Roma transfer window live: Luiz Henrique bid raised to €43m, Soulé's future holds key to final moves

Roma remain interested in Issa Doumbia, the midfielder now at Sporting Lisbon after his summer move from Venezia. Doumbia, born 2003, had already caught Roma's attention last summer, but Sporting's deal was already substantially agreed by then, and the Italian midfielder moved to Portugal directly from Serie B. He has recently made his debut for the Italian national team under coach Mancini. According to A Bola, Juventus, Newcastle and Brentford are also tracking Doumbia alongside Roma. Sporting Lisbon's intention, however, is clear: to secure the 2003-born player. The club has inserted a €80 million release clause into his contract to ward off interest.

Roma director D'Amico has identified central defender Gabriel Zarrella as a target for the future, according to reports. The 2008-born player, who has an Italian father and Brazilian mother and was born in Cologne, currently plays for Stuttgart's Under-19 side and has featured in two Youth League matches for the German club. Zarrella's contract with Stuttgart expires on 30 June next year, though the club holds an option to renew for another season. With Roma managing their workload across Serie A and the Champions League, the club is also planning ahead for January and beyond. Zarrella's father, Giovanni, previously spent time in Roma's youth academy, adding to the club's familiarity with the family. Roma are monitoring the defender's development, as is the Italian Football Federation, which is keen to convince him to represent Italy at international level.

Endrick came off the bench to inflict Real Madrid's comeback victory against Roma at the Olimpico on Wednesday night, turning the tables on a club that had pursued him extensively during the summer transfer window before Madrid refused to let him leave. The Brazilian, a 2006-born prospect, had started the season with just four minutes of action and his frustration was evident. For the entire summer Roma and Endrick came close to agreement, only for José Mourinho to block the deal from Madrid's end. Now, after a devastating half-hour display down the wing—dribbling and attacking that exhausted Mario Hermoso and Nahuel Molina before exposing Konstantinos Koulierakis—the landscape has shifted dramatically. Roma has maintained contact with Endrick's entourage throughout, aware that a January window reopening could provide a second opportunity to land the forward. Real Madrid invested in Endrick when he was still a teenager. The scenario, however, has now been altered by his commanding performance at the Olimpico, which made Mourinho's return to Roma all the more memorable. Roma will hope their strong interest in January can reignite a deal that slipped through their fingers in the summer.

Roma's loan contingent produced mixed results across European and domestic competitions this week, with midfielder Luigi Cherubini and midfielder Neil El Aynaoui delivering attacking contributions while others awaited their chance. Cherubini, on loan at Benevento with a right of option and obligation to buy, scored in the 93rd minute of Benevento's 2–0 win over Cesena. Introduced from the bench in the 79th minute, the 2004-born winger capitalized on a defensive error by Ilic, rounded the goalkeeper and finished to seal victory. He was booked in the 81st minute and initially had a goal ruled out for offside before his late winner. The performance earned him a rating of 7 from BeneventoNews24 and PianetaSerieB as Benevento secured a third consecutive victory. El Aynaoui, a midfielder on loan at RB Lipsia with a right of rescission, provided the assist for Banzuzi's opening goal after just one minute in a 6–0 Bundesliga demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. Deployed in the starting lineup by Demichelis, El Aynaoui contributed to a dominant first half that saw Lipsia lead 4–0 at the interval, including a hat-trick from Nkunku. He was booked in the 27th minute and substituted in the 58th when the scoreline already stood at 5–0. Elsewhere, defender Filippo Reale (Carrarese, on loan with option and counter-option) played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 away win over Padova, maintaining a clean sheet. Young defender Mohamed Seck (Foggia, on loan) completed all 90 minutes in a 3–1 home defeat to Potenza and received a rating of 5, criticized for poor positioning during the opposition's counter-attacks. Forward Artem Dovbyk (Bologna, on loan with right of rescission) returned to the squad after a muscular injury to his flexors but remained unused on the bench in Bologna's 2–1 away win at Lecce. Forward Robinio Vaz (Hull City) was named in the squad for a 2–2 Premier League draw against Everton but played no part, remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

