Zaragoza: Winter Transfer Flop Excluded by Gasperini for 'Tactical Indiscipline'

Roma have confirmed a pre-season friendly against Cannes on 26 July at home. Both clubs are owned by the Friedkin Group. The Giallorossi declined a proposed friendly at Newcastle's St James' Park but will face Borussia Dortmund on 15 August, a week before Serie A begins. Coach Gasperini's squad is taking shape ahead of the new campaign. In the transfer market, Roma continue to monitor Mason Greenwood's situation. The English forward will leave Marseille, and Fenerbahçe remain interested despite their recent election result. The club's new president, Aziz Yildirim, stated: "If Greenwood will be useful to us, we will take him. We will review the squad construction with our committee and make a decision." The Friedkin Group is also considering extending Roma's financial settlement agreement to manage fair play compliance. Additionally, Roma are following developments around Aseko and Favasuli in the market. Midfielder Robinio Vaz, born in 2007, may leave on loan, with Roma open to discussions. Details on other targets remain unclear at this stage.

Roma remain interested in signing Noel Aseko, a 2005-born German midfielder and attacking midfielder, amid competition from several European clubs. The 18-year-old impressed during the 2024–25 Bundesliga 2 season with Hannover 96, recording 3 goals and 6 assists. Eintracht Frankfurt have shown strong interest, with sporting director Markus Krösche reportedly already offering Aseko a four-year contract with an option extending to 2031. Bayern Munich have exercised their buyback clause and will reacquire the midfielder in the coming days. However, Bayern's limited immediate prospect of regular playing time under their coaching staff means a departure remains probable. Roma are monitoring the situation closely and may accelerate their pursuit if significant departures occur in midfield. The Giallorossi form part of a broader recruitment strategy to strengthen the squad across multiple positions during the summer window. Aseko's market valuation stands in the region of 10–12 million euros. His combination of athleticism, creative passing, and goalscoring ability has caught the attention of elite clubs across Europe. Roma's interest reflects the club's focus on acquiring young talent with significant upside potential for the seasons ahead.

AS Roma are among multiple Serie A clubs interested in Antonio Vergara, who has emerged as a key player for Napoli during the 2025–26 season. The defender has caught the attention of Roma's recruitment team as the Giallorossi look to strengthen their squad. Details regarding Roma's specific plans, transfer timeline, and the identity of other Serie A clubs competing for Vergara remain unclear. The interest reflects Roma's continued focus on the transfer market as they seek to bolster their defensive options.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.

Roma will be without three key players for the upcoming derby against Lazio. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini, Konè, and Venturino are unavailable for the match. Konè suffered a muscular problem that forced him to stop training, while the reasons for Venturino's unavailability remain unclear. This follows the earlier announcement that Zaragoza will also miss the derby through injury or suspension. The absences represent a significant blow to Gasperini's squad depth for one of Italian football's most competitive fixtures. Pellegrini, a Rome-born midfielder and club stalwart, is a key figure in Roma's midfield, making his unavailability particularly notable for the derby della Capitale. The multiple injury concerns suggest Roma may need to shuffle their lineup or call upon squad players for the high-stakes encounter. With preparations underway, Gasperini will need to adjust his tactical approach and selections to compensate for these absences. The derby against Lazio remains one of Serie A's most intense rivalries, and managing the squad's fitness and availability will be crucial as Roma prepares for the match.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.

Roma defenders Gianluca Mancini and Lorenzo Pellegrini have been spotted vacationing together in Ibiza following the conclusion of the season. The pair are taking time to relax after a long campaign that culminated in Roma securing qualification for the Champions League. The break comes as several Roma players enjoy downtime before preparations begin for the new season ahead.

Tony D'Amico is in Bergamo negotiating the termination of his contract with Atalanta, bringing his move to Roma as sporting director closer. The agreement between D'Amico and the Giallorossi has been delayed by outstanding financial matters with the Nerazzurri, who removed him from his position roughly a week ago and appointed Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Once the resolution is finalized, D'Amico will officially join head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Trigoria. D'Amico's immediate priorities at Roma include negotiating contract renewals for Çelik, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Paulo Dybala. The club must also address Financial Fair Play compliance and capital gains requirements by 30 June, though the deadline could potentially be extended to 30 June 2027 through agreement with UEFA, allowing Roma to defer certain accounting obligations. This flexibility could help the club avoid selling key squad members during the current transfer window and instead register incoming revenue from Champions League participation in the next financial year. Gasperini's preferred target for recruitment is Mason Greenwood, though additional signings are expected beyond that single acquisition. The incoming sporting director will oversee all these matters alongside the club's broader transfer strategy.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested that AS Roma secure a permanent deal for Lorenzo Venturino, who arrived at the club on a paid loan from Genoa during the summer transfer window. Roma are in contact with Genoa regarding the player's future status. Venturino's loan arrangement included a purchase option, and Gasperini's backing suggests he views the defender as an important part of his squad plans moving forward.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is keen to keep winger Lorenzo Venturino at Roma beyond his current loan spell, which expires this summer. Roma arrived at negotiations with Genoa to extend the 2006-born player's loan for another year. The club has no intention of exercising the €7 million purchase option included in the agreement struck last January when Venturino joined from Genoa, but Gasperini wants to continue monitoring the player's development in the coming season. Venturino's future remains uncertain as Serie A side Como have also expressed interest in the winger, though they have not yet made a concrete move. Negotiations between Roma and Genoa also involve forward Tommaso Baldanzi, who moved in the opposite direction last January. Roma values the former Empoli player at a minimum of €10 million, while Genoa are seeking a discount. It is possible that Venturino could be included in talks as a makeweight in the Baldanzi deal. During his time at Roma this season, Venturino made 10 appearances but failed to register a goal.

Roma and Genoa are in discussions over the redemption clause for forward Baldanzi, according to reports. The initial valuation stands at 10 million euros, with Genoa seeking a discount due to physical issues Baldanzi experienced during the latter stages of the season. Baldanzi was initially signed by Daniele De Rossi when he managed Roma and has proven his value through consistent performances, including another loan spell in January that reinforced De Rossi's judgment. Baldanzi has expressed his desire to remain at Roma, stating: "I want to stay. I can score more goals and provide more assists." The negotiations suggest Roma is actively working to secure the player permanently rather than allowing him to return to Genoa. Meanwhile, fellow Roma loanee Venturino will not be redeemed by the Giallorossi and will return to Genoa, with Serie A side Como reportedly showing interest in the defender.