Torri: Dybala's priority is Roma, with optimism building over contract renewal

Roma and Inter have agreed a framework for the transfer of left-winger Luis Henrique, with the fee close to €30 million in fixed and variable payments. The Brazilian winger is no longer central to Inter's plans under Chivu, and Roma have pursued him since the start of the transfer window. The deal could be finalised soon, pending agreement on the specific structure and costs, though the player's approval is still required and has not yet been secured. Roma's sporting director D'Amico has been active in the market and is working on multiple targets simultaneously, including a separate deal for Rodrigo Mora. Henrique has been on Roma's radar since the opening of the summer window and represents the club's bid to strengthen their left flank. The fundamental terms between the two Serie A clubs are in place, but the transfer cannot proceed without the player's consent.

Manu Koné returned to Trigoria on 11 August and completed his first summer training session with Roma in the afternoon. The midfielder arrived back after a break following France's World Cup campaign. Roma published a video of his return on social media with the caption "Manu is back". Koné's status at the club remains uncertain amid reported interest from Premier League sides, who could intensify their approach during the final weeks of the transfer window. Any departure of the French midfielder would represent a significant loss for the club as Roma prepare for the 2026-27 season under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Roma have opened cup subscriptions for the 2026–27 season, covering five matches: four Champions League group-phase home fixtures and a Coppa Italia round-of-16 tie. Prices start at €31 per match. Serie A season-ticket holders receive priority access from 12:00 on 12 August to 13:00 on 19 August, with the option to select a different seat. General sale runs from 15:00 on 19 August until 18:00 on 26 August or until sold out. Two packages are offered—Classic and Plus, the latter allowing resale rights for all matches; seat transfers are not available. Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora is nearing a move to Roma, with a contract ready until 2031 and personal terms already agreed. Negotiations with Porto continue over structure rather than principle; Roma propose €25 million upfront plus 50 per cent of future resale proceeds, with an option to pay a further €25 million in 2027 to eliminate the resale clause. Porto prefer the buyout figure to stand at €25 million from the outset. Gabriel Martinelli remains under pursuit; Roma have opened talks with Roc Nation Sports, his representatives. Arsenal would consider selling for approximately €50 million, though his €11 million-per-season gross salary remains a sticking point as Roma seek to negotiate downward. In squad news, Manu Koné has returned from post-World Cup leave with no serious interest beyond a tentative Chelsea inquiry. Nahuel Molina landed at Rome Fiumicino airport yesterday and will sign a four-year contract today, becoming immediately available to Gian Piero Gasperini. Lorenzo Pellegrini, the captain, continues recovery from a right thigh muscle relapse and will rejoin group training after 15 August.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

AS Roma has constructed this fantasy XI to celebrate the club's 99-year history of attracting world-class talent. The feature categorises legendary signings by era, beginning with postwar arrivals: Alcide Ghiggia, who joined in 1953 after scoring in Brazil's 1950 World Cup final loss, and Juan Schiaffino, the other Maracanazo hero, who helped Roma lift their first European Cup in 1961 alongside fellow Uruguayan Manfredini. The 1980s elevated Roma's prestige dramatically, starting with Falcao and Vierchowod during the second Serie A title, followed by Cerezo, Boniek, Voeller, and Aldair, who pioneered Roma's succession of elite defenders including Samuel and Chivu. Cafu, who won the World Cup twice as a Roma player and once as captain of Brazil, anchored the right flank; his era also featured Candela, Montella, and Gabriel Batistuta. Later recruits—Maicon, Pjanić, Salah, and Edin Dzeko, who reached the top three all-time goalscorer rankings—maintained the club's magnetism for established stars. Paulo Dybala, still actively representing the club, exemplifies the ongoing mutual affection between world-class talent and Roma's brand.

Rodrigo Mora has agreed to join Roma. Director of football Tony D'Amico has tabled a five-year contract worth two million euros per season, including bonuses, for the Porto playmaker. The agreement with agent Jorge Mendes was reached yesterday after rapid negotiations. Porto's formal approval is awaited in the coming hours. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed D'Amico to complete the deal quickly, expecting two new arrivals by 15 August. Gasperini received reassurances at an emergency meeting with ownership at Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales. Roma plan to close the signing of the new forward first, then turn attention to reinforcing other positions: a right winger to deputise for Paulo Dybala, and a left winger to rotate with Wesley.