UEFA squad limits and El Aynaoui exit could impact Roma depth, say radio analysts

Fabio Capello has identified Donyell Malen as the driving force behind Roma's third-place finish last season, saying Gasperini will need to work quickly to prepare the squad for their Serie A restart. Roma host Fiorentina at the Olimpico in two days, while Inter begin the campaign today against Monza. Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Roma's pre-season friendlies have not gone smoothly, but the test matches show where improvements are needed. Fiorentina, who have invested heavily in the transfer market this summer and changed their manager, will arrive in strong form after a difficult previous season and will want to avoid another year of struggle. Roma are back in the Champions League for the first time in seven years. Capello acknowledged Gasperini's work but stressed the importance of Malen, saying: "Gasperini communique has done, and I think will continue to do, a fine job but if he arrived third he must thank Malen. Very valid and dangerous. It is no accident that it was from him that Roma's market activity restarted." The winger's performances appear to have reset expectations for the club's summer recruitment.

Former Roma player Antonio Carlos Zago appeared on Radio Romanista's Romanista Show to assess the club's transfer activity and squad prospects for the 2026–27 season. Zago, currently managing The Strongest in Bolivia, identified Castro and Molina as the two principal signings of the summer, praising Castro for his recent form at Bologna and noting that his arrival gives Roma two important attacking options alongside Donyell Malen. On the Portuguese winger Endrick, Zago urged caution despite acknowledging his potential. "You cannot say he is already a champion—he must prove he is strong in a team like Roma in a competitive league like Italy's, where there are many more strong teams than in Portugal," Zago said. "Now things change and he must prove he is strong all the same." Zago reserved stronger criticism for Evan N'Dicka's defending, particularly last season. "Last year N'Dicka made too many mistakes and damaged Roma's defensive unit in matches where you cannot afford to slip up," he said. "N'Dicka I like, but this year he must make fewer mistakes. Roma must still count on him because he is good, but especially in the most important matches he must be more concentrated." Zago also reflected on his own Roma days, recalling an unforgettable moment involving himself, another player, and Gabriel Batistuta that unlocked a decisive victory in a title-chasing season.

José Mourinho has spoken fondly of AS Roma once again, reaffirming his emotional connection to the club despite his return to Real Madrid after thirteen years away. The former Roma manager, who spent two and a half years in the capital, reflected on his time apart from the Bernabéu and his affection for clubs where he has worked. When asked directly about his feelings for Roma, Mourinho did not shy away. "If you ask me if I feel something for Roma, Inter, Chelsea… yes, I feel something," he said. "I always want them to do well." He distinguished his attachment to Roma and other previous clubs from his bond with Benfica, describing the Portuguese club as having "something more" than the others. Mourinho also addressed his thirteen-year absence from Madrid, clarifying that he does not dwell on the past or feel nostalgia. He departed Portugal twenty years ago and has only returned for a few months in the year prior. He insisted that Real Madrid's subsequent titles belonged to Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, the players, and the organisation rather than himself, despite receiving calls from the club's president after each trophy.

Roma radio analysts weighed in on the club's transfer strategy on 22 August, with Piero Torri reporting that fresh contact between Roma and Fenerbahçe over left-back Oosterwolde is expected during the morning. Torri said: "I believe there are excellent chances of seeing Oosterwolde in giallorosso. The player appeals to Gasperini and Fenerbahçe has been particularly accommodating in providing—to Roma—all the medical documentation necessary for greater clarity on the conditions of the former Parma player. Further contact between the parties will come this morning." Ugo Trani outlined the wider squad picture, noting that Oosterwolde can operate as a left-back or even in a back three, as backup to Wesley. Trani flagged the forward position as Roma's priority. He said striker Gittens was pursued three months ago and now does not want to stay in London; Chelsea could open talks on a loan, though the English club has not yet discussed loan terms and currently considers him unsellable. Trani suggested Roma will attempt to close Gittens on loan, after which "with some money left over, you could do Cacciamani." He proposed selling Aynaoui to Saudi Arabia and pursuing Napoli's Anguissa, describing him as a player "like him" who would elevate the team. Trani also expressed doubt over the midfield pairing of Soulé and Mora for Monday's fixture.

