubs; Monza have proposed a loan deal while Parma could move for a permanent transfer. The defensive reshuffle comes as Roma continue to work on both incomings and outgoings ahead of potential further developments in the Jayden Oosterwolde situation. Morato has played in the Premier League since 2024 and spent five seasons at Benfica before joining Nottingham Forest. Roma are also pursuing attacking reinforcements, with targets reportedly including Gittens and Fofana to complete their offensive options.