Gasperini prioritizes Greenwood in Roma's summer transfer plans

Aston Villa has turned its attention to Matías Soulé following its completed acquisition of Donyell Malen from Roma. Malen's €25 million option to buy was activated after Roma secured at least UEFA Europa League qualification thanks to Inter's victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final. The Dutch winger has impressed in Serie A with 13 goals and 2 assists in 16 appearances since joining on loan, becoming one of the most productive January signings in the league's history. Roma paid €2 million for the initial loan and will receive ten percent of any future sale profit. Aston Villa's potential interest in Soulé presents a more complex negotiation. Roma signed the Argentine winger from Juventus for €30 million last summer, meaning any offer would need to exceed €40 million to justify a sale. However, Soulé's form has declined in recent weeks due to a sports hernia injury. Roma's urgent need for cash to comply with a UEFA settlement agreement could make sales necessary, though retaining Soulé would make stronger financial sense given his recent arrival and initial productivity. Should Soulé depart, Roma is monitoring alternatives including West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa, and Tottenham's Mathys Tel. The club is actively seeking new wingers to strengthen its attacking options heading into the new season.

Roma is exploring Sean Sogliano as a potential successor following the likely departure of Massara from the club's leadership. Ryan Friedkin was present at Trigoria as the club began planning for the future. Sogliano is gaining traction as a candidate for the role. Details of the timeline and formal decision-making process remain unclear. The move reflects Roma's intention to reshape its sporting structure in the coming period.

Stephan El Shaarawy's time at AS Roma remains in doubt as the club approaches the end of the season. After ten years in the Giallorossi colours across two separate periods, the 33-year-old faces an uncertain future, with the Derby della Capitale against Lazio on Sunday potentially serving as his final match at Stadio Olimpico if a contract resolution cannot be reached. Contract renewal discussions with key players including Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and others are progressing, but no substantive progress has been made on El Shaarawy's situation. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has acknowledged the player's professionalism but has deployed him only in emergency circumstances. El Shaarawy is willing to accept a reduced role within the squad, though he would need to significantly cut his current salary of 2.5 million euros—reportedly not a major obstacle. The club and player have deferred final negotiations until the season's conclusion. If an agreement cannot be reached, El Shaarawy would depart the capital after 346 appearances and 65 goals for Roma. He remains popular within the squad, as evidenced by a gathering at his villa several weeks ago. Genoa, where El Shaarawy began his career, could potentially be his next destination.

Roma returned to training on Friday morning to prepare for Sunday's Derby della Capitale against Lazio, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having his full squad available for the first time this season. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Dovbyk have recovered from injury, with only Ferguson remaining sidelined since January. Gasperini plans to field almost the same lineup that defeated Parma, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen guaranteed starting positions. The main selection decision centers on the attacking midfield role, where Niccolò Pisilli holds a slight edge over Matías Soulé. The defensive line is expected to consist of Gianluca Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermeso in front of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Celik and Wesley will operate on the flanks, with Bryan Cristante and Koné forming the midfield partnership. This represents a significant shift in Gasperini's options, as squad depth and injury recovery have previously limited his tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

Former Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio made a surprise visit to the club's Trigoria training ground, where he met head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and several players, including current goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Sergio, who joined Roma's youth setup in 2006 and made his Serie A debut in 2009 under Luciano Spalletti, spoke warmly of his time at the club. "It is always a pleasure to come back here, where I was well and loved," he reflected on the visit. Sergio highlighted standout moments from Roma's 2009–10 season under Claudio Ranieri, including two crucial Derby della Capitale performances where he made decisive saves against Lazio. He drew parallels between that campaign and the upcoming derby, noting that while no title is at stake this time, qualification for the Champions League remains an important objective. On the current squad, Sergio expressed admiration for Wesley's development under Gasperini and praised Svilar's professionalism and focus: "He is without question among the top goalkeepers in the Italian league." Sergio also commended Gasperini's technical approach and managerial qualities, describing him as both accomplished tactically and approachable personally. He noted that Gasperini's success at Atalanta speaks for itself, and that Roma's current campaign under the coach has been excellent with potential to finish even stronger.

Gian Piero Gasperini's arrival at Roma has brought pragmatism to the club's approach. The coaching staff is actively shaping the squad with focus on acquiring top-level wingers and establishing a tactical framework centered on Wesley's playing style and contributions. Defender Celik remains a cornerstone of Gasperini's defensive plans and is considered essential to the team's structure. The new era signals a departure from previous strategies, with clear priorities emerging around wing recruitment and squad construction aligned with Gasperini's tactical philosophy.