Roma are pressing ahead with transfer business ahead of their fixture against Fiorentina, with sporting director D'Amico pursuing two final signings—a forward and a winger—to complete Gasperini's squad. Gittens is emerging as the lead target for the attack, with Roma seeking to bring him to the capital on loan, though Chelsea have turned down that approach. Lyon's Fofana remains on the club's list despite those initial rejections. Oosterwolde is drawing closer to Roma; Sky Sport reports continuous contact between the parties, with D'Amico targeting a deal to be completed in the coming hours. Koné is set to stay at Roma; Manchester City, according to Matteo Moretto, are shifting their focus firmly toward Bouaddi with a deal imminent. Nkunku is slipping further away, with RB Leipzig favouring the French striker's return to Germany amid ongoing negotiations with Milan. Roma attempted to sign Tel from Tottenham but received a firm refusal—Tottenham boss De Zerbi considers him non-negotiable. El Aynaoui may depart, with numerous Arab clubs interested; Roma have set a price of no less than €35 million for his departure. D'Amico is preparing a final push to complete the squad. Gittens remains the priority target for attack on a loan basis, while Fofana continues to occupy a place on Roma's wanted list. El Aynaoui is available for sale at €35 million or higher.

Roma are considering selling Neil El Aynaoui and Jan Ziółkowski to Saudi Arabian clubs to generate funds for further signings before the transfer window closes. The club has set El Aynaoui's asking price at €35 million, targeting a net surplus of at least €15 million after the midfielder's €25 million acquisition last summer on a contract to 2030. Roma are seeking €20 million for defender Ziółkowski, whose departure has also attracted concrete offers from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Neom. Combined sales would bring in over €50 million—the figure needed to finance a final attacking reinforcement in the coming days. UEFA Financial Fair Play rules have forced Roma into a cautious approach. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed the ownership and CEO John Galantic to accelerate incomings, but the response has been firm: no departures, no new arrivals. The proceeds from El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski would enable Roma to target Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, valued at €35 million by Chelsea, though sporting director D'Amico is monitoring multiple attacking profiles. This financial squeeze reflects the club's need to balance squad ambitions against regulatory constraints as the window enters its final phase.

Roma are considering selling Neil El Aynaoui and Jan Ziółkowski to Saudi Arabian clubs to generate funds for further signings before the transfer window closes. The club has set El Aynaoui's asking price at €35 million, targeting a net surplus of at least €15 million after the midfielder's €25 million acquisition last summer on a contract to 2030. Roma are seeking €20 million for defender Ziółkowski, whose departure has also attracted concrete offers from Saudi Arabia, particularly from Neom. Combined sales would bring in over €50 million—the figure needed to finance a final attacking reinforcement in the coming days. UEFA Financial Fair Play rules have forced Roma into a cautious approach. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed the ownership and CEO John Galantic to accelerate incomings, but the response has been firm: no departures, no new arrivals. The proceeds from El Aynaoui and Ziółkowski would enable Roma to target Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, valued at €35 million by Chelsea, though sporting director D'Amico is monitoring multiple attacking profiles. This financial squeeze reflects the club's need to balance squad ambitions against regulatory constraints as the window enters its final phase.

Roma's recruitment drive continues with three months to go before the start of the new campaign, as Gian Piero Gasperini's squad still requires reinforcement despite the imminent league opener against Fiorentina. The club's hierarchy is working to deliver two additional arrivals before the close of the transfer window: a midfielder and a winger. The arrival of Rodrigo Mora — deployed as a backup to Paulo Dybala on the left — falls short of addressing Gasperini's need for a dynamic wide player capable of breaking matches open with pace and technical ability. These acquisitions are contingent on outgoings; should players like Matías Soulé or Jan Ziółkowski depart, the number of incoming deals could rise to three. Among the targets on sporting director D'Amico's radar is Chelsea's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, an Elite Project client who has dropped out of the Blues' plans. If Chelsea confirm their willingness to negotiate a loan deal, the operation could accelerate significantly. Roma are also evaluating at least three attacking options while maintaining interest in Youssouf Fofana as a midfield candidate.

Roma are considering selling Neil El Aynaoui to Saudi Arabian clubs as the club works to manage UEFA financial regulations. The midfielder, signed last summer for €25m on a five-year contract until 2030, has been priced at €35m. Roma aim to generate a profit of at least €15m from the sale, calculated against the amortisation of his transfer fee. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed the club's ownership and CEO John Galantic for attacking reinforcements in recent days, but the hierarchy's response is clear: any new signings must be funded by outgoings first. El Aynaoui is not the only departure under consideration. Defender Jan Ziółkowski has also received approaches from Saudi Arabia, specifically from Neom, with Roma demanding €20m for him. The combined proceeds from both sales—totalling over €50m—would be earmarked for a new striker. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens of Chelsea has emerged as a target, valued at €35m by the Blues, though Gasperini is examining other attacking options as well.