Roma transfer realism: market unfinished but not hopeless

Torino defeated Carrarese 1–0 in a Coppa Italia match on 15 August, with a goal from Simeone early in the game, advancing to the round of 16 where they will face Monza. Left-back Alessio Cacciamani played the full 90 minutes and impressed particularly in the second half. Roma has made an offer for the player in recent weeks, but Torino director Gianluca Petrachi signalled the club's determination to retain him unless a significantly improved bid arrives. Petrachi told Mediaset ahead of the match: "Certainly he is a player who has performed well and is being watched by more than one club, so it pleases us because he is also a player who came through our academy, so it is a source of pride. And we hope to manage to keep him." On whether a fixed price exists or if Cacciamani represents Torino's future, Petrachi added: "I think if there had been a price he would already have left. The fact that we have offered resistance is proof that a proposal needs to arrive that is truly very, very important, otherwise we would want to keep him. That at least is our ambition." Petrachi acknowledged Torino's financial constraints, noting the club faces losses around 20 million euros this season and must complete some sales. He stressed the market remains "very, very complicated" and that several surplus players have not found suitable moves. Despite these pressures, Petrachi expressed confidence the club can build a squad reflecting the coach's vision over the remaining 15 days of the transfer window.

Roma are maintaining pressure to sign Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with general manager D'Amico also exploring alternative targets. The club is simultaneously pressing Tottenham for left-back Destiny Udogie, though a deal with the English club remains difficult. Matteo Moretto reported that Roma and Jorge Mendes are in continued contact over Mora; talks from yesterday will continue today as Roma awaits final approval from Porto president Villas-Boas. Mora, a 2007-born midfielder, remained on Porto's bench for the full 90 minutes in their win against Rio Ave. His agent had recently expressed frustration about the player's situation, prompting Porto manager Francesco Farioli to respond firmly: "Così non aiuta nessuno, la priorità è il Porto" (This helps no one; Porto is the priority). Alfredo Pedullà reported that Roma's interest in Udogie should be monitored closely as of today, with the operation from Tottenham assessed as difficult but possible. Barcelona may be stepping back from Christopher Nkunku, the Milan forward also linked with Roma, because the club considers his salary too high.

Roma's ownership has opened fresh talks with agent Jorge Mendes regarding left-back Rodrigo Mora, with further contact expected today as the club seeks to resolve a gap in the squad that has persisted for over a year. Mora, a 2007-born player, remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes in Porto's match against Rio Ave yesterday and his future remains undefined. The Giallorossi's director of football D'Amico and head coach Gasperini are pressing to fill the left-wing-back position, which has been a priority for some time. Matteo Moretto reported overnight on Fabrizio Romano's YouTube channel that Roma's ownership has been in close contact with Mendes in recent hours. The final hurdle is securing approval from Villas-Boas, Porto's president, for the transfer terms. Both the club's leadership and Gasperini consider this a pressing need, and Roma hopes to unlock the situation after what the club views as an extended delay in completing the move.