Roma land Castro and Inter beat Juventus to Stones as Serie A's market accelerates

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Roma resolved their long-running search for a striker, agreeing a reported €35m deal with Bologna for Argentina forward Santiago Castro, with a sell-on clause included, according to Football Italia citing Gianluca Di Marzio. As part of the wider picture, Artem Dovbyk is set to move to Bologna on loan with an option to buy through 2027, processed as a separate transfer; the Castro deal is described as agreed and being finalised rather than officially completed.

Inter beat Juventus to the signing of free agent John Stones, with the England defender reported to have agreed a two-year contract to 2028 after his release from Manchester City, according to Tribuna. Juventus had also held talks, but Inter moved decisively to reinforce their back line at no transfer fee; treat it as agreed pending official confirmation.

Transfer and squad notes

Torino completed the signing of Fiorentina defender Pietro Comuzzo on loan, with the deal set at around €1m and a purchase option reported at €19m, according to Sky Sport Italia. The young centre-back gives Torino a notable addition to their defence for the new season.

Inter's business may not be done there, with the club continuing to pursue Tottenham captain Cristian Romero even after landing Stones, according to Get Italian Football News. Sporting director Piero Ausilio has acknowledged the interest, but no agreement has been reached, so the move remains reported rather than close.

Milan, meanwhile, pressed on with efforts to sell Rafael Leão, with a switch to Turkey among the options being explored, according to beIN Sports. No club has met Milan's valuation, and with the forward's future still open, the situation stays unresolved.

What it means for the league

Roma have finally addressed their attacking need with Castro while easing Dovbyk out on loan, a two-way move that reshapes both squads. Inter are quietly rebuilding at the back, adding Stones for nothing while still chasing Romero, and Juventus are left to regroup after missing out. Milan's window hinges on resolving Leão, and with the market open until September 1, the coming days should bring clarity on several of Serie A's biggest calls.