Roma's sporting director addressed the media ahead of the sixth Serie A round at Como, expressing disappointment over key injuries while backing the squad to respond. D'Amico confirmed that both Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante will miss the fixture through injury, describing them as long-term absences that will sideline the players for multiple matches. "Sicuramente è un dispiacere perdere un giocatore importante come Svilar, ma anche Cristante. Sono infortuni un po' lunghi e quindi salteranno tante partite," he said, but added confidence in the available squad. "Però tutti i ragazzi che fanno parte della rosa hanno grande fiducia da parte del club e dell'allenatore, quindi credo che per Pierluigi come per Marten sia una motivazione e non un peso." D'Amico praised the work done over the summer and highlighted the importance of squad depth despite the absences. He stressed that renewal contracts for players out of contract carried the same strategic weight as new signings. The director also expressed optimism about Lorenzo Pellegrini's role going forward, having worked through a difficult injury period during the off-season. "Per noi rinnovarlo è stato come un acquisto, così come tutti gli altri che erano in scadenza," he explained. Ahead of the Como fixture, D'Amico outlined Roma's expectations: "Sì, i principi delle due squadre sono un po' diversi. Ci aspettiamo una partita bella tra due squadre forti. Il tempo di prepararla è stato poco perchè abbiamo avuto tantissimi giocatori in nazionale, però ci sono mesi di lavoro importante alle spalle. Ci auguriamo che sia una partita bella, uno spot per tutto il sistema calcio italiano."

Antonio Tempestilli, the former Roma and Como player who spent twelve seasons equally divided between the two clubs from 1981 to 1993, has assessed the tactical battle ahead between the two sides as Roma prepare for their fixture at Como. Speaking on the eve of the match, Tempestilli weighed the strengths of both coaches: "Entrambi. Credo che si rispettino e si remano a vicenda: sono due che amano attaccare, giocare a viso aperto; fanno un gran calcio seppure con principi diversi; proprio per questo mi aspetto una gran partita" — both Fabregas and Gasperini respect each other and love to attack and play openly, making great football with different principles, which is why he expects a great match. On Roma's form, Tempestilli stressed the challenge of the international break: "Ti può dare qualche problemino con tanti giocatori fuori, in giro con le nazionali: bisogna vedere se c'è stato affaticamento, sperare che siano tornati tutti a posto…però vale per tutti, a cominciare dal Como. Ora bisogna riaccendere il tasto della mentalità che la Roma ha mostrato fino alla sosta. Gasperini in questo senso è una garanzia." The long pause poses risks with players scattered across nations, but the same applies to Como. Roma must reignite the mentality Gasperini has instilled before the break. On Leonardo Balerdi's emergence as a regular, Tempestilli noted: "Direi che come definizione ci può stare, viste le caratteristiche; quando Gasperini lo ha paragonato a Baresi chiaramente voleva intendere questo. È migliorabile sotto alcuni aspetti e con il lavoro a Trigoria lo sta già facendo, ma la tempra e il piglio battagliero mi piacciono molto." He described Balerdi as having an 1980s-style defender's character, and said having multiple centre-back options is a fortune for Gasperini given the high number of matches ahead. Regarding Gianluca Mancini's slow start, Tempestilli insisted the midfielder possesses the right mentality and experience to rediscover his leadership. On Lorenzo Pellegrini's potential involvement, Tempestilli said: "Gasperini sa valutare ogni particolare, a cominciare da condizione e motivazioni. Una cosa è certa: Pellegrini è un valore aggiunto, resta da porsi una domanda: che minutaggio ha nelle gambe?" Pellegrini is valuable added value, but his match fitness remains to be established. Looking ahead, Tempestilli cautioned against reading too much into any single result: "Troppo presto. Piedi per terra, perché il campionato è lungo. Al tempo stesso, una cosa possiamo permetterci di dirla: sognare è lecito." It is too early to identify an Inter challenger, he said, but dreaming is allowed.

Roma will face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on 17 October in Serie A matchday 8, with Daniele De Rossi in charge of the visiting side. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad, with Rodrigo Mora returning to the starting lineup after providing an assist in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Matías Soulé will play alongside the Portuguese midfielder, while Emanuele Lulli is expected to replace Nahuel Molina at left-back, with Wesley confirmed on the opposite flank. Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal behind a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Leonardo Balerdi pressing for a place. Niccolò Pisilli and Marten de Roon complete the midfield four. Santiago Castro leads the attack. Roma's expected formation: 3-4-2-1.

