Slot confirms Tsimikas will return to Liverpool to replace Robertson

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.

Roma is reshaping its fullback options this summer. Angeliño, a 1997-born left-back, is reportedly a target for Deportivo La Coruña, the Spanish club where he developed and recently returned to Liga. However, Angeliño's priority is to prove his value to Gasperini at Roma after missing most of last season through a serious, prolonged injury that affected his fitness and availability. With Wesley established on the left and Tsimikas returning to Liverpool, Angeliño's future remains uncertain as he seeks to regain his place in the squad. On the right flank, Roma's interest in Dodò has reportedly strengthened. The Brazilian fullback, 27, plays for Fiorentina under a contract running until 2027 but desires Champions League football. Napoli has also pursued him, though the club may step back from the competition soon. Rensch's status at Roma is described as uncertain, while Celik moves closer to a contract extension. Roma's fullback reshuffling reflects the need for greater depth and injury resilience across both flanks after a disrupted campaign.

Italy won a international friendly against Greece, with Pio Esposito scoring the decisive goal. Niccolò Pisilli, the AS Roma midfielder, played the full 90 minutes for Italy. Silvio Baldini, named interim national team coach, secured his second consecutive victory in charge. Greece's Tsimikas entered the match during the second half. Pisilli's full-match appearance provides Roma with confirmation of his fitness and form at international level, following his development as a key youth prospect in the club's midfield setup.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.