Zaragoza to return to Bayern Munich; Celik cleared of injury ahead of Fiorentina match; Friedkin to choose new director

Roma are actively pursuing Ruggeri, the former Atalanta defender, as they seek to strengthen their wing positions under head coach Gasperini. The club views him as part of a broader effort to refresh the lateral areas of the pitch, with Wesley alone deemed insufficient to meet the squad's needs. However, Roma face competition from Fiorentina, who have reportedly already made initial contact to test the feasibility of a deal. Ruggeri has made his intentions clear: he wishes to remain at Atlético Madrid, and the Spanish club appears unwilling to part with him. Roma nonetheless remain attentive to developments and ready to pursue the opportunity should an opening arise. Gasperini is keen to add immediate, ready-to-use players to elevate Roma's performance and compete for titles immediately. Beyond the left-back search, Roma's summer transfer activity extends across multiple positions. The club continues to monitor various targets as they work toward strengthening the squad ahead of the new season.

AS Roma is evaluating Bologna defender Lucumi as a potential replacement should Ndicka leave the club. The Colombian centre-back was on Roma's radar last summer under Massara but remained at Bologna despite interest from multiple clubs including Sunderland. Now, with his future at Bologna uncertain, Roma has renewed its focus on the player—a profile already familiar to the club's recruitment team. Lucumi's potential arrival would depend on Ndicka's departure from Trigoria. The defender impressed Roma during previous transfer discussions and represents a known quantity in the market. However, Roma faces competition for his signature. Juventus is also pursuing Lucumi, with former Roma manager Spalletti reportedly pushing strongly to bring the Colombian to Turin. The tactical push from Spalletti adds another layer to the competition for the player's services. Details remain unclear on the timeline for any potential move or the likelihood of Ndicka's departure. Lucumi's preference to remain in Italian football has made him an attractive target for multiple Serie A clubs this summer.

AS Roma has officially announced its pre-season schedule, beginning at Trigoria before relocating to Wales for training camp at an undisclosed resort. The timing clarifies uncertainty around the start of the new campaign under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Meanwhile, Matías Soulé's future at the club remains uncertain. The Argentine winger is considered the most expendable member of the squad, with Gasperini reportedly open to his departure if a suitable alternative—specifically mentioned is Greenwood—becomes available. Soulé's agent is currently at Trigoria, indicating active negotiations. Borussia Dortmund is also applying pressure regarding the player's status. On the departures front, English club Arsenal has begun expressing interest in midfielder Manu Koné, an area where Gasperini would prefer to retain the player. The Gunners' potential bid could test Roma's resolve. On the incoming side, defender Alajbegovic continues to attract multiple suitors, with Bayer Leverkusen raising its asking price. The article also notes that six Roma players are competing in the World Cup, with a separate story highlighting player Reyes as one to watch during the tournament.

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.