Castro chooses Roma over higher Fiorentina offer

Santiago Castro's potential arrival at Roma would place him in a storied line of Argentine forwards who have worn the giallorossi shirt. Arturo Chini Luduena, Roma's first foreign player in history, scored 61 goals in 180 appearances between 1927 and 1934. He was followed by Enrique Guaita, who netted 43 goals in 63 matches before departing alongside compatriots Stagnaro and Scopelli out of fear of conscription into the Italian army for the Ethiopian war. The bond between Roma and Argentina has remained strong, particularly among attackers. Argentine influence shaped Roma's first Scudetto, with Miguel Angel Pantò partnering alongside Amadei and Krieziu. In the all-time top scorers list, "Piedone" Manfredini ranks sixth with 104 goals in 164 games, contributing to the Coppa delle Fiere victory in 1960–61 and Coppa Italia success in 1963–64. Abel Balbo stands eighth with 82 goals in 182 appearances across the 1990s and early 2000s; after departing in 1998, he returned in 2000 alongside Gabriel Omar Batistuta. Batistuta made an immediate impact with 20 goals in a single season, helping Roma claim their third Serie A title, though age and injury limited his effectiveness thereafter. More recent Argentine figures include Caniggia, Perotti, Lamela and Osvaldo. Paulo Dybala arrived in summer 2022 following a contract renewal and has since recorded 139 appearances and 45 goals. If negotiations succeed, Castro will join the Argentine contingent at the club.

Roma are concentrating their resources on strengthening the attacking department. Following the arrival of Santiago Castro, head coach Gasperini is pursuing a right-footed left winger—a position he has been seeking for over a year. The club has allocated a budget of approximately 50 million euros for the signing, matching the sum previously earmarked for a failed move for another target. The main constraint is Roma's wage ceiling of 4.5–5 million euros per season, the same offer previously made to other attacking targets. Rafa Leão has emerged as a surprise candidate. The Portuguese winger, currently expected to move to Turkey, would welcome a call from Italy and is reportedly interested in working with Gasperini. However, the deal presents significant obstacles: Leão's valuation stands at 60 million euros, and his salary demands exceed Roma's budget parameters. The player has made himself available and expressed enthusiasm for joining, but is unwilling to accept a substantial wage reduction. Roma's recruitment team, operating cautiously to avoid late-stage interference in negotiations, remain scarred by the collapse of a previous transfer pursuit.

Roma are on the brink of securing Santiago Castro from Bologna as Gian Piero Gasperini's first attacking reinforcement. The deal is structured at approximately 30 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses, totalling 35 million euros. The Argentine striker has agreed to join on a contract worth 2 million euros per season plus bonuses, with Tony D'Amico finalising payment terms and resale percentages. Parallel negotiations with Bologna extend to Artem Dovbyk's future. The Ukrainian forward has opened to a move to the Emilia-Romagna club after speaking directly with Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco. Roma and Bologna are currently working to finalise the loan formula, with Roma pushing for an obligation to buy and Bologna preferring a right to buy. Both clubs aim to complete the arrangement before the squad departs for pre-season training in Wales.

Gian Piero Gasperini will reconvene the Roma squad on Wednesday afternoon at the Fulvio Bernardini training ground following a two-day rest period after the friendly against Cannes. The squad has completed a series of summer warm-up fixtures: two joint training sessions with the Primavera, a test with Trastevere, and the friendly with Cannes. Paulo Dybala has impressed during the pre-season programme, scoring a brace against the Primavera, one goal against Trastevere, and two more in the 3–3 draw with Cannes, while working on his understanding with Donyell Malen, who recently returned to Trigoria. Roma will continue their preparation in Wales from 31 July, where they face Cardiff (1 August), Newport (4 August), and Brighton (8 August) in further friendlies before a prestige test against Borussia Dortmund in Germany on 15 August. The Serie A campaign begins on 24 August at the Olimpico against Fiorentina. Dybala, fresh from a contract renewal, enters his fifth season at Roma after sealing Champions League qualification in the final stretch of last season. El Aynaoui is expected to rejoin the squad on 30 July, while Manu Koné remains on holiday and will link up with the group in August subject to the transfer market.

