Roma Eyes RB Leipzig's Nusa as Attack Overhaul Continues Under Gasperini

Roma midfielder Koné has rejected an approach from Atlético Madrid as he waits for concrete interest from PSG. Arsenal, finalists in the last Champions League, have now made concrete moves for the 2001-born French midfielder, with initial contact reportedly made with his representatives. The Arsenal option is reportedly appealing to Koné, whose future remains uncertain. Roma's priority under head coach Gasperini and the club is to meet the Settlement Agreement requirements of 50 million euros by 30 June without sacrificing major players like Ndicka and Koné. The plan focuses on selling players such as Soulé (linked with Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and Arab clubs), Ziolkowski, and other minor assets. However, if attractive offers arrive that are difficult to refuse, Koné would represent a valuable sale for profit purposes, with several European clubs having shown interest in the French midfielder. Beyond Inter, Atlético Madrid was the first to make a move for Koné. Should he depart Roma, the club has Musah in their sights as a potential replacement. Details on the timeline or fee structure remain unclear.

Igor Paixao, an offensive winger who had been linked with AS Roma in recent weeks, is unlikely to join the club. The player reportedly prefers to remain at Marseille rather than pursue a move to the Giallorossi. Roma had considered Paixao as a potential addition to their squad during the transfer window, but his preference to stay in France means the club will need to explore other targets for their attacking options.

Paulo Dybala has refused to commit to a new contract with AS Roma, stating he has not yet decided his future while speaking from Argentina. The forward said: "Vedremo che cosa succederà. Ormai tutte le squadre sono un'opzione, persino l'Instituto Cordoba, così la gente non si arrabbia. Sono ancora un giocatore della Roma fino alla fine del mese, quindi, per rispetto nei confronti del club non parlerò del mio futuro. Tuttavia, non ho ancora deciso." He added that "Tutto è possibile, nel calcio non si sa mai" and acknowledged that Boca Juniors is also an option, though he declined to elaborate. Despite Dybala's cautious public stance, Roma's hierarchy remains confident that negotiations are progressing. The 32-year-old has submitted a counter-proposal to the club that includes performance bonuses, a flexible contract structure (1+1), and involvement in Roma's centenary celebrations, with the possibility of ending his career at the club. The salary being discussed is approximately €500,000 annually higher than Roma's initial offer of €2 million. The renewal discussions were previously handled by club officials but have now been transferred to newly announced sporting director D'Amico, who will take over negotiations going forward. Roma is also working on separate contract extensions for defenders Çelik and midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, though Pellegrini is awaiting contact from the club.

AS Roma midfielder Wesley will miss Brazil's opening match at the 2026 World Cup against Morocco, which takes place at midnight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Wesley, who was travelling towards a starting-place selection, is sidelined from Brazil's Group C opener under former Roma coach Carlo Ancelotti. The match will be broadcast on RAI and DAZN. Other Roma players are set to feature in the tournament's opening fixtures. Turkish defender Celik takes the field on Sunday morning at 6 a.m. as part of Montella's Turkey squad against Australia in Group D. Netherlands winger Malen will debut Sunday evening at 10 p.m. against Japan. Additional Roma-connected players include Costa d'Avorio's Ndicka, who opens Monday night against Ecuador, and France's Koné, scheduled for Tuesday evening against Senegal. Wesley received a warm reception from Roma fans at Fiumicino airport ahead of his World Cup departure, with supporters chanting 'Forza Roma!' The tournament represents the first World Cup featuring Roma players at the 2026 edition. Brazil's squad will be without one of their key midfield options as they begin their campaign in Group C.

A Roma figure identified as Faccini has stated that goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Konè, and winger Donyell Malen are not for sale in the transfer market. Faccini, who grew up in Roma's youth academy and scored the first goal of the club's historic 1982–83 Serie A title-winning season, made the declaration regarding the club's transfer strategy. The statement signals Roma's intent to retain key players during the upcoming market window, reinforcing their commitment to building around this core group under current management.

Head coach Gasperini has identified Mason Greenwood and Christian Pulisic as key targets to strengthen Roma's attacking lineup for the upcoming season. A potential Roma front four could feature Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Pulisic, and Greenwood, though bringing both players to the club remains challenging at this stage. Greenwood, currently at Marseille, is Gasperini's primary objective, while Pulisic is also a direct request from the coach. Negotiations with the French club are expected to be complex. What particularly attracts Gasperini to both players is a shared technical characteristic: both are genuinely two-footed. They perform with equal ability using either foot regardless of their position on the pitch, a quality that translates to increased match-day danger and unpredictability. This ambidexterity is relatively rare among elite footballers. Gasperini views both as international-level profiles ready for a Champions League campaign and capable of delivering quality, goals, and the kind of performances that energize supporters. Current constraints limit Roma's immediate pursuit of both targets. The club must balance Financial Fair Play requirements, with a €60 million net spend target by June 30, though qualifying for the Champions League has strengthened Roma's negotiating position. Dybala is expected to renew his contract, while Malen remains a confirmed fixture in the squad.

Paulo Dybala has refused to commit to a new contract with AS Roma, stating he has not yet decided his future while speaking from Argentina. The forward said: "Vedremo che cosa succederà. Ormai tutte le squadre sono un'opzione, persino l'Instituto Cordoba, così la gente non si arrabbia. Sono ancora un giocatore della Roma fino alla fine del mese, quindi, per rispetto nei confronti del club non parlerò del mio futuro. Tuttavia, non ho ancora deciso." He added that "Tutto è possibile, nel calcio non si sa mai" and acknowledged that Boca Juniors is also an option, though he declined to elaborate. Despite Dybala's cautious public stance, Roma's hierarchy remains confident that negotiations are progressing. The 32-year-old has submitted a counter-proposal to the club that includes performance bonuses, a flexible contract structure (1+1), and involvement in Roma's centenary celebrations, with the possibility of ending his career at the club. The salary being discussed is approximately €500,000 annually higher than Roma's initial offer of €2 million. The renewal discussions were previously handled by club officials but have now been transferred to newly announced sporting director D'Amico, who will take over negotiations going forward. Roma is also working on separate contract extensions for defenders Çelik and midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, though Pellegrini is awaiting contact from the club.

Paulo Dybala's representatives have submitted a counter-proposal to Roma, bringing negotiations over his future closer to resolution. The Argentine forward has indicated that his decision is not yet final, leaving the door open to multiple possibilities regarding his next move. Roma and Dybala's camp continue discussions as white smoke appears increasingly likely. The exact terms of the counter-proposal remain unclear, but the development suggests both parties are working toward an agreement. Dybala's willingness to keep options open reflects the ongoing nature of contract negotiations between the player and the club.

Roma has officially announced the arrival of D'Amico. In parallel transfer developments, American winger Christian Pulisic has entered the club's scouting focus as a potential target. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala is taking steps toward negotiating a contract renewal with the Serie A side. Details remain unclear regarding the specific roles, timelines, and terms involved in these moves.

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.