AS Roma Club News

Roma's transfer priorities have shifted following the completion of Rodrigo Mora's signing. The club is now concentrating efforts on the left-back position and has deprioritised other targets, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto. Interest in Malick Fofana has cooled considerably. Roma had an agreement in place with the Belgian winger but has not given Lyon the go-ahead to negotiate further. A proposed deal worth €35 million plus add-ons was deemed excessive by the club. After restructuring the terms to bring Mora to the capital, the Fofana operation has been sidelined. Similarly, pressure on Alessio Cacciamani has been relaxed as Roma refocus their efforts elsewhere. Luis Henrique has become the priority target, with Roma now pressing hard on that front. The challenge now is to find agreement on the financial terms between player and club.

Roma have less than two weeks left in the transfer window and must balance incoming reinforcements with outgoings. While it remains difficult to move Koné on, both Soulé and Ziółkowski are on the market. Ziółkowski arrived in the capital a year ago but has not convinced head coach Gasperini and may now generate useful revenue for the club's balance sheet. Roma's sporting director awaits offers, but the club is already preparing a defensive contingency plan. Koulierakis has arrived and will serve as Mario Hermoso's backup in theory, but should Ziółkowski leave, the club intends to plug the gap by signing an experienced centre-back on loan rather than permanently. In recent days, Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce was offered to Roma. The approach reflects the club's preference to maintain financial flexibility while addressing defensive depth before the window closes.

Giuseppe Giannini remains one of Roma's greatest captains, a midfielder whose technical brilliance and unwavering commitment to the club were overshadowed by the collective misfortune that defined much of his era in giallorosso. Though never blessed with the silverware his talent merited, Giannini became a symbol of Roma's identity through moments of pure emotional resonance—none more vivid than his left-footed goal on 20 March 1994 at the Zaccheria stadium in Foggia, which helped rescue the club from the brink of relegation. That afternoon, under Carlo Mazzone, Roma faced oblivion: the team had not won a Serie A match in three and a half months, and news that Reggiana was beating Torino elsewhere had plunged the atmosphere into despair. With fifteen minutes remaining, a loose ball fell to Giannini at the edge of the area. He controlled the rebound and struck a left-footed shot that struck the post before crossing the line—a strike born of desperation and defiance. The Principe collapsed to the grass in tears, overwhelmed by teammates, weeping not just with joy but with the raw fury of vindication after two weeks of humiliation. His earlier missed penalty in the derby on 6 March, which the young Francesco Totti had won, had haunted him. Giannini bridged the eras of Agostino Di Bartolomei and Francesco Totti, guiding a Roma side built on heart and determination rather than technical parity with Europe's elite. Though he captained the club through near-misses—a Coppa Italia final return leg against Torino, a quarter-final collapse against Slavia Praga in the UEFA Cup—his legacy transcends trophies, residing instead in the vivid memories and bittersweet longing his presence continues to inspire.

Gian Piero Gasperini has emphasized the need for depth across every position as Roma works to complete its transfer business before the campaign begins. With over 50 competitive matches scheduled across Serie A and cup competitions this season, the head coach has made clear the squad needs two viable options in each role. Gasperini welcomed Rodrigo Mora to Trigoria as the club pursues further signings to round out the roster. Roma's transfer strategy is focused on strengthening the left flank and attacking department. The priority target for a backup left-winger is Alessio Cacciamani of Torino, though negotiations are complicated by the club's substantial financial demands. Roma is confident Cacciamani's desire to join will eventually wear down Torino's resistance. On the attacking front and wings, Malick Fofana remains the primary objective; an agreement in principle with both the player and Lyon is progressing, independent of the outcome of their European play-off against Fenerbahce scheduled for the following Wednesday. The club will also monitor possible departures involving Matías Soulé and Ziolkowski as the transfer window enters its final phase.

