Roma are actively pursuing multiple attacking and defensive options in the final weeks of the summer transfer window, with a mix of loans, permanent deals, and ambitious moves under discussion across Europe.
The club has conducted a scouting approach for Mathys Tel, the 21-year-old Tottenham forward, to add speed and direct running down the left flank. However, manager Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly blocked the sale, deeming Tel unsellable. Separately, the Malick Fofana operation with Lyon—structured around €35 million plus bonuses—has been frozen following direction from ownership to avoid costly new investments without completing major sales first. Concerns over the Belgian's physical condition persist, though Gasperini continues to rate him highly. Luis Henrique, the 24-year-old capable of playing as both central midfielder and winger, remains a priority target. Roma have already outlined preliminary terms with the player, but Inter are demanding between €27 and €30 million and will not accept a simple loan with a purchase option. The club hopes Inter's position may soften as the window closes.
Among fullback alternatives, Roma are considering Hector Fort, the 20-year-old Barcelona defender, though he sits lower in technical director D'Amico's preferences while the club seeks financially sustainable solutions. Alessio Cacciamani, the 19-year-old from Torino, remains on the agenda; Roma have offered €10–12 million, but Torino chairman Cairo has shown no willingness to significantly reduce his asking price despite recent departures. Destiny Udogie, the 23-year-old Tottenham fullback, has become increasingly complicated—Roma have reached no accord with either Tottenham, who refuse to countenance a loan, or the player himself. His profile has consequently dropped down Roma's priority list. Jayden Oosterwolde, the 25-year-old Fenerbahçe player, has been recently proposed and can operate as a left fullback or centre-back; he may be available on loan, though Roma are carefully assessing his physical fitness following injuries in recent seasons. His candidacy could accelerate in the event of a departure from the back line.
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AS Roma's summer transfer window has been shaped by financial constraints that forced head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to abandon his original strategy of signing established stars. Gasperini arrived in June targeting high-profile names such as Greenwood, Summerville and Nusa but has instead built a younger, more affordable squad within Roma's strict UEFA Settlement Agreement wage limits. A pivotal moment came on 21 July when Roma sent an aircraft to Rotterdam to pursue Summerville, whose deal would have cost €53 million plus €4 million in wages and bonuses—a package ultimately deemed unsustainable. The collapse of that pursuit, combined with unplanned signings forced by market pressure, shifted ownership strategy toward youth-focused profiles rather than elite talent. Gasperini has expressed measured but evident frustration, stating that Roma is uniquely constrained by Financial Fair Play restrictions among Italian clubs and faces a UEFA "reckoning" after already receiving two deferrals.
With ten days remaining in the window, Gasperini is pressing for two final signings—a striker and a winger—though ownership prefers completing just one versatile player. According to reports, Roma's director D'Amico presented the coach with loan options including Chelsea's Gittens, who has underperformed since his €56 million move from Borussia Dortmund, and Luis Henrique, capable of playing as both trequartista and winger. Fenerbahçe's Oosterwolde, also able to play left-back, has been offered on loan with an exit clause and is expected to arrive in coming days alongside one further incoming player before the window closes.
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“CALCIOMERCATO ROMA MINUTO PER MINUTO – Tutte le notizie di mercato aggiornate in tempo reale di questo sabato 22 agosto 2026 sotto forma di “brevissima”, che interessano direttamente o indirettamente la Roma. Una rubrica speciale offerta da Giallorossi.net ai suoi lettori, per restare comodamente…”
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