Roma’s transfer activity accelerated significantly on Sunday with Rodrigo Mora emerging as the major storyline of the day. The Giallorossi have now made a concrete move for the Porto talent, while Endrick, Alessio Cacciamani, Matías Soulé and Manu Koné also featured prominently in the latest market reports.
Rodrigo Mora negotiations intensify
Roma have formally entered negotiations for Mora after Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto reported that the club submitted an opening offer of around €25 million for 100% of the player’s rights.
Porto are demanding considerably more. The Portuguese club value the 19-year-old at around €45-50 million, leaving the two sides working to find a compromise.
Several formulas have been discussed throughout the day. Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Roma explored a €5m loan plus €45m option to buy, while another possibility involved paying €25m and leaving Porto a 50% future sell-on percentage.
The loan-with-option formula has not convinced Porto, who want greater guarantees over receiving the full value of the operation.
Crucially, Alfredo Pedullà reported that Mora has opened the door to joining Roma. Jorge Mendes informed the Giallorossi during the night that there was an opportunity to push forward with negotiations.
Romano and Moretto later reported that contacts between Roma and Porto will continue into Sunday night with Mendes working to bring the parties closer. Roma do not want to pay €45-50m outright and are instead exploring a lower initial investment accompanied by a substantial sell-on clause.
Mora was also left out of Porto’s starting lineup against Alverca on Sunday as speculation surrounding his future intensified.
Endrick remains possible — even with Mora
Roma’s pursuit of Mora does not necessarily close the door on Endrick.
According to Filippo Biafora, Roma have been working on the Brazilian since the beginning of May. Should Real Madrid make him available on loan, the Giallorossi intend to be part of the race despite significant competition.
Matteo Moretto reports that Endrick’s agents are encouraging him to consider a temporary departure because of the competition for places in Madrid. The final decision remains with the player.
Spanish outlet AS also reports that Roma and Aston Villa are prepared to meet Endrick’s sporting demands. The Brazilian wants to play in the Champions League and have an important role if he leaves Madrid.
Pedullà added that signing Mora would not automatically exclude an Endrick move.
Roma working on improved Cacciamani offer
Alessio Cacciamani remains another name firmly on Roma’s radar.
Roma’s proposal for the Torino youngster has been reported at €12m plus €3m in bonuses, potentially accompanied by a future sell-on percentage.
The Giallorossi have room to improve their offer, although they are not expected to increase it significantly. Torino would prefer to keep the 2007-born prospect, but their position could depend on other outgoing business before the window closes.
Milan continue to monitor Soulé
Matías Soulé’s future also remains unresolved.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Milan recently held another meeting with the Argentine’s representatives and continue to consider him an option for their attack.
Roma reportedly value Soulé at around €35 million and would require a significant proposal before considering his departure.
Milan are keeping alternatives open, including Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio, while they assess whether to make a concrete move for Soulé.
Chelsea could return for Manu Koné
There is also continued Premier League interest in Manu Koné.
Il Messaggero reports that Chelsea could revive their interest in the French midfielder if Enzo Fernández leaves the club. Manchester United have also been linked with Koné, although that track has not developed into a concrete negotiation.
Gasperini did little to close the door on a major departure following the Brighton friendly, admitting that questions regarding Roma’s ability to reject significant offers should be directed to the club’s CEO.
Koné is expected back at Trigoria on Tuesday following his post-World Cup break.
A decisive night for Roma
The immediate focus is now firmly on Rodrigo Mora.
Roma have moved beyond exploratory interest and entered direct negotiations with Porto, while Mendes is actively attempting to construct an agreement that satisfies both clubs.
The gap remains significant, but Mora’s willingness to consider Roma has given the Giallorossi encouragement. With negotiations expected to continue into the night, the next few hours could determine whether one of Roma’s biggest operations of the summer moves closer to completion.
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