Gasperini says Roma's future depends on the club hierarchy; director search moves away from Manna

AS Roma midfielder Koné made a strong impression in his World Cup debut, starting for France in a 3–0 victory over Iraq. The 2001-born midfielder was central to the performance and spoke afterwards about his experience in the match and the team's response to a lengthy interruption during play. He said: "Seemed endless, but we stayed professional. We told ourselves we had to come back with the same mentality. It was a long wait, but we responded well." Koné reflected positively on his first World Cup appearance and the confidence of being selected to start. He stated: "We got an important victory. For me it was the first time at a World Cup, but we were focused and ready. We are professionals and we knew how to manage everything the right way." On his unexpected debut, he added: "I didn't live it as a surprise. I always told myself to be ready. It happened and I'm proud. We won 3–0 and that's the most important thing." A lighter moment emerged during the press conference when Koné was asked a question in Italian and struggled to understand, responding with a smile and asking for a translator. The midfielder's solid performance underscores his growing importance to Roma's plans under current coaching staff.

Giovanni Malagò, newly elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and former head of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), addressed his lifelong support for AS Roma during his first press conference in the role. When asked about his passion for the club, Malagò stated: "There is nothing worse than denying your own past, especially if it's family. I was always institutional for 13 years as CONI president. It's impossible to say anything to me about that." Malagò rejected the notion that public figures should hide their football allegiances, drawing comparisons to prominent figures outside sport. He said: "Should I not celebrate in a certain way at the stadium? That's very provincial thinking. I don't watch Obama during Chicago Bulls victories... they're heads of state." He also referenced Prince William's public support for Aston Villa as an example of how people in positions of authority can openly express their sporting preferences. The FIGC president concluded his remarks by emphasizing that integrity matters more than allegiance: "Look at the royal family, with Prince William celebrating for Aston Villa. What's important is how you behave, but you must never deny who you are." During the same press conference, Malagò also confirmed that AS Roma's stadium project is proceeding on schedule.

Gianluca Mancini expressed his excitement at Roma's qualification for next season's Champions League following the club's third-place finish in Serie A. Speaking at a charity tournament, the defender reflected on the achievement after years of falling short of European football's premier club competition. He said: "It's the crowning achievement of this group's work: expressing our football, arriving at a beautiful third place and being able to play Champions League next year. After the Verona match I immediately imagined the Champions League anthem I'll hear and all the stadiums we'll see. I'm very happy and can't wait to enjoy these feelings." Mancini also addressed his ongoing contract renewal negotiations with the club. He stated: "The negotiations are underway, I'm waiting. There are the people involved, my agent, myself and the club: we're talking and continuing to do so. I'm waiting for answers and we'll see what happens." The centre-back's remarks come as Roma continues discussions with key squad members over their long-term future at the Stadio Olimpico. Mancini additionally commented on Italy's absence from the current World Cup, expressing frustration at the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive tournament and suggesting the problem extends beyond youth development or coaching alone.

Chelsea have made enquiries to AS Roma regarding defender Wesley, according to reports. Roma is working against the clock to finalize its accounts by 30 June, a deadline that may influence the club's transfer activity and commercial decisions in the coming weeks. The exact nature of Chelsea's interest and Roma's response remain unclear, though the timing suggests financial pressures could shape squad movements during this period.

Chelsea has attempted to sign Roma left-back Wesley, but the club has firmly rejected the Premier League side's inquiry. According to reports, Chelsea's management made contact with Roma to express interest in the Brazilian defender, but the Giallorossi responded with an immediate and decisive refusal. Wesley is not for sale and Roma have no intention of considering his departure. Wesley has recently returned to the Capitale to recover from a muscular injury. At Roma, he is regarded as a key pillar of the club's future plans under head coach Gasperini, who views him as integral to the squad's development. The club's stance reflects their determination to build their project around established players rather than pursue immediate departures during the transfer window. The attempted signing comes as Chelsea pursues other targets in the transfer market. Roma's resolve to retain Wesley underscores their commitment to maintaining squad stability during the summer, with the club's focus currently directed at evaluating outgoing transfers rather than negotiating sales of key personnel.

Roma midfielder Wesley had an unexpected meeting with Pierino, a restaurateur from Marcellina, in a lighthearted moment captured on video. The encounter was described as pleasant, with the headline referencing chocolate in connection with the interaction. Details of the exact context and nature of their meeting remain unclear from the available information.

