Castro Deal Close as Roma Push to Wrap Up Argentine Striker Signing

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.

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.

Roma departed for Nice shortly before 10:00 and will reach Cannes by coach for their third pre-season fixture at 17:30 (live on Dazn) against the club owned by the Friedkin Group. Head coach Gasperini will deploy a front three of Dybala, Soulé, and Malen, with midfield reinforcements required due to absences. Pisilli and Vaz are unavailable through injury, while Cherubini misses out with fever. Central midfield will pair the young Bah with Cristante, flanked by Wesley and Rensch, while Svilar starts in goal behind a defensive line of Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso. Notably absent is Koné, though Neil El Aynaoui—currently on holiday in Cannes—will attend the match as a spectator before officially rejoining the squad on 30 July to depart for Wales, where the second phase of pre-season training will take place. A second-string lineup and Primavera players will feature in the second half. Roma will return to the capital after the match. Gasperini has granted the squad two days of rest, with no training scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

Roma have made no new additions to their squad ahead of next season's Champions League group phase, with Donyell Malen's permanent signing from Aston Villa for €25 million not counting as a fresh arrival since the Dutch winger joined on loan in January. Only three other clubs already qualified for Europe's top competition—Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Villarreal—have similarly avoided summer reinforcements so far. Napoli have invested over €60 million in permanent signings but acquired only players already in their 2025–26 squad, including the redemptions of Højlund, Alisson Santos, and Milinkovic-Savic. PSG, the reigning European champions, have only brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni from AC Milan's youth academy on a free transfer, a prospect likely destined for the Under-19s rather than the first team. Villarreal, meanwhile, remain at zero spending. As rivals strengthen their ranks—Sporting investing over €100 million, Como confirming Nico Paz for €60 million and rescuing Morata while signing Liberali and Milla for €6 million each—Roma face mounting pressure to act. Arsenal have spent €80 million on Hincapié and Tzolis; Manchester City €135 million on Anderson alone; Manchester United €97 million on Andrey Santos and Tielemans.

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.

Roma departed for Nice shortly before 10:00 and will reach Cannes by coach for their third pre-season fixture at 17:30 (live on Dazn) against the club owned by the Friedkin Group. Head coach Gasperini will deploy a front three of Dybala, Soulé, and Malen, with midfield reinforcements required due to absences. Pisilli and Vaz are unavailable through injury, while Cherubini misses out with fever. Central midfield will pair the young Bah with Cristante, flanked by Wesley and Rensch, while Svilar starts in goal behind a defensive line of Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso. Notably absent is Koné, though Neil El Aynaoui—currently on holiday in Cannes—will attend the match as a spectator before officially rejoining the squad on 30 July to depart for Wales, where the second phase of pre-season training will take place. A second-string lineup and Primavera players will feature in the second half. Roma will return to the capital after the match. Gasperini has granted the squad two days of rest, with no training scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

Roma continue their pre-season preparation with a friendly against Cannes today at 17:30 at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. The match marks the club's first competitive test away from Trigoria following a reduced-time outing against Trastevere. Cannes, newly promoted to France's third tier, is also owned by the Friedkin family, making it an in-house fixture before Roma's departure for a Welsh training camp on 1 August, where they will face Cardiff in another friendly. Gasperini will be without Pisilli and Vaz, both unavailable due to muscular problems. The coaching staff will deploy the Malen–Dybala partnership in attack after the pair showed strong chemistry in the Trigoria friendly. Evan N'Dicka will feature in defence alongside Hermoso and Mancini to complete the back three. Midfield duties will see Cristante operate alongside young midfielder Bah, with El Aynaoui and Koné still on post-World Cup holiday. The fixture represents the final warm-up before Roma's squad departs for Wales.

Roma travel to face Cannes at Stade Pierre de Coubertin today at 17:30 in their first competitive pre-season friendly of the summer. The match comes after a reduced-time test against Trastevere at Trigoria and precedes Roma's departure for a training camp in Wales on 1 August, where they will face Cardiff in another friendly. Gasperini's side will be without Pisilli and Vaz, who are sidelined by muscle injuries. The head coach will deploy Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, a partnership that impressed during the Trigoria friendly. Evan N'Dicka will feature in a three-man defence alongside Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield alongside a young player filling in as El Aynaoui and Manu Koné remain on post-World Cup leave. The clash against Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group and recently promoted to France's third tier, offers a controlled environment for Roma to build match fitness. Ryan's availability remains uncertain following his return to the United States.