Rodrigo Mora landed at Ciampino yesterday to a reception of nearly 500 supporters as Roma completed the Portuguese attacking talent's signing. The 19-year-old expressed his gratitude in an official interview: "I want to thank Roma and Porto. I'm very happy to be here, and I thank the fans for the support they showed me at the airport. I'm very pleased and hope to have a great season here." José Mourinho endorsed the move, calling Mora "one of the greatest talents in Portuguese football. Technically very strong, a creative player who unbalances matches. I think Roma fans will love him." Meanwhile, Roma remain in talks over striker Malick Fofana from Lyon. An agreement in principle is in place for €35 million plus bonuses, but the deal is conditional on Lyon's European preliminary round results and awaits approval from the Friedkin Group ownership, who are reluctant to commit such a sum without significant departures or cheaper payment structures, mindful of financial fair play constraints. Defender Gianluca Mancini discussed the challenge ahead under Gian Piero Gasperini in an interview with Sky Sport. On competing in the Champions League for the first time, he said: "Yes, we pursued it for some years. Last season we secured it and we can't wait to take part in this beautiful competition." He added on Gasperini's training intensity: "I think all preparations are tough because you come from a holiday period and when you restart in the heat the first sessions are tough everywhere, what the manager and his staff do is put us in the right conditions to face the season in the best way possible. We as a group follow exactly what he tells us to do." Manu Koné is expected to remain at Roma after Manchester United withdrew from the race for the French midfielder.

Rodrigo Mora has become the first Roma player to wear shirt number 86, completing a unique statistical milestone in the club's history. The Portuguese arrival chose to retain the number he wore at Porto, filling the only gap in Roma's numerology from 1 to 99 that had never been assigned in the club's nearly hundred-year existence. Since the introduction of personalised squad numbers, no Roma player had previously selected the 86. With Mora's choice, the club has now filled the entire numbering sequence between 1 and 99. The coincidence marks an unusual beginning to his time at the Stadio Olimpico, closing what the club views as a statistical circle unique in football.

Rodrigo Mora has spoken for the first time as a Roma player following his official unveiling. The Portuguese forward expressed gratitude to the club and supporters after arriving at the airport, saying: "I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank Roma and the port. I am truly delighted and hope to have a great season here." Mora cited Paulo Dybala as a childhood inspiration and highlighted his eagerness to play alongside him. "During my childhood I grew up watching Dybala, and now being able to play next to him is something very rewarding for me," he said. He identified his ability to escape defenders in difficult situations as his main strength and expressed enthusiasm about working with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, noting that the manager favours number 10s—the position Mora prefers to play. Roma's passionate support also made a strong impression: "I remember the supporters who stayed with me. It is a very passionate fanbase and very loud. What struck me most about them was the 'noise' of the fans." Mora has worn the number 10 since age 15 at Porto's B team and intends to continue wearing it "for at least a few more years." He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Porto, where he spent his entire life, but expressed confidence in the move: "When I found out I would transfer here, I was truly happy." He also highlighted the lengthy negotiations: "As everyone knows, it was a difficult negotiation that lasted quite a long time. Honestly, I could not wait to be here."

Rodrigo Mora has completed his transfer to Roma on a permanent deal from Porto, signing a contract until 2031. The Portuguese playmaker, born in 2007, arrived in the capital on the evening of 18 August and underwent medical tests before putting pen to paper. Roma will pay Porto an initial €25 million plus 50% of any future resale fee; the club can cancel that sell-on clause by paying a further €25 million to acquire the full registration rights. Mora will earn €1.8 million rising to slightly above €2 million annually. The transfer concludes a complex negotiation lasting just over ten days, during which tensions emerged between Roma and Porto before the Portuguese club ultimately relented. The 2007-born fantasist made 80 appearances and scored 16 goals for Porto's first team. He will wear number 86 at Roma and has already begun training under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, joining squad preparation at Trigoria on 19 August. Around 500 Roma supporters greeted Mora at Ciampino airport as he arrived.

