Udogie on top of Roma's left-flank search as Luis Henrique talks stall

Inter are preparing to intensify their efforts to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones this week, having maintained interest throughout the summer without exploring alternative midfield options. The English player has been excluded from recent Liverpool friendlies due to a hip problem and has signalled his desire to move to San Siro via social media. Inter are waiting for Liverpool to reduce their asking price, which the Serie A club considers excessive. Inter are unlikely to pay more than €30–35M for Jones given his contractual situation, though they are not seeking a steep discount. The strategy mirrors their approach to signing Djed Spence from Tottenham, who wanted to leave and will have more consistent playing time in Serie A. Should Inter move forward with Jones, they remain open to selling Luis Henrique, who is on Roma's radar along with several Premier League clubs. Inter value Henrique at €25M with room to negotiate the structure of a deal. If he departs, Inter would consider a cheaper signing—preferring someone more aggressive in the final third. Inter's midfield depth gives them leverage in negotiations, and the possibility of signing Jones on a free transfer in a year strengthens their negotiating position, though acquiring from the Premier League remains costly.

Roma are actively exploring departures in the current transfer window. Jan Ziółkowski is in line to leave the club, with several Arab clubs monitoring the Polish defender. The 2005-born centre-back has attracted interest due to his youth and established international pedigree, and Roma are awaiting offers. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini would prefer to move on Daniele Ghilardi instead, but Ziółkowski commands greater market appeal. The arrival of Koulierakis has squeezed playing time for the young Pole, as the new signing can operate as left-centre-back in place of Mario Hermoso or centrally to rotate with Evan N'Dicka. Matías Soulé also remains available for transfer, though no offers have yet reached Roma's Trigoria training ground for the winger. Updates on potential departures are expected in the coming days as the club looks to balance the squad and generate funds. Gasperini's preference for which defender to sell underscores the tactical flexibility now available following recent recruitment, with multiple defensive options enabling the manager to make strategic choices about squad composition.

AC Milan have completed the signing of Diego Moreira from Strasbourg on a deal worth €50 million plus performance-related bonuses, with the French club retaining a percentage of any future resale fee. The transfer represents a significant financial commitment, with Milan having already agreed personal terms with the 2004-born winger before accelerating negotiations in recent hours to reach a final agreement. Roma had actively pursued Moreira as part of their efforts to strengthen their attacking options on the wing. The Giallorossi tabled a proposal to Strasbourg of €35 million plus €10 million in bonus payments, also offering 10 per cent of future resale revenue. Although the offer was substantial, Strasbourg opted to wait for a higher bid, ultimately accepting Milan's superior package. The failure to land Moreira ends one avenue Roma had been exploring during the transfer window.

Roma will host Fiorentina at the Olimpico on Monday 24 August in their Serie A campaign opener, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini preparing a 3-4-1-2 formation centred around Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield role. Malen holds the edge over Castro in contention for a forward berth alongside Paulo Dybala, with Rodrigo Mora arriving but unlikely to start. Soulé, who spent the previous summer with his future uncertain, will make his first competitive start for the club against the Viola, who had previously pursued him before turning their attention to Mastantuono. Manu Koné returns to midfield alongside Bryan Cristante, with Wesley stationed on the left flank and Molina on the right. The backline consists of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso in front of Mile Svilar. Gasperini's setup represents largely familiar territory for Roma, with only one fresh face compared to last season's squad, though further market activity is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Roma are pushing forward with the signing of Rodrigo Mora, an attacking left-back on his right foot whom head coach Gasperini has pursued for over a year. With the winger deal in its final stages, director of sport D'Amico has turned attention to filling another gap in the squad: a deputy full-back to rotate with Wesley, the Brazilian number 43. Molina arrived days ago, but another option remains essential. Three profiles are under close scrutiny: Luis Henrique of Inter, Cacciamani of Torino, and Udogie of Tottenham. Each presents distinct obstacles and attributes suited to Gasperini's system, in which full-backs must defend and cover the flanks while supporting the build-up and providing offensive thrust. The 19-year-old Lulli showed promise against Borussia Dortmund, but Gasperini expects more from his defenders on the wing. Among the trio, Udogie stands out as the most polished and dangerous prospect. The former Udinese player combines physical presence with ball-carrying ability to break down opposition defences. His Premier League experience, hindered by muscle injuries to the thigh and knee, has allowed him to develop as an additional midfielder. At 23, the academy product from Hellas Verona recorded 28 appearances for Tottenham last season. However, following Spence's departure to Inter, Tottenham are open only to a loan with an obligation to buy, whereas Roma are seeking an option to purchase.

Roma will open their Serie A campaign against Fiorentina in exactly one week's time, but face an injury concern over two key players. Wesley and Pisilli were both absent from a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, and their availability for the first league match remains uncertain. Wesley has an ongoing ankle problem that will be reassessed when training resumes at Trigoria in two days' time; Pisilli will undergo a similar evaluation on the same day. There is optimism both players will be fit for the clash with Fiorentina. Molina is expected to be the only recent recruit to start from the beginning against the Viola. Manu Koné requires further assessment before selection. Matías Soulé will operate on the left wing, with Paulo Dybala positioned on the right. Lorenzo Pellegrini, meanwhile, needs more time to recover from injury and will not be included in the squad for the match.