Roma targets Real Madrid defender Valdepenas

Paulo Dybala has commented on his future at AS Roma during the summer transfer window. The Argentine forward remains focused on his role with the Giallorossi while expressing enthusiasm about a potential reunion with fellow midfielder Paredes. Dybala's contract situation and performances continue to be central topics for the club as Roma navigates the transfer market. His comments reflect his commitment to Roma while indicating openness to strengthening the squad with familiar faces from his past.

Relations between Antonio Conte and Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis have deteriorated significantly, according to reports. De Laurentiis is reportedly considering Gian Piero Gasperini as a potential successor should Conte's tenure end. Gasperini is currently AS Roma's head coach, appointed in 2025. Any move would represent a significant shift in Napoli's coaching position, though details of the timeline and circumstances remain unclear. Such a development would directly affect Roma's tactical setup and managerial stability.

Zeki Celik has not suffered an injury and will return to team training or complete differentiated work ahead of Roma's match against Fiorentina on Monday. However, there is near-certainty that the Turkish defender will not renew his contract with Roma. A significant gap remains between the club's offer of approximately 2.8 million euros and Celik's demand of 4 million euros, making an agreement unlikely. Celik is regarded as a trusted player by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, yet his departure appears set. The club has identified restructuring the flanks as one of Gasperini's absolute priorities. Beyond Celik's likely exit, there is also a concrete possibility that Angelino will leave Roma in the summer. Roma will need to recruit a left-footed starting left-back and another important right-footed player to replace Celik on the right flank. The contract impasse highlights Roma's ongoing squad overhaul under the new coaching regime. These departures would represent significant changes to the club's defensive setup, with Gasperini seeking to reshape the wide positions with new additions.

Roma is planning a significant restructuring of its attack under new head coach Gasperini, with Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé expected to remain as exceptions. The club has identified RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as a primary target for the left flank. Leipzig reportedly demanded €50 million for the Norwegian in January, but his valuation is expected to decrease in the summer transfer window. Other attacking options under consideration include Tel from Tottenham and Godts from Ajax, while the club is also monitoring Julian Brandt, who is available on a free transfer and previously played alongside Malen at Borussia Dortmund. Gasperini has outlined clear instructions to the Friedkin Group that the attack requires rebuilding, particularly if Paulo Dybala does not renew his contract. Several players are expected to depart, including Zaragoza, Venturino, El Shaarawy, and Ferguson. On the defensive side, Evan Ndicka is viewed as a potential sale to generate funds, with Lucumì emerging as a replacement option. Midfielder Youssouf Koné remains a transfer target for Inter, though he is expected to be available for Monday's match against Fiorentina alongside defender Zeki Çelik. Meanwhile, the club is close to appointing a new sporting director to oversee the summer transfer strategy. Daniele Massara is departing, with candidates including Paratici and Giuntoli, though D'Amico from Atalanta—who has previously worked with Gasperini—appears to be the leading option. On the pitch, Wesley's impact is notable: Roma averages 1.89 points per match with the Brazilian playing, compared to 1.43 without him.

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his vision for Roma's rebuild following his appointment as head coach. The club will build around midfielder Matías Soulé and winger Donyell Malen, while several players are expected to depart. Ferguson and Zaragoza have been identified as surplus to requirements, while Venturino and Vaz may be allowed to leave for development opportunities. El Shaarawy is also listed among potential departures, and striker Artem Dovbyk—currently injured—does not align with Gasperini's tactical preferences, though finding a buyer will prove difficult. Gasperini has requested reinforcements across multiple positions and has specifically expressed interest in fullback options, including reportedly Dodó from Fiorentina. Dybala's future remains unclear, as the club must balance ambition with financial constraints. Roma faces considerable pressure to generate approximately €80 million in player sales during the summer transfer window. The Financial Fair Play requirements will significantly impact Gasperini's ability to reshape the squad despite his newfound influence over recruitment. Gasperini has appeared more settled after recent weeks, suggesting improved clarity on his role within the club's structure.

