Roma sporting director search stalls; D'Amico linked with Milan move

Midfielder Manu Koné delivered an impressive World Cup debut for France against Iraq, dominating the centre of the pitch with quality, intensity, and defensive work. The match was suspended for nearly two hours due to lightning and storms, but Koné maintained his high performance throughout all 90 minutes. He made six ball recoveries and completed 92% of his passes, including 94% accuracy in his own half, showcasing the defensive and rhythmic qualities that define his play. His performance has drawn worldwide attention and strengthened his reputation as a key midfielder. Koné's standout display comes at a critical moment for Roma, which needs to generate significant transfers before 30 June. The club hopes to secure at least 50 million euros from selling the French midfielder, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid reportedly interested. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini values Koné's intensity and defensive presence for his tactical system, but high-profile World Cup performances typically increase a player's appeal to elite clubs and could drive up demands beyond Roma's initial asking price. An alternative source of funds would be selling Matías Soulé, which could allow Koné to remain in Rome. Gasperini has shown he wants to build his midfield around Koné, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon.

Roma's new sporting leadership has begun its transfer window work with two primary objectives. Paulo Dybala is close to signing a new contract after discussions over fixed wages and performance-related bonuses. Roma has proposed terms worth approximately 2.5 million euros plus bonus payments tied to on-field performance, though the Argentine forward is seeking a higher figure. Dybala awaits a call from Tony D'Amico to schedule a meeting with his agent Carlos Novel to narrow the gap and finalize the renewal. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's dream target is Mason Greenwood, and Roma is preparing its opening offer to Marseille for the English attacker. An agreement over wages — reported at around five million euros annually — has reportedly been reached with Greenwood's representatives. However, Marseille remains the significant obstacle, maintaining a valuation of 50 million euros with no indication of lowering their asking price. D'Amico arrived in Rome on Sunday evening and was at the Trigoria training ground alongside Gasperini on Monday, signaling the intensity of the club's summer planning. Additionally, Roma is addressing contract matters involving other squad members, with the situations of Çelik and Pellegrini also under discussion as part of the broader transfer strategy.

Roma's new sporting director D'Amico began his tenure on an intense day at Trigoria, meeting with head coach Gasperini to discuss an urgent transfer strategy. The club faces a deadline of 30 June to meet Financial Fair Play obligations under a UEFA settlement agreement, requiring the sale of several players to generate significant capital gains. Midfielder Manu Koné remains at the top of Roma's departure list, with the club willing to accept Atlético Madrid's offer of 45 million euros (Roma's asking price is 50 million). However, Koné has put the Spanish club's proposal on hold while waiting for Arsenal, with whom his representatives reportedly have an agreement. The player is currently with the French national team in America. Roma has reportedly grown frustrated with Arsenal's slow approach and has pressed Koné's agents to either accelerate negotiations or reconsider Atlético's bid. Smaller transfers, such as Romano's reported move towards Palermo, are also progressing but will not be sufficient to meet the financial targets alone. The club believes securing a major sale in the coming week is essential to satisfy settlement agreement requirements by month's end.

Turkish club Trabzonspor has restarted talks to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma. The Ukrainian striker remains among the players Roma is looking to sell this summer. Trabzonspor had previously requested detailed medical documentation on Dovbyk's physical condition from Roma, and after reviewing it, the Turkish club is now moving forward with a formal approach. They are preparing an offer to match Roma's valuation, which sits between 15–20 million euros. Dovbyk's time in the giallorossi has effectively come to an end, and he has failed to convince head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who plans to rely on Donyell Malen to strengthen Roma's attacking options. The sale would allow Roma to generate transfer funds while clearing space in the squad. Trabzonspor appears confident in Dovbyk's potential despite earlier health concerns. Dovbyk could follow a similar path to Stepan Shomorudov, who joined Basaksehir last summer and went on to become the top scorer in Turkey's Super Lig with 22 goals. The move represents a fresh opportunity for the Ukrainian forward to revitalise his career outside Italy.

Keinan Davis has emerged as a potential target for Roma as the club seeks to bolster its attacking options, particularly in the search for a deputy to Donyell Malen. The forward's profile emphasizes his physical attributes and ability to provide attacking depth. Details of Roma's interest level and the likelihood of a move remain unclear at this stage.

Donyell Malen came under scrutiny following his substitution at half-time during the Netherlands' recent match against Sweden. Dutch manager Koeman explained the tactical change, stating: "I understand that the substitution is difficult, but this is high-level football." However, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has publicly backed the Roma attacker, acknowledging the challenges he faces in Italian football. Reijnders, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, reaffirmed confidence in Malen despite his recent struggles with the national team. The Manchester City midfielder noted that Malen was a standout performer during Roma's second half of the domestic season, making a significant impact in Serie A. Reijnders emphasized his understanding of the Italian league's demands: "He is our striker. What he has done with Roma is plain to see. I have played in Italy, I know how difficult it is. We trust in him." The debate around Malen's form reflects the adjustment period many players face when transitioning between club and international competition, particularly in a league as demanding as Serie A.