Soulé and Roma at an impasse as forward feels abandoned by club

Roma open their 2026–27 season against Fiorentina today but continue to work the transfer market. Director D'Amico is hunting a final signing to complete Gasperini's squad—a left-sided winger—after closing the deal for Oosterwolde, who is expected to arrive in the capital in the coming days. Gasperini has not abandoned hopes of securing Endrick from Real Madrid, according to La Repubblica, and is awaiting one last effort from the club. However, the Luis Henrique pursuit has collapsed: Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Inter left-back's move is officially off, as the player rejected Roma's terms despite Milan's willingness to sell. The lateral route has grown steeper, with the Chelsea winger Gittens a harder target after the club rejected Roma's opening offer. Il Messaggero reports that Lyon's Fofana remains a possible alternative, though much depends on whether the French club qualifies for the Champions League—a verdict comes Wednesday in their second leg against Fenerbahce. Oosterwolde will be Roma's fifth summer signing and is set to arrive today or tomorrow at the latest, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. D'Amico continues work on the attacking flank: after Chelsea rebuffed the first offer for Gittens, Roma are preparing a fresh approach at more acceptable terms for the Blues. The club also have Brighton's Ayari on their radar for midfield reinforcement.

Roma are stepping up their pursuit of a left winger to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with the signing of Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce imminent. Gasperini has been seeking a quick, direct attacking wideman capable of creating numerical superiority down the left flank since the start of the summer, and director Tony D'Amico is working to deliver the profile before the transfer window closes, ideally through a sustainable financial arrangement without a heavy immediate outlay. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens of Chelsea is currently Roma's primary target. The club has tabled a proposal to Chelsea comprising 3 million euros for a loan with a fee and 40 million euros for a purchase option, but the offer has been rejected. Chelsea, who invested approximately 60 million euros to sign Gittens just a year ago, are unwilling to let him leave on terms that grant Roma full discretion over the buy option; they are demanding either an outright sale or an obligation tied to straightforward conditions. D'Amico intends to continue pushing, hoping Chelsea's position may soften in the final days of the window. Malick Fofana remains a viable alternative. The Belgian returned to goalscoring on Saturday against Toulouse, and his situation is closely tied to the Champions League playoff second leg between Lyon and Fenerbahce. Roma continue to monitor him, though rendering the transfer concrete would require Lyon to open discussions on a loan formula. To date, Lyon has preferred to pursue a more lucrative sale, and Fofana's future could shift following the European verdict. Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain is also retained on Roma's list as a potential late-window opportunity, as the young left winger is viewed as surplus to PSG's requirements. D'Amico is keeping multiple channels open with a clear strategy: Roma want to give Gasperini a left winger, but without compromising on cost and formula. Gittens remains the hottest lead, Fofana the biggest name in reserve, and Mbaye a possible last-minute opening should favourable conditions emerge in the closing days.

Roma have ended their pursuit of Luis Henrique following recent talks with Inter that yielded no agreement. The two clubs had held discussions in the weeks before today but never moved close to a deal, with a key sticking point remaining a lack of economic terms with the player himself. Roma have now decided to abandon the operation entirely. The shift came after Roma accelerated their move for Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce, a deal that is now settled. Gian Piero Gasperini will use the Dutch player as a left-flank midfielder and potentially as a centre-back as well, bringing tactical flexibility to the squad and allowing Roma to consider the left-side vacancy essentially covered. The closure of the Luis Henrique path and the arrival of Oosterwolde mean the club can now focus attention elsewhere within the transfer window. Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico continues to work on further recruitment, and surprises are not ruled out in the remaining days of the summer window. With the left flank now addressed, Roma's efforts may shift toward finding additional quality and depth on the attacking flanks.

Roma will face Fiorentina in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season on 24 August at 20:45, with the Olimpico sold out for the campaign's debut. Head coach Gasperini has settled most selection questions but left unresolved a contest between Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora for a place on the attacking midfield line, both having been tested in recent tactical sessions. Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen will lead the attack. The squad arrives with the goal of confirming the previous season's strong showing, which returned Roma to the Champions League after seven years away. The defensive line appears set, with Mile Svilar in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. The midfield four will likely be Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley across the width. Rome's major newspapers offered varying formations in their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture. Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Tempo, Messaggero, Repubblica and Romanista all suggested a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–1–2 structure, though they differed on whether Soulé or Mora would occupy the second attacking midfield slot. Romanews.eu predicted a 3–4–2–1 with Soulé in that role and Dybala flanking him, while other outlets split between the two options, reflecting the uncertainty Gasperini has yet to resolve.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma begin their Serie A campaign this evening at the Olimpico against a heavily refreshed Fiorentina. The squad setup is largely settled: Svilar in goal, a proven defensive three of Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso, with Molina making his official Roma debut on one flank and Wesley on the other. The only genuine uncertainty sits in the attacking midfield position, where Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora vie for the spot behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Gasperini's formation hints at an attacking intent despite the tactical flexibility expected of the former Atalanta boss. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are locked in as the midfield pairing, with Molina's inclusion marking his competitive entry into the side. The Olimpico is set to display Roma colours in full, underlining the fresh start under new management in what shapes as a defining early test against Fiorentina's overhauled squad. Multiple outlets have converged on the likely XI. La Gazzetta dello Sport predicts a 3-4-1-2 shape with Soulé in the playmaking role and Dybala and Malen as the strike pair. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport both favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, positioning Soulé and Dybala together on the second line with Malen as the sole striker. Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo align with Gazzetta's 3-4-1-2 structure, again backing Soulé to start ahead of Mora in the attacking unit.

Roma begin their 2026–27 season at the Stadio Olimpico against a heavily rebuilt Fiorentina on matchday one. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces one key decision on the attacking third: either Matías Soulé or Rodrigo Mora will operate behind the Paulo Dybala–Donyell Malen partnership. The defensive block and midfield pairing are confirmed; Nahuel Molina will start on the right wing in his competitive debut, with Wesley on the left. Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera and Il Tempo all predict a 3–4–1–2 formation with Soulé in the number 10 role, ahead of Dybala and Malen. Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport instead project a 3–4–2–1, with Soulé and Dybala paired on the attacking line and Malen as the central forward. The back four remains unchanged: Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné make up the midfield base.