Roma faces Bologna with several lineup decisions to finalize ahead of the match. Lorenzo Venturino will start on the bench after sustaining a bruise during the week that has left him below full fitness. The main selection uncertainty centers on the attacking midfield position, where El Aynaoui is competing with El Shaarawy for a starting role alongside Cristante in midfield. If El Aynaoui gets the nod, Pisilli would occupy the number 10 role; if El Shaarawy starts instead, Pisilli would move into a more central midfield position. Paulo Dybala is unavailable to begin the match. Roma is pushing to maintain their Champions League qualification hopes heading into the fixture. The squad faces considerable constraints, with Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson all ruled out. Gasperini will field Celik on one flank, with Wesley returning from injury to operate on the other wing. The selection dilemmas reflect Roma's current depth challenges as they navigate multiple absences while competing for European qualification.

Roma secured a convincing 2–0 victory away at Bologna, with winger Donyell Malen delivering an outstanding performance to decide the match. The win marks an important step in Roma's pursuit of European qualification. Defender Gianluca Mancini also impressed, particularly in the first half, combining aggressive defending with composure. Paulo Dybala returned to action during the encounter. This was Roma's first match after Claudio Ranieri's departure, and the team showed a level of performance the fans have long awaited. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, including a late intervention to deny Bologna a consolation goal. Mancini began nervously but quickly settled, neutralising Bologna's threat with physical but controlled defending. Fellow defender Ndicka had a far more comfortable evening compared to recent European fixtures, while Hermoso displayed the aggressive, dominant style that attracted coach Gian Piero Gasperini's attention. The defensive collective held firm despite increased pressure in the second half, with substitute Ghilardi entering during Bologna's most intense spell and coping admirably. Roma's convincing display away from home demonstrates the team is building momentum under its new tactical direction, with multiple players delivering well-balanced performances across both phases of play.

Roma travel to Bologna on April 25 for a Serie A matchday 34 fixture at the Dall'Ara stadium, with kick-off at 18:00. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list, with good news on the injury front: Wesley and Dybala are fit and included, while Rensch and Pisilli are also available. However, four players remain sidelined: Koné, Pellegrini, Dovbyk, and Ferguson. The match represents a crucial contest for Roma, who are fighting for a Champions League place and broader European qualification for next season. The return of Dybala and Wesley provides Gasperini with important options in attack and defense respectively, strengthening the squad depth for a fixture that could prove significant in Roma's push for continental football. Roma's full squad includes goalkeepers Svilar, Gollini, and De Marzi; defenders Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Tsimikas, Celik, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pisilli; and forwards Malen, Soulé, Venturino, Dybala, Vaz, El Shaarawy, and Zaragoza.

Gasperini has laid out conditions for remaining at Roma that include significant summer transfer activity and a change in sporting director, likely moving away from Ricky Massara. The club faces the challenge of restructuring multiple departments as numerous players will leave on free transfers by the end of August. In defense, Roma will make minimal changes if Mile Svilar stays. Ghilardi has impressed and will remain, while the club needs at least one new center-back, with targets including Balerdi (Marseille), Troilo (Parma), and Jhon Lucumì (Bologna). Midfield could see Manu Koné depart for €40-45 million to meet Financial Fair Play requirements, necessitating a replacement like Aseko (Bayern Munich) or Frattesi. The wings are a critical area for Gasperini's 3-4-2-1 formation—Wesley is the only reliable option, so two fullbacks are essential. Targets include Bernasconi (Atalanta) and Sessegnon (Fulham). Attack requires the most significant overhaul. Paulo Dybala will leave on a free transfer, while Gasperini prioritizes speed and dribbling ability. Donyell Malen is the primary cornerstone, with Matías Soulé and Robinio Vaz providing depth. The priority is signing a left-footed right winger or attacking midfielder; targets include Antonio Nusa, Kerim Alajbegovic, and Julian Brandt. Satisfying Gasperini's demands presents both economic and sporting challenges, but significant changes are necessary to move Roma beyond their current mid-table position.