Roma's Mora deal stalls: D'Amico explores Fofana and Schade alternatives

AC Milan are emerging as frontrunners ahead of Roma in the race to sign Real Madrid's Endrick, with signs increasingly pointing towards the Rossoneri as favourites for the deal. Both Serie A clubs showed interest in the attacker during the summer, but Milan's position appears to have strengthened significantly in recent weeks. Roma may have an opportunity to discuss a potential deal with Real Madrid when the two clubs meet in the Champions League later in the month. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan have strong structural advantages in their pursuit. The club's RedBird ownership maintains a good relationship with Endrick's representatives at RocNation, with Gerry Cardinale himself close to the agency that would facilitate any transfer. AC Milan and Roc Nation have been united since 2020 in what was described as a "unique partnership, driven by innovation, community, integrity, and inclusion", according to the official announcement of that deal. Milan and Real Madrid have also demonstrated a friendly working relationship in the past, having previously completed a move for Brahim Diaz. Should Los Blancos require assistance with Endrick's further development, circumstances could prove favourable for the Rossoneri. Milan may also soon face challenging news regarding the fitness of Alexis Saelemaekers.

Manu Koné could have left Roma in the summer transfer window after Chelsea made a late move for the French midfielder, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini blocked the transfer. Arsenal and Manchester United had also shown initial interest, but Gasperini was determined to keep Koné as a key part of his squad. The midfielder has since justified that decision with strong performances in the opening weeks of the season, including a brace against Inter and recent appearances for France. Gasperini has now spoken publicly about why the Chelsea deal did not materialise. "There wasn't enough time. Also because these transfers involve bringing in a lot of people, even just to draft contracts," he said. The coach backed Koné to improve further, which he believes will raise his value in the coming months. "He'll have plenty of time to increase his value, even if he's already done so." Gasperini also acknowledged the backing of the Friedkin Group, Roma's owners, in keeping Koné at the club despite the opportunity to sell. "I feel the Friedkins' support, even though they're far away and rarely come to Rome. Galantic is here, but my goal is to bring them closer together." The midfielder's form suggests Koné will prove crucial to Roma's Serie A title challenge this season.

Endrick is among Roma's priority targets for the January transfer window after lengthy speculation over him during the summer. The Brazilian striker remains deeply unhappy with his situation at Real Madrid despite choosing to stay with the club, having received only four minutes of action against Elche under Mourinho's management. During the international break, Endrick's representatives held talks with Real Madrid's hierarchy to reiterate their frustration, but the club has made its position clear: no permanent sale will be entertained. Roma and AC Milan are both positioned to pursue a loan deal, the only avenue currently available. Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham, have registered interest but are unwilling to consider a loan arrangement. AC Milan already attempted to bring Endrick to Italy during the summer, a fact confirmed by Pato in an interview at the Festival dello Sport. The Serie A remains one of the most concrete and attractive destinations for the player in January, and Roma have the strongest chance of securing him on loan. Gasperini is pushing for Endrick's arrival, and Roma's director D'Amico is actively working the deal. The coming weeks are expected to bring significant developments in the pursuit of the 17-year-old forward.

Rodrigo Mora has been included in the final 25-candidate list for the Golden Boy 2026 award after receiving a wild card nomination. The Roma midfielder is among the leading young talents being considered for the prestigious recognition, created by Tuttosport in 2003 to honour the best Under-21 footballer of the year. Four other players—Mastantuono, Gadou, Kostoulas and Espart—also entered the shortlist via wild card selections. The final roster features emerging stars from across world football, many of whom have already commanded significant transfer fees from Europe's top clubs during this summer's market.

Rodrigo Mora has been included in the 25-finalist shortlist for the 2026 Golden Boy award, the prize created in 2003 by TuttoSport. The Portugal midfielder, who arrived at Roma this summer from Porto, earned his place in the final selection phase through a wild-card allocation. The 25 finalists were announced on 5 October at Villa Fürstenberg in Mestre. Mora's inclusion marks another milestone for the 2007-born talent, who is among the most promising young footballers in European football. The wild-card was also granted to Mastantuono of Fiorentina, Gadou of Borussia Dortmund, Kostoulas of Brighton and Espart of Barcelona.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has decisions to make ahead of the trip to Como, with injuries and international commitments affecting selection in midfield and defence. Matías Soulé, who has been with Argentina, is expected back at Trigoria only on Thursday, opening the door for either Lorenzo Pellegrini or Rodrigo Mora to start alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in the attacking midfield role. Pellegrini, who has not played since 10 April, is fully fit and ready to return; a start would mark his 350th appearance for Roma. Mora, meanwhile, is currently with the Portugal U21 side and is chasing continuity after scoring an overhead kick against Gibraltar. Gasperini has built a significant strength on Roma's flanks this season—a reversal of last season's problems. The club's wingers have created 24 goal-scoring chances so far: 13 from Wesley, 7 from Nahuel Molina and 4 from Emanuele Lulli, a tally that places Roma second only to Inter. The coach is expected to field Molina on the right and Wesley on the left at Como, with the Brazilian given a more attacking brief and the Argentine tasked with greater defensive responsibility, though Gasperini has signalled he does not regard the flanks as fixed assignments and may shuffle them during the match. Defence has also emerged as a major weapon. Gasperini described Roma's back line as a "difesa di gladiatori" (defence of gladiators), and the numbers back that assessment. Roma lead Serie A with 5.8 recoveries per match in the attacking third and 141 regained possessions in the central areas, generating 17 shots from high-pressure recoveries. The coach has several defensive options in Evan N'Dicka, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi and Konstantinos Koulierakis. N'Dicka could return to the starting line-up at Como in place of Balerdi, who is still with Argentina and due back at Trigoria later. Gasperini's defensive philosophy is encapsulated in one of his favourite sayings: "Si difende in 11, si attacca in 11"—defence involves all eleven, as does attack.