Roma regains Koné ahead of Fiorentina; D'Amico emerges as leading candidate for sporting director role; Dybala linked with Boca Juniors move

Neil El Aynaoui, AS Roma's midfielder, has been selected to start in Morocco's World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Brazil. Morocco's coach Ouahbi has named El Aynaoui in a three-man midfield alongside Bouaddi and Ounahi for the fixture, one of the tournament's most anticipated group-stage encounters. Brazil will be managed by Carlo Ancelotti. The match is scheduled for the midnight kickoff between Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June. El Aynaoui has become an increasingly prominent figure for Morocco's national team and views this upcoming period as an opportunity to redeem himself following a season of mixed form with Roma. The midfielder's selection underscores his growing importance to his country as they prepare for what is expected to be a significant test against the tournament favourites.

AS Roma continues its summer transfer activity with attacking reinforcements as the primary focus. The club has identified Summerville of West Ham and Greenwood as key targets, with vice-president Ryan Friedkin personally engaging with West Ham over the Dutch winger. Roma currently values Summerville at approximately €30 million, while West Ham seeks €40 million given competitive interest. Greenwood remains a priority, with Roma exploring a loan with obligation-to-buy structure valued around €45 million after Marseille's initial €50 million asking price. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan has also emerged as a left-wing option, with the American reportedly seeking an exit from Milan after repeatedly declining renewal offers. Roma views Pulisic as a potential fit to operate in his natural position and contribute goals and assists to the attack. On the contract front, negotiations have progressed on multiple fronts. A revised offer for Gianluca Mancini's renewal has improved, with agreement now described as close. Paulo Dybala's situation remains complex, with Boca Juniors continuing to pursue the Argentine midfielder, though the decision ultimately rests with the player regarding whether to extend his Roma contract.

Roma have improved their contract renewal proposal to defender Gianluca Mancini as the club shapes its future squad. Beyond exploring the Mason Greenwood transfer option, the Giallorossi are reviewing their renewal strategy with key players. Mancini, a cornerstone of the Roma defence, is now receiving an enhanced offer as the club seeks to secure the services of established squad members. Details of the improved terms remain unclear, but the move reflects Roma's prioritization of retaining important players during the ongoing transfer window.

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 has cast fresh uncertainty over his Roma future while on international duty with Argentina, stating "I have not yet decided and I do not know what my future will be, everything is possible." This comes after weeks of positive momentum surrounding his contract renewal. The comments echo earlier remarks Dybala made following Roma's comeback win at Parma, in which he suggested the upcoming Lazio match "will probably be my last game at the Olimpico with Roma's shirt" and noted the club had not contacted him about extending his deal. Despite Dybala's public expressions of uncertainty, Roma's management has moved to open renewal negotiations. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has repeatedly stated his desire to build the team around Dybala going forward. Roma's return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years, driven in part by Dybala's strong form at the season's end, prompted the club to begin formal talks. Newly appointed sporting director D'Amico has prioritized Dybala's renewal alongside those of Çelik and Pellegrini, accelerating a process previously handled directly by Ryan Friedkin. Dybala's representatives have submitted a counterproposal including performance bonuses, flexible contract terms (1+1 option), and involvement in Roma's centenary celebrations, with the possibility of ending his career at the club. The focus now returns to the Friedkin Group, though the renewal is described as drawing closer despite the player's recent comments.

Tony D'Amico has been officially confirmed as AS Roma's new sporting director from the 2026–27 season. The Abruzzo-born executive previously worked with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta. D'Amico will assume full powers on 1 July 2026, though he can work behind the scenes before that date. Until then, interim sporting director Maurizio Lombardo will hold signing authority, as Roma was unable to request a special dispensation from the Italian league due to the timing of D'Amico's arrival from Atalanta. D'Amico inherits a substantial workload. Priority contract renewals include Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Celik, with extensions for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante also on the agenda. Roma must also meet commitments under its UEFA Settlement Agreement and resolve financial fair play requirements around gains on player sales by 30 June. The transfer market remains active, with names including Greenwood, Summerville, and Pulisic linked as possible signings. The club is also addressing its full-back options. Until 1 July, D'Amico cannot formally sign documents or submit written offers for either renewals or new signings—authority falls to chief financial officer Morrow. This represents only a minor delay despite an already crowded agenda ahead of the new season.

Artem Dovbyk finds himself in a precarious position at Roma heading into the summer transfer window. The Ukrainian striker does not fit into head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical plans, having been criticized by the manager during pre-season. Gasperini remarked on timing and rhythm: "In football as in music you must keep time." A difficult 2024–25 season — marked by just three Serie A goals and a lengthy injury absence from January through May — has weakened Dovbyk's standing further. Roma's objective is to sell Dovbyk to create space in the forward line and pursue alternative targets. The club has discussed alternatives including players like Scamacca, though acquisition remains unlikely, with Greenwood emerging as the primary priority. Several clubs have begun making enquiries. Spanish sides Villarreal and Real Betis have asked for information, with Betis reportedly seeking attacking reinforcements for their Champions League campaign. Roma ideally wants a permanent sale for at least €25 million to register a profit, though the club is now open to loan arrangements with a buyout clause — a shift from last summer's stance. Dovbyk's representatives have been notified of his availability, and Roma's transfer department is actively working to facilitate a departure. Various offers are expected to arrive in the coming weeks as clubs move on the opportunity to sign the striker.