Rodrigo Mora's transfer to Roma has been completed, with the player's lawyer playing a decisive role in unblocking a deal that had become deadlocked. The lawyer revealed in an interview that the situation had reached a critical impasse midweek, with Roma distrustful of Porto, the player and his family uneasy, and even agent Jorge Mendes unable to understand what had happened in the preceding 48 hours. The lawyer intervened with phone calls and meetings to bridge the divide between all parties. Mora's exit from Porto was framed as urgent because of his relationship with manager Farioli. The lawyer stated: "The only thing unthinkable was for Rodrigo to remain another year at Porto with this coach, being slowly 'killed' without ever playing." The transfer resolves months of speculation during the summer window; earlier interest from Greenwood and Summerville had also circulated regarding the Portuguese talent. According to the lawyer's account, Porto obtained the agreement on the terms it had imposed, the player got what he wanted, agent Mendes succeeded, Roma secured their target, Farioli benefited, and the deal involved a €50 million fee—a valuation the lawyer noted only Mendes could have achieved for a 19-year-old replacement player. The lawyer emphasized that beyond transfer costs, bonuses, and resale percentages, the deal's true value lay in trust kept amid universal suspicion.

Gianluca Mancini has reaffirmed his commitment to Roma, dismissing interest from Inter and pledging to remain central to the club's ambitions. Since joining in 2019, Mancini has become the team's captain and emotional leader. "The heart cannot be commanded," he told Sky Sport. "I have a special relationship with Roma, I feel it inside me from the first day I arrived and it has only grown over the years. I wanted strongly to stay with the manager, with my teammates, to continue being a protagonist in this new year that is coming and to do things in the best way possible, because we deserve it as players, the city deserves it, the fans deserve it, the club deserves it. When you are part of a family it is difficult to leave." Mancini praised head coach Gasperini's preparation of the squad and outlined Roma's ambitions for the 2026–27 season. The defender explained that "what the manager does with his staff is to put us in the right conditions to face the season in the best way possible. We as a group follow to the letter what he tells us to do." On the title race, he noted that Inter start as favourites but stressed Roma's own credentials: "We are among those who will give everything to fight a tough championship." The focus, he said, is clear: "Not to be satisfied with what was done last season and try to do even better." Mancini also welcomed new arrivals into the squad. Rodrigo Mora joined recently, and Mancini recalled playing against him when Mora was at Porto two years ago, describing the impression he made as "very beautiful." On integrating new players, Mancini noted that senior figures help ease the transition—with Kostas Tsimikas, for instance, discussions quickly turned to tactics, environment, housing, and personal life. The Friedkin Group ownership, he added, shares a clear vision: "Their dream is to see a strong Roma, competitive, at high levels, and they have always shown it."

Rodrigo Mora has completed his move to Roma and received his official confirmation today. The 2007-born player, a former Porto player, has chosen shirt number 86 — a number never worn by a Roma player before. Head coach Gasperini will assess Mora's readiness in his first training session, evaluating his fitness and potential contribution to the club. Mora is the seventh Portuguese player in Roma's history, following Edenilson (1999), Abel Xavier (2004), Antunes (2007), Mario Rui, Rui Patricio, and Sergio Oliveira. While earlier Portuguese arrivals produced mixed results, Rui Patricio and Sergio Oliveira became memorable figures during Roma's Europa Conference League-winning campaign under Mourinho. Mora faces a different challenge from his predecessors and will have the opportunity to make an impact. Roma face Fiorentina on Monday. Mora is not expected to start the match but Gasperini may grant him playing time, allowing supporters to see him in action wearing Roma colours for the first time.

Matteo Marcenaro has been appointed to referee Roma's first Serie A match of the season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August at 20:45. The fixture comes five days after the announcement of the Serie A refereeing assignments for opening weekend. Marcenaro last took charge of a Roma match on 18 April, when Roma faced Atalanta. He will be supported by assistants Lo Cicero and Rossi, with Fabbri as fourth official. Abisso will serve as VAR and Giua as assistant VAR for the match.

