Castro close to Roma in €35m deal as Bologna eye Dovbyk replacement

Manu Koné remains at the centre of transfer speculation at Roma, with Manchester United pressing to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford following his impressive World Cup performance. No formal offer has yet reached the club, but United's interest is active. The Red Devils have already invested approximately 100 million euros combined in Tielemans and Santo, and must now prioritise outgoings before moving decisively for Koné. Michael Carrick's immediate focus is securing a left winger and identifying a third midfield reinforcement. Mason Mount, the English midfielder, could shift into that third midfield role internally—a solution that might diminish United's pursuit of Koné. Tchouaméni remains United's primary midfield target. The evolving situation at Old Trafford means Roma's chances of retaining Koné depend partly on developments elsewhere in the Premier League's transfer market.

Manu Koné's future at Roma remains uncertain as Manchester United cool their interest in the midfielder. The Red Devils have shown attention alongside Al Ahli, but internal doubts and competing priorities have complicated the pursuit. Roma value the French midfielder at €60 million, a fee no club has yet matched. Manchester United's reluctance stems partly from recent spending: after investing approximately €100 million combined in Tielemans and Santos, the club must focus on outgoings first. Manager Carrick also wants to complete the squad with a left-winger before exploring further midfield reinforcements, and the possibility of standing pat entirely has not been ruled out. Mason Mount's potential repositioning could prove pivotal in determining Koné's prospects. The English midfielder might shift into the third central midfield role United are seeking, offering an internal solution that would reduce the need for outside recruitment. Even if Mount fills that gap, Koné would remain a fallback option—though United's real target is Aurélien Tchouameni, a considerably more expensive prospect. With each passing day, a Premier League move appears less likely for the Roma midfielder.

Roma are on the verge of completing the signing of Santiago Castro from Bologna as their first summer acquisition. An agreement of €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses has been reached with the Emilia-Romagna club, and Castro has already accepted the move to the Giallorossi. The Argentine forward is expected to arrive at Ciampino airport between today and tomorrow, allowing him to join the squad for their departure to Wales for the second phase of their pre-season training camp. Castro, a 2004-born striker, gave his approval to Gasperini two days prior to the deal's progression. Director D'Amico is targeting completion of the transfer on 26 July to have the player available for Gasperini as soon as possible. The head coach had previously worked with Castro during his time at Atalanta and was keen to reunite with the forward. The final bureaucratic details are being resolved, with discussions between Roma and Bologna focused on bonuses and a percentage on any future resale. Roma faced Bologna in a friendly against Cannes at 17:30 on 26 July, with the parties agreeing to update negotiations following that match. Castro will then travel with Roma's squad to Wales for the remainder of the summer preparation.

Bologna are advancing negotiations to sign Artem Dovbyk from Roma on loan until 2027, with all parties expressing confidence in reaching a conclusion. The transfer hinges on final approval from the Ukrainian striker, who has spoken with Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco and is considering the move to Emilia-Romagna. Roma are simultaneously working to complete the signing of Santiago Castro from Bologna for approximately €35 million, with the club hoping to finalise that deal imminently. Dovbyk no longer features in Gian Piero Gasperini's plans at Roma, and Castro's imminent arrival would further limit his opportunities. The 34-year-old, who won the Pichichi award as La Liga's top scorer, is also being tracked by Fiorentina, who have made initial enquiries and could accelerate their interest if Kean departs. Roma have proposed a loan formula for Dovbyk, though the player's high salary presents a challenge for Bologna to structure the deal sustainably. The call between Tedesco and Dovbyk went well, with both clubs optimistic of resolving the move. Dovbyk has not yet given his final consent to the transfer.

Roma are pushing to complete the signing of Argentine forward Castro from Bologna, with the player having already agreed personal terms. Sporting director D'Amico has intensified negotiations with both Castro and Bologna, working to reduce the club's initial asking price of 40 million euros by at least 10 million in a bid to wrap up the deal by the end of the day. The move would represent Gasperini's first summer reinforcement. Castro's arrival would further strengthen Roma's Argentine contingent in attack, reuniting him with fellow countrymen Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé at Trigoria. Both Soulé and Castro were excluded from Argentina's recent World Cup squad despite being on Scaloni's preliminary list, and the pair have trained together this summer under the same fitness coach, Guido Viggiano. While Castro is not the wide forward Gasperini specifically requested, he would serve as a valuable addition, particularly as a potential understudy to Donyell Malen given that Artem Dovbyk is poised to leave the club.

Santiago Castro's move to Roma, worth approximately €35 million, is pushing Artem Dovbyk further from Gian Piero Gasperini's plans at the capital club. Bologna are already scouting replacements for Castro and have identified Dovbyk as a target, potentially offering him a loan deal back to Serie A. Roma hope to conclude Castro's signing by the end of the day following final negotiations. Dovbyk, the former Liga top scorer, no longer features in Gasperini's project and would have even less opportunity following Castro's arrival. The Ukrainian forward has not yet approved a move to Emilia-Romagna, where he would need to relocate. Fiorentina have also registered interest with an initial enquiry and could accelerate their approach should Bryan Kean depart Florence. Bologna's list of potential replacements includes Espì from Levante alongside Dovbyk.