Gasperini plans attacking overhaul as Friedkin prepares Rome visit; Nusa and Summerville eyed

Roma legend Giuseppe Giannini has commented on the club's managerial changes and transfer strategy in an interview with Il Tempo. Giannini acknowledged that Roma has had some misfortune this season, stating: "It is ugly to talk about bad luck, but Roma has been slightly unlucky. The match against Juventus somewhat overturned the season." He defended the Friedkin Group's decision to appoint Gasperini and move away from Ranieri, noting that ownership naturally focuses on results and identified Gasperini as the key figure requiring freedom to operate. When asked who could replace Ranieri in an advisory or directorial capacity, Giannini spoke positively about Francesco Totti as a candidate, emphasizing his passion and attachment to the club. He said: "For love, for passion, for attachment, one would dream of a character who has already done great things as a player and who can contribute also as a director." However, Giannini expressed caution about publicly naming Totti, concerned that such speculation might damage his candidacy. Giannini also evaluated the work of director Massara, describing him as a serious professional with international football knowledge, though he noted that Massara operates quietly behind the scenes. Regarding recent signings, Giannini questioned the acquisition of Vaz for approximately 22 million euros, describing him as an interesting prospect but "not yet ready for a club like Roma," and acknowledged uncertainty about the reasoning behind the transfer.

AS Roma are reportedly considering Gonzalo García as a potential attacking addition to their squad. The move comes as the club evaluates options to strengthen their forward line following a challenging campaign. Details of the player's profile, negotiation status, and timeline remain unclear from available information. Roma continue their ongoing transfer activity under the Friedkin Group's ownership, seeking to improve the squad's attacking prowess ahead of upcoming competitions.

AS Roma faces pressure to generate €80 million in player sales by 30 June to meet UEFA financial regulations. Midfielder Koné, who has resumed training after injury, is among the leading candidates to depart Trigoria. The French international has attracted interest from Inter, with additional suitors abroad, though Roma's financial requirements rather than footballing considerations are driving a potential exit. Koné's sale alone would not be sufficient to reach the club's €80 million target, prompting sporting director Ricky Massara to identify additional departures. Ivorian centre-back Evan Ndicka has parted ways with his agent and is preparing to negotiate a move independently. A key advantage for Ndicka is that he will retain 20% of any transfer fee's value in his personal accounts. The Premier League is reportedly among Ndicka's most likely destinations. Both players are viewed as saleable assets within Roma's squad, with their departures potentially accelerating the club's compliance with the UEFA financial recovery plan.

Roma's transfer activity dominated the day's news. Paulo Dybala is reportedly a target for Boca Juniors, while Roma is progressing toward exercising a redemption clause to retain Donyell Malen. Defender N'Dicka has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. The news reflects Roma's ongoing efforts to balance squad retention with strategic recruitment. Specific details on timelines and fee structures remain unclear.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has indicated that Roma will exercise their option to permanently sign Donyell Malen, who is currently on loan at the Italian club. Emery praised Malen as an excellent footballer, noting that at Aston Villa he faced strong competition for playing time and therefore saw fewer minutes. The comments suggest confidence that Roma will move forward with a permanent deal for the Dutch winger, who has been brought in to add depth to the Giallorossi attack this season.

Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa, has spoken positively about Donyell Malen's transfer to AS Roma during the winter transfer window. Malen joined Roma on a loan deal with a right of purchase, leaving Villa after competition from fellow striker Watkins limited his playing time. Emery explained the reasoning behind allowing the Dutch forward to depart, stating that at Roma, Malen has found the ideal environment to develop his qualities. Emery believes Roma will exercise the option to make Malen's move permanent given his performance since arriving in the capital. The player has featured regularly for the Giallorossi, allowing him to showcase his abilities more consistently than he could at Villa Park. This move represents a fresh start for Malen at a club where he has the opportunity to be a primary attacking option. Speaking to Sky Sport ahead of Villa's Europa League semifinal first leg against Nottingham Forest, Emery said: "Malen is an excellent player. Here he had competition from Watkins, so he played less for that reason and I thought he should play more as a striker. At times he played alongside Watkins, so I believe at Roma he is finding the perfect spot and has played all the matches to exploit his qualities and score goals. I am very happy for him because he is also a good lad. And I hope he continues to score goals." Emery confirmed the arrangement: "It is a loan with a right of purchase that Roma, given the results, will exercise. And for this reason I repeat that I am very happy for him, because he is a good lad and a good player."

Paulo Dybala's future at AS Roma continues to be unclear, with Boca Juniors interested in signing the Argentine forward. Recent reports suggested a preliminary contract agreement between Dybala and Boca had been reached, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that no such deal currently exists between the player and the Argentine club. Boca Juniors certainly view Dybala as a major target, though discussions remain internal to the club at present. Dybala has not yet approved any negotiations for a transfer away from Roma. The 21-shirt player, who returned to full availability under Gasperini following an injury sustained in late January, is prioritising finishing the current season with the Giallorossi in the best possible manner. His focus remains on Roma's campaign rather than exploring potential moves elsewhere. The Argentine will make a final decision on his future only after the season concludes. Until then, uncertainty will likely persist around whether Dybala remains at the Stadio Olimpico or pursues a move to South America.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria following a two-day rest to prepare for Monday's Serie A match against Fiorentina at the Olimpico (kick-off 20:45). Midfielder Koné returned to group training and will be available for the fixture, a boost for coach Gasperini. However, Pellegrini and Dovbyk underwent differentiated training. The match will be officiated by Zufferli, whose previous encounter with Roma saw Celik sent off in a Cagliari fixture. Off the pitch, Roma continues to manage significant changes. The search for a new sporting director intensifies, with D'Amico reported as the primary candidate to replace Massara. Alternative names mentioned include Manna and Sogliano. On the transfer front, several movements are being tracked: Bournemouth (reportedly linked with Paulo Pinto) are pursuing Ndicka, while the Brandt transfer interest has cooled. Should Manu depart, the club's midfield target is understood to be Ismael. Separately, Paulo Dybala is reportedly moving toward a transfer to Boca Juniors. Additionally, Dan Friedkin has approved an approach for Alajbegovic.

Roma's transfer activity dominated the day's news. Paulo Dybala is reportedly a target for Boca Juniors, while Roma is progressing toward exercising a redemption clause to retain Donyell Malen. Defender N'Dicka has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. The news reflects Roma's ongoing efforts to balance squad retention with strategic recruitment. Specific details on timelines and fee structures 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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified several players for potential departure as Roma plans its squad rebuild. El Shaarawy and Vaz are among those listed for possible exits, signaling clear thinking from the new coach on player management and future direction. Gasperini has moved quickly to establish his vision for the club following his recent appointment. The departures would allow Roma to reshape the squad and allocate resources according to the coach's tactical preferences and long-term strategy. Details on timelines and replacement targets remain unclear.

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.