Dybala Speaks on Roma Future, Expresses Interest in Reunion with Paredes

Roma are pursuing Valdepenas, a 2006-born defender currently at Real Madrid, according to reports. The Spanish youngster made his Real Madrid debut in December against Alaves and fits Roma's stated strategy of signing promising young players capable of developing into key contributors. However, competition for his signature is significant, with Eintracht Frankfurt, Arsenal, and AC Milan also monitoring the player. Roma's transfer approach under sporting director Massara has focused on acquiring young prospects with long-term potential. Recent signings including Vaz, Venturino, Ziolkowski, and Ghilardi exemplify this model. The Valdepenas pursuit represents an extension of this strategy into the international market, specifically targeting Spain's youth talent pool. At present, the interest is in an early stage, though it could develop further in coming months depending on possible departures in Roma's defensive ranks, including the potential sale of Ndicka. The competition from multiple top European clubs suggests Valdepenas is highly regarded despite his limited first-team experience. Details of Roma's concrete steps toward securing the player remain unclear, but the interest signals the club's continued commitment to building for the future rather than pursuing established names.

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.

Matteo Guendouzi, the former Lazio midfielder now at Fenerbahce, was caught on camera being told to be quiet by a young child wearing a Galatasaray shirt before a derby match in Istanbul two days ago. The child repeatedly gestured for Guendouzi to stay silent with a smirk, and the moment went viral on social media, particularly among Roma fans. The incident drew comparisons to Paulo Dybala's iconic derby provocations against Lazio, including the famous shin-guard celebration from two years ago and a January 2025 exchange in which Dybala repeatedly mocked Guendouzi while reminding him of his lack of trophies with Lazio. Guendouzi's day in Istanbul ended poorly: Fenerbahce lost the derby 0–3, continuing his poor record in high-stakes matches. He also lost his composure after the final whistle, becoming involved in a brawl and later stating: "I don't want to talk about the referee, he killed the match." The incident reportedly led to the dismissal of Fenerbahce manager Domenico Tedesco. The viral video highlighted Guendouzi's reputation for losing his temper in competitive fixtures, a trait that has made him a frequent target for opponents' psychological tactics.

Paulo Dybala returned to action at Dall'Ara after a 90-day absence, receiving 14 minutes of playing time in place of Donyell Malen. His return was described as cautious and tentative, with observers noting he appeared mentally rather than physically unprepared. His involvement was minimal, with little impact on Roma's performance. Dybala's contract expires at the end of the season, and renewal discussions appear unlikely in the near term. With only 23 appearances from 45 matches this season and 1,308 minutes played, producing 3 goals and 4 assists, Dybala's future remains uncertain. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly requested three attacking additions: two wingers for the left flank and one for the right side—a move that would effectively exclude Dybala from Roma's plans. The Argentine can remain at the club only on a pay-per-appearance contract if no replacement arrives in his position. Roma's ownership must navigate this decision through an incoming director of sport, as Massara currently remains in his post. Several candidates have been proposed for the role, including Giuntoli, Sogliano, and Manna, though details on the final selection remain unclear.

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.