Koné returns to focus for Roma as Gasperini awaits midfielder's return

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.

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.

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.