Rodrigo Mora has completed his move to Roma on a permanent deal. The Portuguese attacking talent arrived at Ciampino airport on 18 August and was greeted by nearly 500 supporters who celebrated his signing with chants and enthusiasm. Mourinho has offered his backing for the new arrival, describing Mora as a creative talent with significant technical quality. In a statement carried by Corriere dello Sport, the former manager said: "Rodrigo Mora is one of the greatest talents in Portuguese football. Technically he is very strong, a creative player who unbalances matches. In my opinion he will please Roma's supporters greatly, fans I never forget." The signing adds further intrigue to Roma's transfer activity this summer as Gasperini's squad takes shape ahead of the new season.

Roma radio pundits debated the club's transfer strategy on 19 August, with disagreement over whether the Friedkin ownership will fund a €30 million move for Lyon midfielder Fofana. Pes stated that the club cannot afford Rafael Leao, whose salary would exceed Roma's highest earners—Mile Svilar and Donyell Malen on €4 million annually. He said: "The real issue is understanding whether the ownership will have the will to invest €30 million to close the Fofana operation. As of today there are no conditions to close Fofana; you have to understand if you can do a different formula or free up economic space through some sales, otherwise it's a matter of finding a different target." The €25 million investment for Rodrigo Mora and the tentative Fofana talks weigh on the club's evaluations, Pes added, while Gasperini's tactical system requires two reinforcements beyond Mora alone. Carina countered that Roma's market is unfinished, expecting the arrival of a winger and a deputy for Wesley. He assessed the current market positively and said Fofana's arrival would improve matters further, but stressed a lack of favourable conditions for Leao. Orsi suggested Roma needed another midfielder beyond the four from last season's squad, praising the Friedkin Group's measured approach to recruitment and Roma's merit in securing Champions League qualification by remaining competitive through a run of nine wins in ten matches.

José Mourinho has sent a message of support to Roma fans more than two years after departing the club, praising the Giallorossi's new acquisition Rodrigo Mora. The Portuguese coach, who was presented yesterday as Real Madrid's manager for the second time in his career, offered an endorsement of his fellow countryman during the unveiling event. Mourinho said of Mora: "Rodrigo Mora is one of the greatest talents in Portuguese football. Technically he is very strong, a creative player who unbalances matches. I think he will be very much liked by the Roma fans, supporters I never forget." Mourinho's remarks underline the enduring bond between the manager and the Roma fanbase despite his departure. The coach's continued affection for the club and its supporters reflects the connection he built during his time in the Eternal City. By highlighting Mora's creative ability and tactical importance, Mourinho has effectively endorsed the club's investment in the Portuguese midfielder, signalling confidence that the player will make an immediate impact at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma have offered Lyon €35 million in base fee plus bonus for Belgian winger Malick Fofana, with personal terms agreed, but the French club wants to wait until after their Champions League preliminary against Fenerbahçe on 26 August before finalising discussions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is awaiting owner approval from the Friedkin Group, who have already invested approximately €100 million this summer on Castro, Koulierakis, Molina and Mora. A sale would help Roma's finances and strengthen their negotiating position. Director of sport D'Amico is seeking offers for several squad members. No bids have arrived for Manu Koné, but Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski are available for transfer. Soulé has attracted interest from Fiorentina and Sunderland, while Ziółkowski has drawn attention from Saudi clubs. Roma value the Polish defender at approximately €20 million, which would generate useful profit for the balance sheet. With 1 September approaching, Roma must accelerate their efforts.

Rodrigo Mora completed his move from Porto to Roma on 18 August, arriving at Ciampino airport to a welcome from approximately 500 supporters. The 2007-born midfielder has signed a contract worth 2 million euros per season running until 2031. He will be available for Roma's upcoming fixture against Fiorentina, though head coach Gian Piero Gasperini may not field him from the start. Gasperini is expected to have Niccolò Pisilli and Wesley back in group training from 19 August, with Lorenzo Pellegrini requiring a few more days before returning to full availability. The match against Fiorentina has already generated exceptional demand: Roma's 62,000 allocation of tickets sold out, and supporters are now being offered seats in the visiting section following the Fiorentina travel ban. Roma continue to pursue midfielder Fofana, who started for Lyon in a Champions League play-off first leg against Fenerbahce on 18 August. The club is studying a formula involving a loan with a fee plus an obligation to buy for approximately 35 million euros. Roma also remain active in identifying Wesley's midfield backup, with Cacciamani, Udogie and Luis Henrique among the candidates under consideration.

Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora landed at Rome's Ciampino airport on 18 August at 18:20, where he was greeted by Roma supporters before undergoing medical tests and completing his contract signing. Mora will wear the number 86 shirt, the same number he has used since Porto's youth academy. He explained his choice: "There weren't many numbers to choose from and the 86 seemed the most beautiful to me. And it stayed that way." Roma's third kit for the 2026–27 season will be officially presented on 9 September. The strip is expected to be black with white designs, a central crest, darker details on the shoulders, and yellow-and-red trim. Elsewhere, Roma sounded out Rafael Leão early in the transfer window through contact with his representatives, but subsequently shifted focus to other targets. Leão is reportedly unwilling to consider moves within Italy, and his wage demands are considered difficult for Roma to sustain. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio that Mora and Castro will prove useful to Gasperini's tactical system, with Roma presently targeting Champions League qualification. Commentator Stefano Carina noted that midfielder Fofana was Gasperini's requested signing, but the club also needs goalscoring players; the arrival of a left-sided winger would complete Roma's recruitment.

Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora landed at Ciampino airport on 18 August at approximately 18:20, where Roma supporters gathered to welcome him to the club. Mora greeted the assembled fans before departing to complete his medical examination and sign the contract that will bind him to the giallorossi for the coming years. The arrival marks a significant moment for Roma and its fanbase, who created a festive atmosphere at the airport to give Mora an early taste of the Roman and Roma experience. The Portuguese player's imminent signing represents a new addition to Gasperini's squad as the club prepares for the 2026-27 season.

Rodrigo Mora landed at Rome's Ciampino airport on 18 August as AS Roma's fourth summer acquisition. The Portuguese talent joins on a permanent transfer for approximately €25 million, with a 50 per cent sell-on clause included in the deal. Hundreds of Roma supporters gathered at the airport to welcome the new arrival, with scenes of singing and applause as he touched down. Mora follows Castro, Koulierakis and Molina into the Roma squad this summer. The signing underscores the club's ambitious recruitment drive ahead of the 2026–27 season under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The airport reception reflected strong fan engagement with the transfer window activity, with supporters' numbers growing throughout the afternoon as news of Mora's imminent arrival spread.

Rodrigo Mora is set to become a Roma player. In 2024, the Portuguese forward had placed Totti on the podium in a blind ranking, ahead of even Zidane.

Nahuel Molina has been exploring Rome since his recent arrival at the club. The Argentine full-back visited the well-known restaurant La Villetta dal 1940 in recent days to sample local specialities, with video and photographs from the evening shared on social media showing him smiling inside the establishment wearing his number 20 shirt. The restaurant posted on social media: "Oste and La Villetta dal 1940 on the Aventine bring good fortune. A great honour to have you at dinner Nahuel Molina. Welcome to Rome!" The post captured Molina's early integration into life at the capital, with the player settling into his new surroundings ahead of the season.

Roma's transfers from Portugal and to Porto have yielded both triumphs and disappointments across the club's history. Rodrigo Mora would become the ninth Portuguese player in Roma's story, and the seventh to have represented both Roma and a Portuguese club. Edinilson was the first chronologically, arriving from Boavista between 1999 and 2001 with just one appearance before moving to Benfica. Abel Xavier followed in 2004 from Hannover, managing only four appearances in a single season. Vitorino Antunes, a left-back signed from Paços de Ferreira in 2007, accumulated nine total appearances before departing on loan to Lecce, Leixões, Livorno and Panionios. Mario Rui arrived on loan with an obligation to buy from Empoli in summer 2016 but suffered a cruciate ligament injury in training at a Boston retreat after barely a month, appearing nine times before joining Napoli. Rui Patrício and Sergio Oliveira form Roma's most successful Portuguese duo. Patrício spent three intense seasons and proved decisive in Tirana during the Conference League victory under José Mourinho. Oliveira, the only player alongside Marcano to move directly from Porto to Roma, also won the Conference. Later arrivals Renato Sanches (12 appearances in 2023) and Joao Costa (five appearances from the academy) had insufficient impact. José Valle played three seasons at Roma in 1947 before finishing his career in Portugal.

