Roma targets Real Madrid's Valdepenas amid heavy competition

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is developing a clear strategic vision for AS Roma's future, combining potential departures of established players with ambitious recruitment plans. The Piedmont-born tactician aims to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours, blending reliable starters with high-quality additions to the roster. Gasperini's approach reflects a comprehensive reconstruction effort at the club. Among his transfer targets are players of top-tier calibre, including Nusa and Brandt, who represent the quality profile Gasperini seeks to attract. The strategy balances squad renewal through selective sales of key figures with strategic investment in players who can elevate Roma's competitiveness across Serie A and European competitions. This dual approach—intelligent squad management paired with ambitious signings—is central to Gasperini's plan to restore Roma as a genuine title contender. The coach's methodical preparation for the season ahead demonstrates a focus on building depth and versatility throughout the team. By targeting specific profiles and managing departures strategically, Gasperini seeks to create a cohesive unit capable of sustained success. Details remain unclear regarding which players may depart or the timeline for completing transfer business.

Roma are pursuing Napoli director Giovanni Manna as a replacement in their executive structure, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini backing the move. Manna, who has been central to Napoli's recruitment strategy, is highly regarded for balancing youth development with experienced signings. Gasperini believes they will work well together, unlike his current relationship with Roma director Frederic Massara, who is expected to leave the club following the recent departure of former manager Claudio Ranieri. Manna's track record at Napoli includes contributions to signings such as Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Rasmus Hojlund. His experience managing Juventus' youth academy also aligns with Roma's plans to establish a second team. However, Manna remains under contract at Napoli until 2029, making negotiations with owner Aurelio De Laurentiis difficult. Roma's shortlist for the director role also includes Cristiano Giuntoli, Atalanta's Tony D'Amico, and Verona's Sean Sogliano. Looking ahead, Roma will prioritize recruiting a new left-back to allow Wesley to shift to right wing, a pacey forward to replace departures like Leon Bailey and Bryan Zaragoza, and potentially a midfielder depending on whether Manu Koné or Evan N'Dicka are sold.

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.

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.

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.