Roma drew 3–3 with Cannes in a pre-season friendly at the Pierre de Coubertin stadium, Gian Piero Gasperini's third test match ahead of the squad's departure for a training camp in Wales. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, opening the scoring with a free-kick before adding a second from a solo run on the right after the hour mark. Donyell Malen doubled Roma's advantage at 44 minutes, capitalizing on Dybala's pressure and an opponent's defensive error to give the Giallorossi a commanding 3–0 lead. The match was disrupted when Wesley received a red card for a second yellow in an unusual incident for a friendly, a dismissal that shifted the game's complexion. From the 69th minute onwards, Cannes mounted a comeback with a brace from Lopez and a penalty goal from Ogadd in the final second to equalize. Gasperini used the fixture to trial positional changes, frequently inverting Wesley and Devyne Rensch on the flanks alongside Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in attacking roles. The opening period at Pierre de Coubertin saw slow rhythms and French defensive organisation, though Roma grew increasingly dominant. Young players featured prominently, with mixed performances; Artem Dovbyk and Daniele Ghilardi made less convincing impacts. Ryan Friedkin watched from the stands.

Roma drew 3–3 with the Friedkin Group's Cannes side in a pre-season friendly in France on Monday. Paulo Dybala scored twice and Donyell Malen added a goal for the Giallorossi, though Wesley was sent off. The match followed the first phase of Roma's training camp at Trigoria, which featured tactical work and internal fixtures against the Primavera and Trastevere. Gian Piero Gasperini has scheduled two days off for the squad on Tuesday and Wednesday, allowing players to recover before resuming full training on Wednesday, 29 July. The head coach is still awaiting reinforcements from the transfer market as Roma prepare for the new season. The friendly represents Roma's latest step in their summer programme after relocating to France for this phase of pre-season.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to sign a new contract with Roma after weeks of negotiations, bringing an end to uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. The midfielder's previous deal expires on 30 June, and the new agreement will run for 2 years with an option for a third year. His salary will decrease from 4 million euros to 2.5 million euros per season, plus performance bonuses. The prolonged wait has not damaged relations between the club and the former captain, who is currently recovering from injury. If his rehabilitation progresses smoothly, Pellegrini is expected to join the squad for the second phase of pre-season training in Wales.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has agreed fresh terms with AS Roma after the club overcame a key sticking point in negotiations. Pellegrini had sought a three-year deal, but Roma offered a two-year contract with an option for a third year—a proposal the midfielder accepted. As part of the agreement, Pellegrini took a significant wage cut, dropping from 4 million plus bonuses to 2.5 million per season. The renewal represents a boost for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the second phase of Roma's summer training camp. Pellegrini's contract resolution clears the path for the club to focus on other transfer priorities. Santiago Castro is arriving as Roma's first summer signing, while sporting director D'Amico continues to pursue a left-footed right winger. Nusa remains the club's preferred target, though RB Leipzig's asking price of 60 million euros remains a significant obstacle.

Santiago Castro is close to joining Roma in a move worth €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses, with the deal set to be completed in the coming days. The Argentine forward, a request of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini who wanted him during his time at Atalanta, has already agreed personal terms. Discussions between Roma and Bologna continue over final details including bonuses and sell-on percentages, with a meeting planned after Roma's friendly against Cannes on 17:30. Castro could arrive in the capital as soon as tomorrow. In a potential swap arrangement, Artem Dovbyk may move to Bologna on loan. The Ukrainian striker received a call from Bologna manager Tedesco and has opened the possibility of a move to Emilia-Romagna, with a decision expected in the coming days. Elsewhere, Roma continue to pursue left-back options, maintaining interest in Nusa while reviving attention on Alajbegovic—though Chelsea present competing interest. Manchester United are pressing for Manu Koné, with fresh contact made to the midfielder's representatives, but Roma await a formal offer. Lorenzo Pellegrini is close to signing a new two-year deal with an option for a third season. Marcus Rashford was indirectly discussed but remains unlikely due to prohibitive costs and the player's lack of interest in an Italian move.