Donyell Malen says his understanding with Paulo Dybala emerged almost immediately after arriving at Roma, crediting their quick connection to a mix of intelligent movement and quality playmaking from both players. In an interview with podcast Tutto in Piazza, Malen reflected on the partnership despite the language barrier—Malen does not speak Spanish and Dybala does not speak Dutch. "From the first or second training session together," he said when asked when the understanding was born. "I think it's a combination of the two things. Sometimes I move well, other times he plays excellent football. It's something we try to exploit to be dangerous during matches." Malen has impressed since joining Roma, and he attributes his goal-scoring form to maturity, squad cohesion, and the environment. "I naturally have played a lot of football in my career and I believe I'm in the right place, with the right people. I feel a lot of confidence from the coach and my teammates," he said. "I think all these factors together create the ideal conditions to perform at my best." Malen explained that he chose to leave Aston Villa because he wanted to play every weekend in a role where he felt important. On Italian football's tactical differences from England, he noted that Italian sides organize defensively with compactness, whereas English football favours more open play: "Here, some teams organise differently. For example, they know how to defend with five players and build a very compact defensive block, which becomes difficult to overcome. It's a big difference from England, where there is a greater tendency to play man-to-man and attack, with more open matches. Here it's not always like that." Malen praised Roma's squad depth, mentioning Niccolò Pisilli as very young but talented, alongside Matías Soulé and others. He highlighted Gasperini's demanding training methods as physically tough but beneficial: "They're really very hard. That's why I learned that word [for tired]. The training sessions are hard and Gasperini doesn't mess around, but it's a positive thing for the squad. Everyone is in shape and I feel very good physically." He confirmed his preferred position is central, where he feels most comfortable and dangerous. Reflecting on his youth career, Malen played for Ajax in the Netherlands from ages 9 to 16, then Arsenal until 18, before returning to PSV in the Dutch second and first divisions. "Having the chance to grow in different youth sectors was really important for me," he said. Malen also noted that summer heat in Italy affects the pace of play compared to England's cold and rain, and he dismissed claims he is a simulator or argues with referees, saying he prefers to stay focused. His standout moment this season came in the opening match, where he scored a hat-trick, though he emphasised the squad's strength and unity: "I think the first match went very well. Of course scoring a hat-trick was important, but I believe that, as a team, we are very strong and united on the pitch."

Donyell Malen has established himself as one of Roma's standout performers in the early stages of the 2026–27 season, scoring goals with consistency and forging an immediate understanding with Paulo Dybala. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Dutch forward reflected on his rapid adaptation to the club, his decision to leave Aston Villa, and the intensity of Gasperini's training methods. Malen explained that he chose to depart Aston Villa because he wanted to play every Sunday, stating: "I was the one who wanted to leave Aston Villa. I wanted to play every Sunday, it is important. I believe I made the right choice." His partnership with Dybala has flourished from the outset. "There is a connection, it is funny, I saw it on the internet. We have a football bond, football does not need the same language. From the first training session we got on well, it is both that I am good at moving and he is good at giving me the ball at the right times, we try to make the game engaging." Malen also scored a hat-trick on his opening appearance for the club and netted a double against Real Madrid. When asked what struck him most about Roma, Malen answered: "What struck me about Roma are the fans and my teammates. We all have the ambition to take the club to success, and that touched me deeply. It is a great club with extraordinary people." On Gasperini's demanding training philosophy, he acknowledged the difficulty without exaggeration: "Gasperini's training sessions are difficult, but I have never vomited. That is why I learned the word 'tired', I must say so. Sometimes it is really too much, it is hard training. However, it is good for the squad, we are all fit. We push ourselves, we train as we play." Malen is learning Italian and has absorbed key football terminology: 'Donyell', 'difficult', 'tired', 'very', 'hot', 'good', 'brave', 'penalty', 'referee', 'offside'. He praised several teammates—Niccolò Pisilli, Matías Soulé, Devyne Rensch and Manu Koné—as strong players with their own strengths. Malen expressed confidence in Roma's prospects, saying: "I have scored a hat-trick on my first appearance, I think we are very strong. We did not beat Inter by little, I think we can do something great." He also noted the tactical differences between Italian and English football: "Here the climate is different, it is very hot. In England it is cold and rains a lot. The philosophy is different too, teams are organized differently. Here there is more tactics, some teams defend in a block and it is difficult to penetrate them. In England they play more freely, they leave open space."

