Dybala contract talks to continue as agent meets Roma hierarchy

Roma have emerged as a potential destination for Franck Kessié, the Ivorian midfielder currently at Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. The 27-year-old is keen to return to Europe and Serie A, with Juventus and Inter also linked to him, though neither club has yet tabled an offer. Kessié's representatives have tested Roma's interest, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having previously worked with the midfielder at Atalanta. Roma face significant obstacles in any pursuit. The club is navigating uncertainty following the departure of Director Frederic Massara, and their transfer strategy will depend heavily on their final league position. The Giallorossi have historically avoided signing veteran players and maintain strict wage discipline, offering reduced salaries to their current squad. Kessié is reportedly seeking around €4.5 million per year, a figure that may stretch Roma's payroll constraints. The midfielder would represent a free transfer—a Bosman signing—which could appeal given the club's ongoing need to generate Financial Fair Play savings. Manu Koné is among candidates to depart to ease those financial pressures. While a move cannot be ruled out, Roma's traditional recruitment approach suggests Kessié would be considered an addition to the midfield rather than a direct replacement for departing players. Whether the club can meet his wage demands remains the critical question.

AS Roma is actively searching for a new sporting director ahead of the upcoming season. The Italian club has compiled a list of candidates as negotiations with one target appear to be moving away from completion. Details on the specific candidates remain unclear from the available information. The appointment of a sporting director is a key priority for Roma's management structure as the club prepares for the next campaign.

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.

Former AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano has publicly criticised Donyell Malen's quality during a broadcast of 'Viva el Futbol', despite the Dutch forward's recent form of 13 goals in 16 Serie A matches. Cassano expressed doubts about Malen's suitability as Roma's primary attacking reference point, drawing an unfavourable comparison to a previous Roma player under Spalletti. Cassano stated: "Roma had a phenomenal player with Spalletti: it was Vucinic. He played centre-forward, left winger and was phenomenal. In Italy you move forward with enthusiasm, but Malen doesn't even lace Vucinic's shoes and Roma cannot aim to win if they have the Dutch forward as their attacking reference point." Cassano acknowledged Malen's strengths—describing him as quick and mobile in the penalty area—but argued the forward lacks the refinement and technical quality needed at the highest level. He noted that Malen is best utilised when playing in-behind defences, with Dybala frequently providing through-balls, but suggested this approach is difficult in Serie A where compact defensive structures dominate. Cassano's assessment questions whether Roma's current attacking setup can support title ambitions.

The Friedkin Group is taking decisive action during a critical period for Roma. Ryan Friedkin has held meetings with Paulo Dybala's agent and is conducting a recruitment process to appoint a new director of sport. The club faces no delays or postponements as it addresses key structural and playing staff decisions. These moves signal the ownership's commitment to resolving Roma's immediate challenges and building for the future. The simultaneous focus on retaining key players like Dybala while searching for a sporting director suggests comprehensive restructuring is underway.

Roma have begun contract renewal discussions with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and owner Ryan Friedkin following their first meeting. The renewal landscape shows mixed prospects across the squad, with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini remaining optimistic about staying, while Stephan El Shaarawy appears increasingly likely to leave the club. Dybala has made clear his desire to learn his fate soon and is willing to accept reduced wages to remain at Roma, currently earning €8 million plus €1 million in bonuses. He has put on hold offers from Boca Juniors and Inter Miami. Pellegrini, who benefits from Gasperini's confidence, awaits contact from the club to discuss a contract extension, also on lower terms. Türkiye international Zeynel Celik's renewal talks are progressing more slowly; his agent has made multiple visits to the club's Trigoria training ground in recent days, with negotiations resuming. Financial terms remain the key sticking point in Celik's case—a deal can be reached if he lowers his wage demands. El Shaarawy's prospects are less certain, with the likelihood of renewal diminishing. Pellegrini's agent is expected to remain in Rome beyond the upcoming derby to hold renewal talks with the club.