Çelik set for contract extension through 2029

Leandro Paredes has revealed he attempted to persuade Paulo Dybala to join Boca Juniors, speaking after Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 in America. The midfielder confirmed that a move to the Argentine club was among the possibilities under discussion and had crossed Dybala's mind during negotiations. Paredes told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken extensively with his compatriot in recent months about the prospect. Dybala, a current Roma player, is in contract renewal talks with the Giallorossi. Paredes said of his teammate: "I spoke a lot with him over these months. It was one of the possibilities on the contract, in his thoughts too. His life is very calm there. So I only wish him the best because he is an exceptional boy." The comments suggest Dybala has chosen to remain in Rome rather than pursue a return to South America at this stage of his career.

Negotiations between Roma and Genoa over Artem Dovbyk have stalled, with the striker unconvinced by the move and hoping to receive alternative offers. Dovbyk, who earns 3.5 million euros per season, is reluctant to commit to Genoa at this stage. Roma's valuation of the forward stands at around 25 million euros, a figure Genoa find difficult to accommodate given their financial constraints. The player's salary alone represents a significant burden for the Rossoblu, adding further complexity to the talks. Betis have also expressed interest in Dovbyk, though the Spanish club has not yet submitted an official bid. The former Girona man faces an uncertain future as his current club seeks a buyer. Roma will begin their pre-season retreat on Monday, with Dovbyk expected to train largely apart from the main group as the situation develops.

Fenerbahçe have intensified their push to sign Mason Greenwood, ramping up contact with both the English forward's representatives and Marseille in a bid to complete a deal and overtake Roma in the race for his signature. The Turkish club's aggressive move confirms reports circulating from Turkey and poses a genuine threat to Roma's interests, though the Giallorossi remain keen and attentive to developments. Roma's cautious approach is proving costly. The club's hierarchy has not yet tabled an official offer to Olympique Marseille, preferring to evaluate the full cost of the operation—transfer fee and wages combined—with extreme care. That deliberation now risks allowing Fenerbahçe to seize the advantage. Marseille's considerable financial demands complicate matters further; the French club continues to hold firm at a minimum asking price of €50 million and will not negotiate below it. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Marseille's rigidity is contractually justified: Manchester United are entitled to 40 per cent of any future sale proceeds, a clause that prevents the French side from offering discounts and forces Roma to make a swift decision to avoid Fenerbahçe closing the deal definitively.

Roman radio hosts have offered contrasting views on Roma's transfer activity and the pursuit of Mason Greenwood. Piero Torri expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's direction, saying his recent comments have reassured him about the club's market plans. Torri suggested three player renewals could be completed before Monday, though Zeki Çelik's might wait given his World Cup participation. Roberto Pruzzo acknowledged Greenwood's quality but cautioned against being drawn into protracted negotiations, pointing to Roma's January spending of 25 million euros on a player whose role remains unclear. He urged the club to operate with a firm strategy and multiple backup options. Nando Orsi was more critical of the financial terms, questioning whether spending 100 million euros in total wages and transfer fee for Greenwood represents value. Orsi stated: "Can you spend 100 million between transfer fee and salary for Greenwood? Come on… with 100 million I reckon you could find someone like Greenwood anywhere in the world." He noted Gasperini's elevated influence at the club but stressed the need to balance accounts, suggesting the investment was disproportionate to the player's quality given his current status at Marseille.

Mason Greenwood's move to Roma has hit a significant impasse over salary demands. Initially enthusiastic about joining the Giallorossi and having reached an understanding with the club, the English forward's stance hardened after Fenerbahçe tabled a rival offer reportedly worth approximately 7 million euros net per season plus commissions. Greenwood's father and agent have since pushed Roma to increase their wage proposal, but the club remains firm on a ceiling of 4.5 million euros net annually, creating a substantial gap that threatens to derail the transfer. Meanwhile, Roma's hierarchy has progressed swiftly on contract renewals. Extensions for Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are reportedly close to completion, with only official announcement pending. Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal remains slightly unresolved, with approximately half a million euros still to be settled, though this is described as a minor obstacle unlikely to prevent final agreement. On the academy front, Roma has confirmed the appointment of Massimo Margiotta as new head of the youth academy following his official departure from Verona.

AS Roma is close to completing contract renewals for its core squad following the club's return to the Champions League after seven years. Three players — Paulo Dybala, Zeki Çelik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini — are currently out of contract, with agreements already reached with Dybala and Çelik in recent days; both deals are now in the drafting stage. Pellegrini remains the main outstanding issue, with negotiations ongoing and a potential decisive meeting expected as soon as today. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Sport: "The players are happy, the club will handle the announcements." The squad must be finalised before Monday, when the team gathers at Trigoria. Pellegrini is seeking a three-year contract to resist approaches from abroad, while Roma is holding out for a two-year deal. Despite the gap, both sides are expected to reach an agreement, possibly with added options as a compromise. The defensive pair Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also due for renewal; Mancini is likely to sign a new three-year contract to ward off interest from Inter, while Cristante could accept two years. Stephan El Shaarawy was recently released from the club following Verona's final match of the season.