Roma will face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on 17 October in Serie A matchday 8, with Daniele De Rossi in charge of the visiting side. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad, with Rodrigo Mora returning to the starting lineup after providing an assist in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Matías Soulé will play alongside the Portuguese midfielder, while Emanuele Lulli is expected to replace Nahuel Molina at left-back, with Wesley confirmed on the opposite flank. Pierluigi Gollini will start in goal behind a three-man defence of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, with Leonardo Balerdi pressing for a place. Niccolò Pisilli and Marten de Roon complete the midfield four. Santiago Castro leads the attack. Roma's expected formation: 3-4-2-1.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 16 October ahead of Roma's Serie A fixture against Genoa on 17 October at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. The manager provided injury updates following Roma's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid: Manu Koné has sustained a grade-one muscle lesion and Roma hope to have him available for the Sassuolo match, while Paulo Dybala is suffering fatigue to his calf and may return within a week. Gasperini confirmed that young players including Santiago Castro will feature prominently due to injuries and suspensions affecting the squad. Gasperini reflected on the defeat to Real Madrid, acknowledging Roma's quality whilst highlighting the importance of reacting immediately. He said the squad has demonstrated value over recent months and can compete with elite teams, but must avoid moral collapses. He noted that Roma were reduced to ten men against Como in their previous match, and highlighted the specific damage inflicted by Real Madrid's set-piece goals: "Three goals from corners…I had seen three missed penalties and thought that was a record, the other evening we surpassed ourselves." Gasperini stressed the need to strengthen the squad depth, saying that sides competing in the Champions League cannot operate with a squad of only 15 players and that substitutions are essential. On team selection for Genoa, Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini can operate in midfield and that Bryan Cristante is being assessed with a view to facing Napoli. Castro will lead the attack, offering "a good opportunity" for the youngster. De Roon, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora were discussed as young players in development. Gasperini defended the use of five substitutes and set-piece defending, noting: "In such tight spaces, you defend anyway on the man, on the opponent. You don't follow him everywhere. It has always been effective; last year we won matches with Mancini, Hermoso, N'Dicka, Cristante…the other evening this happened." He added that some recent substitutes had performed well: "Mora came on well, Pellegrini too, Pisilli came on immediately, Koulierakis came on at the end." Gasperini emphasized that Roma must produce a strong response against Genoa. He stated: "Tomorrow we have a need for strength, conviction, energy…In the league we are protagonists, and tomorrow is a match that in one way or another we must pull out. If you win this type of match you recover players and give value to the players." The manager indicated that young academy players from the Primavera may be used if necessary.

Roma must rebuild mentally after their defeat to Real Madrid, with centrefield damage threatening to complicate their immediate recovery. Manu Koné is feared to have suffered a muscle injury that could sideline him until after the next international break, similar to Mile Svilar's absence timeline. Bryan Cristante will attempt to return for the Napoli away match, leaving Roma's central midfield options severely constrained for the Genoa fixture. Paulo Dybala's situation is more encouraging: the Argentine could even make the bench tomorrow despite the problem he sustained against Real Madrid. The mental challenge will define Roma's response; the technical gap over Genoa is clear on paper, but overcoming the psychological weight of the European night will be the real test. Gasperini's decision to speak at the pre-match press conference signals an attempt to rebuild group cohesion and restore energy after the European disappointment. In attack, a three-man unit of Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro is gaining prominence, aided by Donyell Malen's suspension. Emanuele Lulli could feature on the flank in place of Nahuel Molina, with further defensive changes possible. Daniele Ghilardi may start, though it remains uncertain how much Gasperini will overhaul a back line already subjected to frequent rotation in recent weeks. A probable Roma XI shapes as: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Castro.