Roma continue work to complete the arrival of Rodrigo Mora as soon as possible, with negotiations advancing significantly. The club's players are resting ahead of their return to Trigoria for pre-season training. Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini awaits developments in what supporters are describing as a period of anticipation for the club. Vincent Candela, speaking on Radio Romanista, reflected on his relationship with Franco Sensi and discussed the squad available to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as Roma prepare for the new season.

Former Roma defender Vincent Candela has paid tribute to late president Franco Sensi, recalling their strong relationship during his time at the club. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Candela expressed gratitude to Sensi for bringing him to Rome and helping him grow as a man and father. He described Sensi as deeply passionate about Roma, noting his ambitious signings such as Gabriel Batistuta and saying: "The time passes quickly, but what he did for Roma is enormous. He bought Batistuta, he spent a lot of money…! Roma was his passion." Candela also reflected on Roma's current campaign under Gasperini following their return to the Champions League after seven years. He backed the club to strengthen further before the transfer window closes on 31 August, saying: "The squad was already strong and that is important; if two more elements arrive it is perfect. We need to be more competitive." Candela highlighted the importance of the upcoming season, particularly given Roma's centenary anniversary, and stressed that the squad is compact and unified heading into what he believes will be a significant year. On midfielder Manu Koné, Candela noted that while he was already strong when he arrived, Gasperini has improved him. He suggested Koné can develop further in his final pass and shooting, though he acknowledged the midfielder's defensive strengths, saying he "recovers the ball well" and "is secure with Pisilli and Cristante." Candela added that Roma has multiple attacking options available and that Gasperini's tactical approach may differ from that used at international level.

Candela has spoken on Radio Romanista about his time under Franco Sensi, Roma's former president, recalling moments that defined their relationship. He remembered Sensi's commitment to the club, noting his significant spending on players including Batistuta, and described him as a passionate administrator who spoke as a supporter. Candela shared a poignant memory of his departure, saying Sensi told him: "Vincent, I'm putting you in my garden!" — a reflection of the president's affection for his players. Turning to Roma's current campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini, Candela praised the group's strength after returning to the Champions League following seven years away. He said the squad is compact and united, and expressed optimism about the season ahead, particularly noting the significance of Roma's centenary. He acknowledged that if two additional players arrive before 31 August, it would strengthen the team's competitiveness. He singled out Manu Koné for praise, saying the midfielder "was already strong when he arrived, but the manager has improved him," though he suggested room for growth in his final pass and shooting. Candela noted that Roma has several attacking options to choose from, and suggested the tactical approach under Gasperini may differ from that of Deschamps at international level.

Rodrigo Mora is preparing to join Roma after the club's legal departments began exchanging contracts on 17 August. The Portuguese teenager, born in 2007, will become Roma's fourth summer signing once all contractual clauses are finalised. Head coach Gasperini is set to welcome the left winger, with the Friedkin Group having approved an outright purchase rather than a loan with optional or mandatory redemption terms. Roma will pay €25 million upfront, with the selling club retaining 50 per cent of any future transfer fee. Roma can acquire full ownership by paying an additional €20–25 million. Mora has signed a contract running until 2031 at wages starting at €1.8 million annually and rising slightly above €2 million. Agent Jorge Mendes negotiated a €120 million release clause into the deal, reflecting confidence from both the representative and Gasperini in the player's potential. The deal resolves an earlier impasse over the transfer structure, with director D'Amico reverting to the original formula after discussions around a loan arrangement stalled. Gasperini will finally fill the left-footed wide player role on the right flank, a position the club has sought to reinforce for over a year.

