10:12 AM ET — L’Équipe: Roma and Lyon have not opened negotiations for Malick Fofana
According to L’Équipe, Roma’s pursuit of Malick Fofana is considerably less advanced than recent Italian reports have suggested, with no agreement or formal negotiations currently underway between the Giallorossi and Lyon.
The French club will not consider a departure before the second leg of their Champions League playoff against Fenerbahçe on August 26, although Fofana has reportedly opened the door to joining Roma.
L’Équipe claims the player’s representatives are pushing for the transfer and have used Fabrizio Romano as a communication channel, while questioning reports that an agreement has already been reached.
Lyon are reportedly demanding €45 million—rather than the €35 million plus bonuses cited in Italy—and Roma are not currently considered capable of financing an operation at that price.
10:02 AM ET — Peppe Lo Monaco: Roma unable to finance Malick Fofana investment
According to Peppe Lo Monaco on Mana Sport Roma, Roma’s administrative department informed Gian Piero Gasperini that the club cannot currently sustain the significant investment required to sign Malick Fofana.
The coach was nevertheless assured that Roma intend to recruit an attacking winger with his desired characteristics, but only on loan with an option to buy unless player sales create additional financial flexibility.
A double addition remains possible during the final phase of the window, with the Giallorossi potentially signing both an attacking midfielder and a wide player.
9:37 AM ET — Peppe Lo Monaco: Roma face difficulties in Luis Henrique pursuit
According to Peppe Lo Monaco on Mana Sport Roma, a deal for Luis Henrique is currently considered complicated because Inter continue to demand a significant financial package.
Roma are only prepared to complete the operation on loan with an option to buy leaving the clubs divided over the structure and conditions of a potential transfer.
8:19 AM ET — Alfredo Pedullà: Roma will continue monitoring Malick Fofana
According to Alfredo Pedullà, Roma will continue pursuing Malick Fofana, but are in no hurry to complete the deal having already understood that there would be little room for progress before August 26.
The Giallorossi have an agreement with the winger’s representatives, but are not yet ready to make a decisive move as they evaluate how best to fill two different roles in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
The Giallorossi have adjusted their transfer strategy and are now focusing on different tactical profiles, including Inter winger Luis Henrique.
Roma have not made progress in negotiations with Lyon for Malick Fofana despite having an agreement in place with the Belgian winger.
According to Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, Roma agreed personal terms with Fofana several days ago. Lyon value the attacker at approximately €35 million, but the Giallorossi have not submitted an offer or reached any form of agreement with the French club.
Roma’s plans were affected by the revised structure of the Rodrigo Mora operation. The Giallorossi were required to commit the initial €25 million payment immediately, limiting their ability to proceed with another significant attacking investment.
A recent transfer meeting at Trigoria subsequently resulted in a slight change of strategy. Roma are now concentrating on players with different tactical characteristics, with Inter winger Luis Henrique among the options being evaluated.
As a result, the tracks leading to Fofana and Alessio Cacciamani have cooled in recent days.
Luis Henrique remains part of Inter’s squad and will be reintegrated if a transfer to Roma or another club does not materialize. Inter would nevertheless prefer to find a solution for the Brazilian before the window closes.
Roma must still reach an economic agreement with Luis Henrique over personal terms before a potential operation can advance. No final decision has been made as the Giallorossi continue to assess how to complete Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
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