Napoli to renew Manna's contract; Roma's pursuit ends

Francesco Totti appears poised for an imminent return to AS Roma, with his contract reportedly already prepared. A meeting between Ryan Friedkin and the club legend is expected soon to finalize the remaining details and announce the move. Totti has been speaking in recent weeks with the tone of a prospective club executive, emphasizing unity and focusing on what matters most for Roma. The timing of Totti's return has been deliberately shelved until the end of the season, with the former captain deflecting questions about his role in recent days by suggesting that current on-field matters take priority. However, there is a strong sense that he will soon return to Trigoria as a central figure in the club's structure. Earlier, Totti had called for both Ranieri and Gasperini to lower the temperature during their public dispute, underlining his concern for the club's wellbeing and stability. The contract framework is in place, and only formal discussions between Friedkin and Totti remain to seal the agreement and make an official announcement. Details of the specific role Totti will assume at the club remain unclear, though his influence and presence suggest a significant position within the organization.

Roma's European qualification for next season has been confirmed after Lazio's elimination from the Coppa Italia. Even if Roma finish sixth in Serie A, they are now guaranteed to compete in the Europa League. The outcome has also triggered an automatic obligation to sign Donyell Malen permanently from his loan club for €25 million. The news represents a significant development for Roma's future planning. Securing European football provides both competitive prestige and additional revenue streams heading into the next campaign. Malen's transfer obligation converts his loan into a permanent deal, settling the forward's long-term status at the club. Details regarding the specific circumstances of Lazio's Copa Italia exit and the timing of Roma's qualification remain unclear from the available information.

Artem Dovbyk has returned to full group training for the first time in nearly four months following surgery for a left thigh muscle injury. The Roma number nine rejoined his teammates after an extended period of individual rehabilitation, receiving clearance to resume full training during the club's recent trip to Finland. However, his future at the club appears uncertain as head coach Gasperini has identified Donyell Malen as his preferred attacking option, leaving limited scope for Dovbyk in the starting lineup. With matches against Lazio and Verona potentially among his final appearances in Roma colors, a departure seems likely for the Ukrainian striker. Both the player and the club appear aligned on finding a solution: Dovbyk would avoid prolonged time on the bench, while Roma seeks to recover part of its substantial investment and reduce the burden of his high salary. The 2024–25 season has proven disappointing overall for the former Girona forward, who accumulated 20 goals across 3,820 minutes of play across two seasons. Gasperini's tactical preference for Malen's style of play has effectively closed the door on Dovbyk's prospects at the Olimpico. The club will likely explore transfer options in the coming months to facilitate what appears to be a mutual parting of ways.