Artem Dovbyk has taken on a television commentary role for Ukraine's opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa, with his wife Yuliia sharing images of the moment on social media. The striker remained in his home country after participating in Ukrainian national team friendlies in late May and early June, and has now been called upon by two television broadcasters to provide analysis for the tournament. Dovbyk's future at AS Roma appears increasingly unclear following a season disrupted by physical problems. The Ukrainian attacker has struggled to earn favour under coach Gian Piero Gasperini and is expected to leave the capital in the coming summer transfer window. His inability to secure consistent playing time at Roma has resulted in limited opportunities to make an impact in the latter stages of the season. The move into commentary work suggests Dovbyk is exploring alternative activities while his Roma situation develops. Details regarding potential transfer destinations or the timeline for any departure remain unclear.

Roma is preparing to sell players during the summer transfer window to generate the financial gains required by UEFA. Matías Soulé has attracted interest from several clubs, with Borussia Dortmund positioning itself to make a decisive move. Roma is asking for at least €40 million for the Argentine winger. Evan Ndicka, the Ivorian defender, is also a potential departure, with Premier League interest from Newcastle, Tottenham, and Bournemouth, whose director Tiago Pinto is actively pursuing Serie A defenders. Roma will not accept offers below €40 million for Ndicka. Artem Dovbyk is also being monitored by Spanish clubs, though no concrete offers have arrived. The potential exits of Soulé and Ndicka represent the club's more serious departures this window, as Roma seeks to meet UEFA's financial regulations. Tony D'Amico is awaiting official confirmation as the new sporting director and will oversee these decisions. Boca Juniors continues to pursue Paulo Dybala, but the Argentine forward is expected to remain at Roma. A contract renewal for Dybala is described as merely a matter of time, with the player keen to continue his career in giallorosso.

AS Roma continues its summer transfer activity with attacking reinforcements as the primary focus. The club has identified Summerville of West Ham and Greenwood as key targets, with vice-president Ryan Friedkin personally engaging with West Ham over the Dutch winger. Roma currently values Summerville at approximately €30 million, while West Ham seeks €40 million given competitive interest. Greenwood remains a priority, with Roma exploring a loan with obligation-to-buy structure valued around €45 million after Marseille's initial €50 million asking price. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan has also emerged as a left-wing option, with the American reportedly seeking an exit from Milan after repeatedly declining renewal offers. Roma views Pulisic as a potential fit to operate in his natural position and contribute goals and assists to the attack. On the contract front, negotiations have progressed on multiple fronts. A revised offer for Gianluca Mancini's renewal has improved, with agreement now described as close. Paulo Dybala's situation remains complex, with Boca Juniors continuing to pursue the Argentine midfielder, though the decision ultimately rests with the player regarding whether to extend his Roma contract.

AS Roma has improved its contract proposal for defender Gianluca Mancini, bringing a renewal agreement closer following a strong season that helped secure Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considers Mancini untouchable in his plans, and the club prioritises his renewal alongside Paulo Dybala as central to the team's future direction. Mancini's improved offer reportedly includes a contract extension through 2029, with an optional additional year, at approximately €3.5 million per season. The former Atalanta defender played consistently at a high level throughout the campaign and is viewed as essential to Gasperini's project at Roma. Tony D'Amico, the newly appointed sporting director, is actively working to finalise the deal, with ongoing negotiations expected to accelerate the process in the coming days. An agreement is anticipated soon, with both club and player motivated to complete the renewal. Gasperini has made clear that Mancini's future remains firmly at Roma, with no consideration given to moves elsewhere, including to Inter.

Paulo Dybala has not yet signed a contract extension with AS Roma, despite weeks of negotiations. The Argentine forward made comments suggesting uncertainty about his future, stating: "I have not yet decided and I do not know what my future will be, everything is possible." These remarks have encouraged Boca Juniors, who have been courting Dybala for nearly a year with assistance from fellow Argentine Paredes. Boca responded publicly to Dybala's comments, saying: "We want him, but it is he who must decide his future. We know he is negotiating a renewal, but with 15 days until his agreement expires he has not yet signed." However, Roma sources suggest there is little cause for concern at the club's training ground. The gap between Roma's position and Dybala's demands remains minimal. The player's comments appear to reflect frustration after months of limited communication rather than a genuine signal of departure. Roma's arrival of Tony D'Amico to the club is expected to accelerate negotiations in the coming days, which officials view as crucial to securing Dybala's long-term future with the club. The renewal of Gianluca Mancini's contract is also reported to be close.