Ajax Join Race for Dovbyk as Roma Seek €23m Exit

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his expectations for the summer transfer window after a period of stalled activity. Speaking to Rai Radio 1, the Roma head coach described June as paralysed across all clubs due to World Cup commitments, but predicted real movement from the current week onwards as pre-season preparations commence. Gasperini acknowledged that some arrivals will continue to be staggered as players return from international tournament duty. He expressed confidence in the market's momentum, noting that all clubs appear well-armed for the competitive season ahead. The timing aligns with Roma's preparation schedule, which typically gains pace once June's international commitments conclude. Gasperini said: "The transfer market in June has been a bit of a standstill for everyone due to the World Cup. I think from this week the real market will begin somewhat for everyone with the start of preparation, even if someone will arrive a bit sporadically because of World Cup commitments. Now the market begins and all the squads seem to me well-armed."

Gasperini's recent remarks about Manu Koné have sparked analysis across Rome's radio stations, with several commentators interpreting the coach's words as confirmation the midfielder is available for transfer. Francesca Ferrazza said she was alarmed by Gasperini's response on financial fair play, noting the coach appeared to suggest Koné is on the market and that Roma cannot afford significant purchases until completing player sales. She highlighted concern over the settlement agreement being delayed to the end of July, which constrains the club's spending capacity until incoming transfer fees are secured. Lorenzo Pes argued that Gasperini is aware Koné has the most market appeal following the World Cup and believes the midfielder is the most replaceable player in his midfield setup. "The coach is conscious that Koné is on the market, and then Roma will have to be clever at raising the price," Pes said. Piero Torri corrected Gasperini's reference to Champions League money, explaining those funds enter the next financial year, not the current budget closed on 30 June. He calculated that if Koné departs for 60 million euros, Roma would record a 50 million euro gain and definitively resolve the settlement agreement. Roberto Pruzzo urged Roma to prepare for Koné's potential departure and monitor midfield depth, questioning the durability of Bryan Cristante's availability this season and expressing concern about the overall quality of the department. He also noted Paulo Dybala's challenge is to make a decisive impact in matches consistently.

Manu Koné risks leaving Roma as the club prepares to offload a top earner to balance the books. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini hinted at the likelihood during a press conference, acknowledging financial constraints: "I think these conditions of financial fair play vary from squad to squad, they are not precise. It is undeniable that Roma knew they had this need to balance their accounts. I hoped and hope that reaching the Champions League is sufficient, but it is clear that accounts are fundamental for clubs and there will be more clarity in the coming weeks." Koné is the primary candidate for departure owing to the volume of offers he has attracted, particularly from the Premier League. The sale of Koné would force Roma to return to the midfield market, where only Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli and Neil El Aynaoui would remain. The club is targeting younger, more economical options. Among the profiles monitored are Danilo Santos of Botafogo, valued at €30 million, and Lamine Camara, a 2004-born Senegalese international at Monaco, for whom the Principality club values the fee at approximately €35 million.

AS Roma's pre-season retreat opened at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre as players reported for the start of Gian Piero Gasperini's first campaign in charge. Daniele Ghilardi was the first to arrive, followed by teammates including Artem Dovbyk, Wesley, Mile Svilar, Niccolò Pisilli, Gianluca Mancini, Matías Soulé, and Angeliño throughout the day. All squad members were required to present themselves by 12:00 to undergo standard medical checks and fitness testing. The atmosphere at Trigoria reflected genuine optimism ahead of the new season. Subscriber numbers have already reached record levels in recent days, underscoring strong fan backing as the club embarks on a fresh chapter under Gasperini's leadership. Wesley was mobbed by supporters seeking autographs and photographs, while Soulé also stopped to meet fans upon arrival. Gasperini himself arrived to begin preparations in earnest, marking the official launch of what the club hopes will be a transformative campaign.

Roma began their pre-season on Tuesday, exactly fifty days after their victory in Verona, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini arriving at Trigoria. Only fourteen outfield players reported initially, with several absentees due to extended World Cup breaks or departures. Stephan El Shaarawy, Kostas Tsimikas, Evan Ferguson, Bryan Zaragoza, Zeki Çelik, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen, Salah-Eddine, and Neil El Aynaoui were unavailable, while Manu Koné remained absent. Players were required to arrive at the training ground by noon for medical checks before their first session in the afternoon. Paulo Dybala is set to sign a one-year contract extension to begin his fifth season at Roma, with the announcement expected on Tuesday. Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation remains unresolved, with further discussions scheduled in the coming days. Wesley has recovered fully from an adductor muscle injury sustained before the World Cup. Daniele De Rossi's successor Gasperini arrived Monday morning and will oversee an intensive two-week training block at Trigoria before the squad relocates to Wales for the second phase of pre-season, departing 30 July and returning 18 August following a fixture against Brighton. Several players with uncertain futures, including Artem Dovbyk and Robinio Vaz, will use the coming weeks to impress Gasperini. Donyell Malen is expected to rejoin the squad around 22 July. Sporting director Tony D'Amico, representing the Friedkin Group ownership, attended to welcome the squad.

