Mourinho's patience is brutally tested: "If we got Mbappe today, it would be too late"

Roma recently secured the services of defender Evan Ndicka and midfielder Houssem Aouar without any transfer fees. They've also brought in right-back Rasmus Kristensen on loan from Leeds United. But what about attack?! The Giallorossi have not yet made a signing where they had to actually pay for a player - much to Jose Mourinho's frustration.

Mourinho takes a cheeky swipe at Roma for not signing a striker

In a pre-season training camp in Portugal, the legendary coach and his staff appeared to "interact" with an imaginary player. Tammy Abraham's injury made the Englishman a long-term absentee, but the Romans are yet to secure an able deputy in attack.

Many have suggested that Mourinho has lost all patience and that he's blatantly provoking the club's directors, challenging them to open their chequebooks. However, Jose says it was just a momentary thing.

"There was no provocation. That wasn't the intention. Everything is not okay but... I get angry for an hour, and then I'm back to being positive about things. Regarding the imaginary striker, I can tell you that even if Kylian Mbappe arrives next week, it would still be late."

Although the situation in the transfer window is far from ideal, Mourinho doesn't want to make a huge spectacle out his relationship with the club - but admits he's not happy at the minute.

"After Tammy's injury, we are in a situation that no coach in the world would like to be in. It is impossible for me to say that I am happy. But to say that I am in open war with the club is very wrong."

Mourinho wouldn't reveal whom he wanted as Abraham's successor, but he did tell the name - to no desired effect.

"Tammy was injured on 5 June - that's over 60 days ago. For me, there is a name, there is one, because I am usually very objective and pragmatic. However, it is not possible to get him - this is what I was told."

In the meantime, Atalanta offered their Colombian attacker Luis Muriel to Roma. Since La Dea completed the transfer of Gianluca Scamacca --ironically a big Roma supporter -- they can afford to lose the South American who endured a poor season last term, scoring mere three goals in 10 appearances.