El Shaarawy, a Roma player, recently held his bachelor party celebration. The event was marked by smiles and an affectionate gesture toward AS Roma, described as a final 'kiss' to the club. Details of the specific nature of this gesture and the broader context remain unclear from the available information.

AS Roma is advancing contract renewal talks with three key players—Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Celik—all whose current deals expire on 30 June. The arrivals of new sporting director Tony D'Amico, who officially begins work on 1 July, is accelerating negotiations. For Dybala and Celik, agreement appears imminent, with Celik expected to receive a salary increase to approximately 3 million euros annually. Pellegrini's renewal is also progressing smoothly, aided by positive relations between his agent and the newly appointed sporting director. All three players have expressed their intention to remain at Roma, and the club's position is equally clear. However, the final formalities—putting pen to paper—remain outstanding. This comes after Stephan El Shaarawy's departure as a free agent, leaving these three renewals as a priority for the Friedkin Group's hierarchy ahead of the summer transfer window. The timing of D'Amico's appointment is proving instrumental in streamlining these negotiations and resolving the contractual impasse that had lingered heading into the final days of June.

Venezia has submitted an official proposal to Stephan El Shaarawy, who recently departed AS Roma. The newly promoted club, represented by sporting director Filippo Antonelli, has made a formal offer to the Egyptian winger, who is taking time to consider his options. El Shaarawy scored the decisive goal that secured Roma's Champions League qualification before leaving the club. El Shaarawy is weighing multiple offers beyond Venezia's approach. Fiorentina, Palermo, and Genoa have also tabled proposals. Genoa holds particular appeal as the club where El Shaarawy developed as a player and where he would reunite with Daniele De Rossi, his former Roma manager and teammate. The 32-year-old is approaching the final chapter of his career and is prioritizing the right fit for his next move. Following his departure from Roma, El Shaarawy spent several weeks on holiday with his wife, visiting the United States, Mauritius, and French Polynesia before returning to Rome. He is expected to announce his decision within the coming days.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is actively pushing to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille as Roma's primary attacking target. The English forward remains available for transfer, and Gasperini is conducting continuous talks directly to convince him to move to Trigoria. Marseille's asking price stands at 55 million euros, with Fenerbahce presenting the main rival bid. Greenwood is reportedly focused solely on Roma at present. Gasperini has identified five reinforcements as necessary for Roma's upcoming Champions League campaign. Following a summit with club official D'Amico, the coach departed for Liguria to prepare for the summer training retreat on 13 July. The meeting addressed renewals, player sales, and concrete transfer targets. In defence, Roma are tracking Leo Ostigard as a potential acquisition. On the outgoing front, Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk remains available but has received only loan offers so far. Matías Soulé has also attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen amid ongoing squad reshaping.

AS Roma faces a challenging summer transfer window as the ongoing World Cup is delaying player sales at a critical time. The club must generate approximately €55 million in player sales by 30 June to meet financial targets, but potential buyers are waiting to assess which players improve their market value during the tournament before making concrete offers. This mirrors past seasons when sales of players like Volpato and Ibáñez had helped Roma meet deadlines, but 2024 presents a more complex scenario. Clubs, sporting directors, scouts, and intermediaries are all watching the World Cup rather than committing to transfers. Players expected to attract interest—including Ndicka (despite Inter's ongoing attention), Koné (who debuted against Iraq), El Aynaoui (a standout performer for Morocco), and Dovbyk (for whom Roma has not received an acceptable offer)—remain in limbo. Even players not competing, such as Soulé (attracting German interest) and Dovbyk, are affected indirectly, as the tournament can shift valuations and club priorities. The window closes in just over a week, leaving Roma little time to sell assets without accepting undervalued offers. The World Cup continues to create uncertainty across the entire market, with most clubs in no rush to finalize deals until the tournament concludes and clearer valuations emerge.

Artem Dovbyk is set to leave AS Roma. The club has signaled its intention to sell the Ukrainian striker, though current offers from interested parties fall short of Roma's valuation. The Giallorossi are holding firm in negotiations, unwilling to accept bids below their asking price. Details on specific clubs involved or the exact demands remain unclear. Dovbyk's departure would represent a significant squad change for Gasperini's side as the club seeks to reshape its attacking options and generate funds for reinvestment elsewhere.