Barcelona reportedly interested in Roma defender N'Dicka; Bastoni scenario unclear

Barcelona is targeting reinforcements for their defensive line and has turned attention to Serie A, with AS Roma's Evan Ndicka emerging as a potential target. The Ivorian centre-back, who joined Roma in 2023 on a free transfer, could become a significant summer departure for the Giallorossi, allowing the club to record a net gain and provide financial relief. According to Sky Sport, Barcelona has long pursued Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni but views the Inter valuation as prohibitively expensive. As a result, the club's hierarchy—led by Flick and Laporta—may shift focus to alternative candidates within Italy's top division. Ndicka represents an attractive option for Barcelona because he offers quality at a more accessible price point compared to Bastoni. A summer exit would hand Roma the chance to generate significant revenue from a player acquired without a transfer fee three years ago. The move reflects broader Barcelona strategy to strengthen their backline ahead of the new campaign while remaining realistic about cost constraints in the market.

Atalanta are willing to evaluate the possibility of parting ways with Sporting Director Tony D'Amico, with president Antonio Percassi considering a potential technical overhaul at the club. Should D'Amico receive offers from Roma or Napoli, Atalanta may not oppose his departure. Percassi is reportedly keen to bring Giovanni Sartori back to Bergamo, the architect of Atalanta's rise through Italian and European football before his departure in summer 2022. The situation is interconnected with Roma's own search for a new sporting director, following Massimo Massara's expected exit after one season. Roma are evaluating two primary candidates to replace Massara: D'Amico and Manna, the Napoli director. If Roma pursue D'Amico, Atalanta could facilitate his departure and then move to resurrect Sartori, setting off what sources describe as a chain of sporting director transfers across Serie A clubs. Bologna, however, are resistant to releasing Sartori, who holds a contract until 2027. Sartori is currently working actively with Bologna leadership on future planning. Roma are also tracking Sogliano of Verona as an alternative option. The catalyst for all potential moves appears dependent on Roma's final decision regarding their sporting director appointment.

Inter, having secured their twenty-first Serie A title, are planning significant squad changes across all departments. The club's scouting team has identified several AS Roma players as targets. Manu Koné remains Inter's primary focus, valued at approximately €40 million, with midfielder Frattesi potentially included as a bargaining chip to facilitate the deal. Inter are also monitoring Curtis Jones, whose Liverpool contract expires in 2027 and who is not expected to sign a renewal. Lorenzo Pellegrini has also attracted Inter's attention despite his contract situation remaining unresolved at Roma. The Roma captain has not renewed his deal and is reportedly of interest to Juventus as well. In goalkeeping, Inter view Svilar as a potential alternative, alongside Lunin, with current number one Sommer potentially moving to a backup role and Vicario becoming the primary starter. Celik, whose Roma contract is expiring, is another player on Inter's radar. For Roma, the interest in key players like Pellegrini and Koné underscores the squad's quality but also poses potential challenges in maintaining stability. Frattesi, who also attracts interest from Nottingham Forest, could prove valuable in negotiations.

Roma will face Fiorentina this evening with the aim of claiming points in the competitive battle for a Champions League spot, particularly as rivals like AC Milan struggle. Niccolò Pisilli is expected to feature in the starting lineup ahead of Paulo Dybala according to most pre-match predictions, while Manu Koné makes his return to the squad and will start from the first minute. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Dovbyk, Ferguson, and El Aynaoui are ruled out due to injury or suspension. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini's team will line up with Mile Svilar in goal, a back line of Gianluca Mancini, N'Dicka, and Hermoso, and Çelik on the right. Bryan Cristante partners Koné in midfield, with Wesley on the left. The attacking setup sees Matías Soulé and Pisilli in advanced roles, supporting Donyell Malen up front. The Italian press largely agrees on this formation, with La Gazzetta dello Sport as the sole outlier predicting Dybala instead of Pisilli alongside Soulé behind Malen. The match represents a key fixture as Roma seeks to strengthen their position in the upper reaches of Serie A.

Roma defender N'Dicka featured in a highlight-reel goal during the club's May Day break. The Giallorossi spent the first of May enjoying downtime that included pool activities, with footage capturing the best moments from the day. Paulo Dybala had shared a message with the squad earlier. Details of the full context and any training rationale remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma is entering a critical phase of its financial recovery plan agreed with UEFA. To meet the organisation's financial requirements and avoid sanctions, the club is preparing to sell midfielder Koné and defender N'Dicka. The sales are part of Roma's broader cost-reduction strategy to comply with UEFA's financial fair play regulations. Details of potential buyers, transfer fees, and timelines remain unclear. These departures would signal Roma's commitment to achieving the necessary financial targets while reshaping the squad under current coaching staff.