Summerville makes difficult start to Saudi Arabia adventure after spurning Roma approach

Gabriel Martinelli has rejected a £38.4 million offer from Galatasaray, clearing the path for Roma to pursue the Arsenal winger this summer. The Brazilian, 25, turned down the Turkish champions' formal bid submitted earlier this week despite the Gunners' willingness to accept the proposal. Martinelli has just over a year remaining on his Arsenal contract and is keen to leave after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. Roma are actively seeking a new winger this summer after failing to land Strasbourg's Diego Moreira and Crysencio Summerville. Martinelli's rejection of Galatasaray removes a rival suitor, though Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri has also identified him as a potential reinforcement for his attack. Martinelli's struggles last season — reduced to playing second fiddle to Leandro Trossard, he made 11 Premier League starts and scored one goal across 30 league appearances as Arsenal won their first league title since 2004 — have made him determined to secure regular football elsewhere. Despite his recent difficulties, Martinelli would represent a significant acquisition for Roma, offering the attacking reinforcement the club seeks this window.

The Friedkin Group has taken a direct role in evaluating the financial viability of Roma's pursuit of Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese prospect born in 2007 regarded as an ideal fit for Gian Piero Gasperini's squad. Mora's family, entourage, and his lawyer have all pushed for a move to Roma, keeping the transfer at the centre of the club's market activity in recent hours. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, the decision now rests with the American ownership, who are assessing whether the deal can proceed based on cost considerations. The Friedkin Group is currently in close contact with club officials—including D'Amico and Gasperini—and Jorge Mendes, Mora's agent. Mendes maintains contact with Porto, but Roma's ownership is reviewing whether to make a higher offer and accept the terms set by Porto president Villas-Boas. The structure of the deal and its financial implications remain under examination, with the coming hours expected to prove decisive in determining whether Roma will move forward or step back from the operation.

Roma are stepping up efforts to strengthen their midfield wing options, with Tottenham's Udogie emerging as their primary target. The London club have rejected a loan-with-option-to-buy arrangement and are insisting on a mandatory purchase clause instead. Tottenham value the former Udinese player at approximately €25 million, though D'Amico is working to reduce that asking price. Udogie has already given his approval and is keen to return to Serie A. With other targets failing to materialise, Roma have identified the left winger as a key addition to their squad depth. Tottenham's stance on a permanent deal suggests serious intent from both clubs to reach an agreement, provided the financial terms can be bridged. The player's willingness to move back to Italian football strengthens Roma's hand in negotiations.