Gasperini pushes for contract renewals for Celik and Pellegrini at Roma

Reports of a release clause in Matías Soulé's Roma contract have been denied. Borussia Dortmund continues to monitor the situation. Roma is preparing to sell one of its key players before 30 June in order to meet Settlement Agreement obligations. The exact structure of Soulé's contract and Dortmund's concrete interest level remain unclear. Such a sale would be a significant move in the club's summer transfer strategy as it navigates financial requirements.

Riccardo Calafiori, the Arsenal defender who came through Roma's youth academy, has become the centre of online attention after a video emerged of him singing 'Campo Testaccio'—a song closely associated with Roma's supporters—enthusiastically in public. The clip has gone viral on social media, once again highlighting Calafiori's long-standing affection for the Giallorossi colours, which he has never concealed throughout his career. Calafiori departed Roma for the Premier League but has maintained his emotional connection to the club where he developed as a young player. The viral moment has reignited calls among Roma supporters for his eventual return to the Stadio Olimpico. His public display of passion for the club resonates strongly with the fanbase, who view it as evidence of his enduring attachment to Roma despite his current commitments elsewhere. The incident underscores how Calafiori remains a figure of interest to Roma's supporters, with many hoping to see him wear the giallorossi shirt again in the future. His continued identification with the club demonstrates the deep roots he established during his formative years in the academy.

Donyell Malen is preparing for his World Cup debut this evening as the Netherlands face Japan in Group F at Arlington, Texas. The Roma forward is expected to start and will encounter Suzuki, the Japanese goalkeeper he faced recently when Roma defeated Parma 3–2 on 10 May. In that match, Malen scored twice against Suzuki—first with a precise strike from distance, then converting a penalty in the 101st minute. Malen arrives at the tournament seeking to rediscover his scoring form after failing to find the net in two pre-World Cup friendlies against Algeria and Uzbekistan. Regaining his goal-scoring touch is crucial to secure his place in the starting lineup and avoid losing opportunities to fellow forward Depay. The article notes that other Roma players have already featured in World Cup matches: El Aynaoui's Morocco drew 1–1 with Brazil, and Çelik played 81 minutes in Turkey's loss to Australia. Malen's previous success against Suzuki provides a psychological edge, and scoring in tonight's match would represent a significant confidence boost as he aims to establish himself with the Oranje during the tournament and build on the strong impression he has already made at Roma.

Paulo Dybala has not yet committed to a contract extension with Roma, though negotiations remain active. Speaking on his future, Dybala stated: "I have not yet decided, anything can happen." Despite his non-committal comments, the renewal talks are progressing, with Ryan Friedkin maintaining contact with the player's agent Novel and the two sides described as having moved considerably closer to agreement. Head coach Gasperini has prioritized securing Dybala's future alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini and at least two additional attacking reinforcements for the upcoming season. Roma are also working to complete other deals before the June 30 deadline. Matías Soulé is the primary candidate for departure, having attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahçe, and Saudi Arabian clubs following his 30 million euro investment. Striker Artem Dovbyk is also facing a potential exit, with Villarreal, Real Betis, and a German club monitoring his situation. Additionally, Angeliño has been targeted by La Liga side Deportivo La Coruña for a return to Spain. Gasperini continues to pursue Mason Greenwood as a priority target, with ongoing discussions with the English winger. The club aims to finalize these matters swiftly to shape the squad for the new campaign.

Head coach Gasperini has identified English forward Mason Greenwood as his primary objective to strengthen Roma's attack and challenge for immediate success. Greenwood remains at Marseille, who are reluctant to sell their most valuable player at a discount price. American winger Christian Pulisic is being considered as an alternative option. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala's contract renewal with Roma is close to completion and only awaits final approval from the club hierarchy. Speaking from Argentina, Dybala stated: "I have not yet decided" regarding his future, though negotiations are reportedly well advanced. The club is taking time before giving definitive clearance, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks or early July. Lorenzo Pellegrini is following a similar renewal trajectory. The situation differs for defender Zeki Celik, whose demands of €4 million per season are viewed as difficult for Roma to meet, despite interest from other clubs. Gasperini has been pressing for decisive action on transfers and renewals for several weeks, having set his conditions directly to owner Ryan Friedkin months ago. The coach is eager to avoid repeat delays that occurred during last summer's 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.