AS Roma and Porto have moved significantly closer to completing the transfer of Rodrigo Mora, with the Friedkin Group adjusting their offer to meet Porto president Villas Boas's demands. After days of protracted negotiations and tension between the clubs, a deal structure has emerged: Roma will pay €25 million for a permanent transfer plus 50% of any future resale fee, with an option to cancel the resale clause in 2027 by paying an additional €20 million. Agent Jorge Mendes played a key role in rebuilding the relationship between the two parties after earlier friction. Mora's desire to join Roma has never wavered, and he will now be accommodated. The player will sign a contract running until 2031 with a salary structure starting at €1.8 million and rising slightly above €2 million. The deal represents a significant move by the Friedkin Group to break the deadlock, signalling their commitment to strengthening the squad ahead of the new season. With Mora's arrival imminent, Roma's transfer strategy will shift focus to the wings. Head coach Gasperini is seeking reinforcement on the flanks, particularly on the left side, despite young prospect Lulli impressing in pre-season friendlies. Three names are under consideration: Cacciamani, Udogie, and Luis Henrique. The Brazilian winger, who can operate on either flank, has signalled openness to a move to Rome, with a final decision expected in the coming days.

Arsenal have left Gabriel Martinelli out of their Community Shield squad to face Manchester City today, signalling the club's willingness to offload the 25-year-old Brazilian forward. Roma have identified Martinelli as a potential target after he fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium last season, though he has already rejected an approach from Galatasaray in favour of remaining in Europe's top five leagues. Gian Piero Gasperini is seeking to bolster Roma's attacking options following the club's return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018–19. Roma have already missed out on Crysencio Summerville, who joined Al-Hilal, while their pursuit of Strasbourg's Diego Moreira remains complicated. Martinelli's availability is being considered as an alternative, though the move carries significant uncertainty given that Matías Soulé could leave the Stadio Olimpico. Despite losing his starting position at Arsenal, Martinelli would represent a major signing for Roma, bringing Premier League experience and proven goalscoring ability. However, any deal would require substantial investment. Martinelli's contract expires next summer, but it may take up to €40 million to complete the transfer. Arteta's decision to exclude him from today's squad suggests Arsenal are prepared to negotiate his departure.

Roma completed their preseason with a 2–2 draw at Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, a result that offered modest relief but failed to silence concerns about the squad's readiness. Gasperini's side appeared disjointed and defensive lapses were evident, with Mile Svilar's saves in the second half preventing a heavier defeat. The summer preparation has been fragmented, beginning at Trigoria with friendlies against Primavera and Trastevere (both 6–0), a 3–3 with Cannes, then a trip to Wales where Roma beat Newport County 4–1 but lost to Cardiff City 4–1. A 3–0 defeat to Brighton added to unease. However, the article draws a historical parallel to the summer of 2000, when Fabio Capello's Roma side endured a far more turbulent preseason—6 wins, 2 draws, and 4 defeats against sides including Real Oviedo, Celta Vigo, and Racing Santander—yet went on to win the Scudetto. That preseason ran until 10 September because Serie A did not begin until 1 October 2000 due to the Sydney Olympics. The article highlights a striking coincidence in transfer strategy. Gabriel Batistuta was signed by Roma in May 2000 for 70 billion lire (equivalent to €36.15 million in 2002 currency conversion), becoming the cornerstone of that title-winning season. This summer, Santiago Castro arrived as Gasperini's primary centre-forward addition, signed for the same amount in fixed fee and bonus. Both are Argentine strikers secured at identical valuations, offering Roma supporters historical grounds for optimism.

Roma will return to training at Trigoria on Wednesday morning to prepare for their Serie A season debut against Fiorentina on Monday 24 August at 20:45. The squad concludes their summer pre-season with a draw away at Dortmund. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues to pursue reinforcements in the transfer market, with a left winger still the priority. Negotiations remain ongoing for Rodrigo Mora, while Udogie has emerged as an alternative target and has already accepted Roma's proposal.

Mats Hummels was honoured by both Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma before a friendly between the two clubs on 15 August 2026. The former defender, who spent significant time with both organisations in the latter stages of his career, greeted former Roma teammates and staff members ahead of kick-off. Before the match, Hummels received two commemorative plaques in recognition of the bonds he built with each club. Roma's CEO John Galantic personally presented the Giallorossi's plaque to the ex-centre-back. The friendly offered Hummels an emotional return to the Roma world and a chance to reconnect with the club that formed a key chapter in his recent playing history.

