Defender Aké Offered to Roma as Manchester City Exit Looms

AS Roma owner Ryan Friedkin is travelling to the capital to hold talks with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini as the club begins planning for the summer transfer window. With four matches remaining in the season, the Friedkin Group wants to address key decisions including the appointment of a new sporting director and potential player departures. The meeting at Trigoria will focus on the club's direction ahead of the close season. Roma are monitoring Fiorentina's squad ahead of Monday's match between the sides. Gasperini is interested in three players: Dodò, Gudmundsson, and Fortini. The Brazilian right-back is expected to leave Fiorentina, while the Icelandic midfielder's asking price stands at a minimum of 15 million euros. The club is also exploring defensive reinforcements, with Oosterwolde reportedly on their radar. Additionally, defender Aké has been offered to Roma, though details remain unclear on the terms or timeline of such an offer.

Manchester City has reportedly offered defender Aké to AS Roma as the transfer window approaches. The Premier League club is open to selling the player in the coming summer market. Roma is among the clubs being presented with the opportunity to sign Aké. Details about Roma's interest level and any formal bid remain unclear at this stage. The news comes as Roma begins assessing potential reinforcements ahead of the new season.

José Mourinho has dismissed speculation linking him to a return to Real Madrid. In a press conference, Mourinho stated: "No, nobody from Real Madrid has spoken to me, I can guarantee you that." The remarks come amid reports suggesting a potential move to the Spanish club. Mourinho previously managed Roma from 2021 to 2024, leading the club to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. His current status and plans remain the focus of media attention following his departure from the Giallorossi.

Roma is preparing for significant defensive changes this summer, with left-back Jayden Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce emerging as a potential target to replace Ivorian defender Ndicka if he departs. The 23-year-old Oosterwolde, who plays alongside Donyell Malen at international level, has become a regular starter in Turkey, appearing in 44 matches this season with 16 yellow cards. Turkish media outlets have reported keen interest from Roma and Bournemouth—managed by Tiago Pinto—in the defender's future. Fenerbahce is understood to value Oosterwolde at 20–25 million euros, with his contract secured until 2028. Ndicka has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Inter, alongside Premier League and Bundesliga sides. Should he leave, the sale would generate pure profit for Roma after accounting for the player's percentage. Oosterwolde's profile—a centre-back capable of playing left-back—mirrors key attributes of Ndicka. However, such an investment would be difficult to justify with Ndicka remaining at the club. Gianluca Mancini and Juan Hermoso are expected to stay and sign contract renewals, with manager Gasperini's backing. Matteo Ghilarski appears likely to remain, while Łukasz Ziolkowski could depart if suitable offers arrive. The club faces a busy transfer window across multiple positions, including attack and midfield.

Roma is preparing for a significant squad overhaul as Financial Fair Play constraints force the club to make difficult decisions. Departures are already settled for players who have not convinced, while others seek moves elsewhere. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants Mancini and Cristante to form the core of his squad, with both renewals close to completion. Donyell Malen will be permanently signed for 25 million euros, and Hermoso is expected to stay after his contract extension clause is formalized. Paulo Dybala has signaled his priority is remaining at the club, with the Boca offer considered a secondary option. On the transfer list for potential sales are Koné and Ndicka at the top, followed by Matías Soulé and Mile Svilar further down the pecking order. Lorenzo Pellegrini's situation differs slightly—the club had previously offered roughly one-third of his current salary, though circumstances may now be shifting. Roma will release all other loan players and is likely to lose El Shaarawy upon contract expiration. Celik is also in advanced negotiations with other clubs, though the significant gap between the club's asking price and incoming offers means his departure is not yet confirmed. Ryan Friedkin is expected in the city for meetings with Gasperini to plan the club's future direction, with numerous topics under discussion.

Referee Luca Zufferli has been appointed to oversee Roma's crucial Serie A match against Fiorentina on Monday, 4 May at Stadio Olimpico. Di Paolo will operate as VAR, with Rossi and Ceccon as assistant referees. This fixture is vital for Roma's hopes of securing a Champions League spot. Zufferli's record with Roma stands at four wins and two defeats. His most recent encounter with the Giallorossi came in December 2025 when he sent off Çelik during Roma's visit to Cagliari. That match highlighted concerns about inconsistency in his decision-making. During the Cagliari game, Zufferli failed to sanction Folorunsho after the player displayed clearly unsporting conduct during an altercation with Hermoso, drawing criticism over the fairness of his officiating. With Roma needing points to maintain their Champions League ambitions, the performance of the refereeing team will be closely scrutinized by supporters and analysts alike. The fixture carries significant weight in the title race and European qualification battle.