Roma have identified Nicolò Tresoldi as a potential signing to strengthen their attacking options. The 20-year-old Italian-German forward, currently at Bruges, has agreed in principle to join the Giallorossi. Tresoldi, born in Cagliari but developed in Germany, represents a target identified by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as a backup to Donyell Malen. Roma are prioritising a swift conclusion to negotiations with the Belgian club, looking to move ahead of rival suitors regardless of Artem Dovbyk's status at the club, with Genoa continuing to monitor the Ukrainian striker. However, the Bruges board are reluctant to negotiate, viewing Tresoldi as a valuable asset and unwilling to offer discounts. Roma's objective is to complete the deal on the basis of 25 million euros. The club are currently engaged in talks with Bruges in an attempt to lower their financial demands. The transfer could precede other offensive targets Gasperini has requested, including Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea and Habib Moreira at Strasbourg, both of whom Roma are actively studying.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified his vision for Donyell Malen's role at Roma, insisting the forward must play centrally rather than out wide. Speaking on Rai Radio 1, Gasperini addressed Malen's recent performances with the Netherlands at the World Cup, where the winger played in a wider position. Gasperini acknowledged that international tournaments often catch players mid-season and that fatigue from a demanding campaign can affect performance levels. He noted that individual form frequently mirrors the fortunes of the national team, and highlighted historical uncertainty about how best to deploy Malen. However, Gasperini was emphatic about his own tactical preferences: "Malen indubitably reflects the performance of the Netherlands. In the past there has always been this doubt about how to use him and to place him wider, but never for me! For me he must play in front of goal." The coach's comments signal a clear strategic intention to maximise Malen's impact by positioning him in a central attacking role at Roma, moving away from the wider deployment he experienced internationally.

Gian Piero Gasperini's second Roma campaign officially begins today, marking the first season built entirely in partnership with new sporting director Tony D'Amico. The squad will arrive at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre around midday for medical examinations, fitness tests, and initial field sessions. Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik are not included in the initial roster. Dybala is expected at today's gathering once his contract renewal is formally announced, while Pellegrini will require a few more days. Çelik's future is fully agreed, though the defender will only join after completing his World Cup commitment. Young academy prospects—Cherubini, Pagano, Reale, and Mannini—will train at Trigoria initially. Other key players including El Aynaoui, Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen, and Salah-Eddine will integrate once their international duties finish. Roma's summer programme runs entirely at Trigoria before the first competitive test on 26 July at Cannes against the Friedkin family-owned French club, kicking off at 17:30 at Stade Pierre de Coubertin. The squad returns to Italy before heading to Wales on 31 July, where Gasperini's staff will oversee high-intensity training through 8 August. Director D'Amico is actively pursuing upgrades to the forward line. Roma's focus centres on two targets: Diego Moreira, a winger owned by Strasbourg (a Chelsea satellite club), and Argentine talent Alejandro Garnacho, reflecting a transfer strategy along the Roma–Chelsea axis.

Roma's January window activity hinges on deals with Premier League clubs both for incoming and outgoing players. The club has made initial contact with Alejandro Garnacho's representatives, with the Chelsea-owned Argentine showing early willingness to join Roma, where he would reunite with fellow national team player Paulo Dybala. Garnacho is currently not training at Chelsea and is effectively separated from the club. Roma must reach an agreement with Chelsea, who value him at €40 million; discussions between the clubs are expected in the coming days, with Roma potentially proposing a loan with obligation to buy. The Friedkin Group is also pursuing information on Moreira, a Chelsea-linked target, having received clearance to proceed after inquiries. Xabi Alonso, Moreira's current manager, is prioritising Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano to strengthen his left flank. On the outgoing front, Manchester United are tracking Manu Koné, who is showcasing his talents at the World Cup, with a valuation of at least €55–60 million demanded. Matías Soulé remains a target for Sunderland and Premier League sides, valued at €30–35 million, having shelved negotiations with Saudi Arabian clubs. Should Koné depart, Roma are monitoring Danilo of Botafogo as a replacement midfielder. In the forward ranks, Tresoldi is the preferred option to serve as backup to Donyell Malen, though Atlético Madrid are also interested.