Francesco Totti featured in a video posted by his partner Noemi on Ferragosto (15 August), in which the Roma legend was seen diving while the song 'Solo' — the closing track from his documentary — played in the background. The video captured a nostalgic moment for the former number 10, whose illustrious career at the Stadio Olimpico spanned from 1992 to 2017. The appearance continues Totti's presence in the public eye as discussions remain active regarding his potential involvement in Roma's plans for the club's centenary in 2027. Totti remains one of the most iconic figures in the club's history, having scored 307 goals for the Giallorossi, including 250 in Serie A during his 25-year tenure. The lighthearted content shared on social media underscores the enduring affection between Totti and the Roma fanbase, maintaining his connection to the club even in retirement.

Crysencio Summerville missed a gilt-edged chance on his debut in the Saudi Pro League, blazing over from close range when clean through on goal in what would have been a straightforward finish. The former West Ham forward, who came close to joining Roma in recent weeks before accepting a lucrative move to the Middle East, was visibly frustrated after squandering the opportunity in front of goal. Summerville's misfire came during Al Hilal's 4–2 victory over Al-Faisaly on 14 August. Benzema (penalty), Malcolm and Ruben Neves, who scored twice from the spot, netted the winning goals. The miss has drawn sharp commentary on social media, with supporters suggesting Roma avoided a potential pitfall by not pursuing the deal. The Giallorossi continue to hunt for attacking reinforcements on the wing, with Mora and Fofana among the names under consideration.

Roma's pre-season preparations are nearing completion with a friendly against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on 15 August at 17:30. The squad arrived in Germany for the final stage of their training camp, where they took time to meet supporters, signing autographs and posing for photographs. A delegation from Roma Club Amsterdam, led by president Matteo Concutelli, joined the players for the interaction. The friendly marks the closing fixture of Roma's summer build-up under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The session in Dortmund provided an opportunity for the squad to connect with travelling fans during the retreat. Photographs from the Germany training camp have been shared showing the players' engagement with the supporters on the final day of the camp.

Radio commentators have offered sharp assessments of Roma's summer transfer activity. Piero Torri told Radio Manà Manà that Roma has made poor decisions in the market, spending €90 million without selling anyone. He singled out Çelik and Summerville as problematic acquisitions, and questioned the logic of signing a centre-forward when three were already at the club—citing Castro as an unnecessary purchase. He also criticised the €13 million outlay for a sixth defender as lacking strategic sense. "With €90 million you've taken two reserves and you haven't filled the gaps," Torri said. Alessandro Santoro noted that Gasperini described Roma as a diesel engine—a contrast to last season—in a calm pre-match conversation before the Trastevere fixture. Santoro added that Koulierakis was not a necessary signing and that speculation about Ziolkowski moving to Saudi Arabia came to nothing. Stefano Petrucci offered a different angle, suggesting that Gasperini has now identified the core problem at Roma—and that it was not sporting director Massara. "Gasperini has understood what the real problem at Roma is and it wasn't Massara: now with D'Amico he is more at ease, but he is very worried about the situation," Petrucci said.

Roma face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday 15 August at 17:30 at Signal Iduna Park in Germany for their final pre-season friendly. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the clash following the defeat to Brighton. Midfielder Manu Koné returns to the group after his earlier absence. The match marks Roma's last outing before the Serie A campaign begins. Gasperini has included a mix of established players and younger squad members, with defenders Devyne Rensch, Evan N'Dicka, Gianluca Mancini and Jan Ziółkowski, midfielder Bryan Cristante, and attackers Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen all in contention. The pre-season preparations will culminate with this fixture at the German club's Signal Iduna Park. Defenders: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziółkowski, Mannini, Reale, Lulli, Ghilardi. Midfielders: Cristante, El Aynaoui, Koné. Forwards: Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala, Vaz, Morucci.