Friedkin Group pursuing Napoli's Manna as next sporting director; D'Amico named as alternative

Negotiations between Paulo Dybala and AS Roma over a contract renewal continue to show significant distance between the parties. The talks have extended over several weeks amid various market speculation. Meanwhile, Juventus has begun moving in the transfer market, suggesting potential interest in alternative options as the situation remains unresolved. Details of the specific demands and timeline for resolution remain unclear.

Ismael Koné, a Sassuolo midfielder, suffered a severe left-leg fracture during a Canada vs. Qatar match at the 52nd minute. He underwent emergency surgery and now faces months of rehabilitation. The injury significantly impacts AS Roma's transfer strategy, as the club had identified Koné as the ideal replacement should Manu Koné depart. With that option removed, Roma's alternatives have narrowed considerably. Roma's primary focus remains Manu Koné, the French midfielder. Coach Gasperini reportedly prefers to sell Matías Soulé instead of losing Koné, but time is running short. If no offer of around 40 million euros arrives for Soulé, the club may be forced to consider Manu Koné's departure seriously. With Ismael Koné now unavailable, Roma must explore other options to reinforce midfield. Among the remaining targets is Danilo, a Brazilian midfielder at Botafogo, valued between 30 and 35 million euros—a substantial sum that could strain Roma's budget. Another internal option is El Aynaoui, a Moroccan midfielder who impressed during his first season and could step into a starting role if needed. Any sale of Manu Koné would generate significant revenue to reinvest in the transfer market.

AC Milan are preparing a major squad restructuring following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach. Several key players are expected to depart San Siro during the summer transfer window, including veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who will leave to captain Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and forward Santiago Gimenez are also likely to exit, while the futures of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Christopher Nkunku remain uncertain as Milan pursue an attacking overhaul. Amorim is reportedly keen to retain Leao, his Portuguese compatriot, and plans to meet with the 27-year-old winger after the World Cup to convince him to stay. The pair may form the cornerstone of Milan's new attack. However, Milan's primary concern is addressing a shortage of goals—the club scored just 53 times last season, fewer than any other top-six finisher in Serie A. Santiago Gimenez has underperformed since arriving from Feyenoord, prompting Milan to seek a new striker. Robert Lewandowski's potential move to Milan appears unlikely, with the Barcelona forward reportedly agreeing terms with MLS side Chicago Fire instead. Milan have turned attention toward Udinese's Nicolò Zaniolo, though the 26-year-old netted only five goals in 32 Serie A appearances last season. Christian Pulisic, who has not scored in the league since December 2025, faces an uncertain future with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested. Christopher Nkunku, in his first season at Milan, may return to Chelsea under new boss Xabi Alonso, though a move to Roma is described as a more plausible option. Francesco Camarda has been recalled from his loan spell at Lecce and could feature more prominently.