Derby: Pellegrini in contention for starting berth, Gasperini mulling options

Juventus has initiated contact with the representatives of AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, signalling interest in acquiring the shot-stopper. The Serie A champions have identified Svilar as a target in the goalkeeper market. Roma's position on any potential departure remains unclear from available details. Svilar joined Roma and has established himself as a key player in the club's defence. Any move would represent a significant transfer involving one of Roma's core squad members.

Juventus has registered interest in AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar as they seek to strengthen their defensive options. According to transfer specialist Matteo Moretto, Juventus has made contact with Svilar and his representatives to explore the conditions for a potential departure. However, Roma has made clear that the Belgian keeper is not for sale at any price below €50 million—a fee Juventus are reportedly unable to match at present. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considers Svilar integral to Roma's plans and has advised the club to retain him. The Friedkin Group ownership has adopted a firm stance against parting with the goalkeeper. Moretto stated: "The Juventus is trying to understand the conditions for a possible exit of Svilar. But the giallorosso club would still want to keep him, also on the indication of Gasperini, who considers him unsellable." Roma's position is reinforced by Svilar's own public commitment; he has expressed through social media his love for the club and his desire to compete in the Champions League wearing Roma's colours. The situation remains fluid, with Roma reportedly set to complete another significant departure imminently, which could open other transfer scenarios. Nevertheless, club officials maintain that any sale of Svilar would require an offer significantly above market value—a threshold unlikely to be breached in the near term.

Paulo Dybala returned to Instituto de Córdoba, the Argentine club where he began his football career, during the off-season to speak with the youth academy players. On vacation in Argentina with his family, the Roma forward delivered an encouraging message to the young talents, urging them to pursue their ambitions. Dybala told the players: "Anyone can make it. It happened to me, I was fortunate to play in two World Cups. Dreams come for everyone, don't give up. It seems far away, but all of this is not far away." The visit comes as Dybala awaits official confirmation of his contract renewal with AS Roma. The 30-year-old has been a key player for the Giallorossi and remains central to their plans. His message to the Instituto youth emphasized the possibility of rising from humble beginnings in the academy to competing at the highest levels of European football, drawing on his own journey from Córdoba through Juventus and Roma. Dybala's words were shared across Instituto's social media channels, providing inspiration to the young players. He is expected to return to pre-season training in September ahead of the next campaign at the Olimpico.

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

AS Roma is moving toward contract renewals with three key players whose existing deals expire on 1 July: Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. According to reports, negotiations between the club and the players' representatives are advancing, with agreements expected soon. Dybala has reportedly accepted a significant wage reduction—reportedly more than half his original salary—to remain at Roma, while Pellegrini faces a similar salary adjustment. Celik, a Turkish defender, is valued by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his tactical versatility, capable of playing as a right centre-back or as an outside defender. All three players are expected to continue their careers at the Giallorossi. The renewals form part of Roma's broader transfer activity, which will sharpen focus from 1 July onward. Both Dybala and Pellegrini have shown mutual willingness to stay despite the reduced financial terms, reflecting the club's financial restructuring strategy. Celik's renewal aligns with Gasperini's tactical preferences, making him a priority in the coach's plans. Once Dybala and Celik's signatures are finalized—described as imminent—attention will turn to completing Pellegrini's renewal, the final piece in securing this trio's immediate future at the club.

Roma has paused player sales negotiations while in talks with UEFA over a settlement agreement to avoid additional sanctions. The club faces a June 30 deadline to generate required capital gains under UEFA rules, but believes it can negotiate flexibility in the timeline. Matías Soulé remains the key to unlocking the situation; despite interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah—reportedly offering around €35 million—Soulé has expressed doubts about his career prospects in the Saudi league and has not committed. The player's decision could come early in July. Roma's ownership and sporting director D'Amico are prioritizing stability over rushed deals and are considering a window through July 15 to complete sales on the club's preferred terms. The club prefers the risk of potential UEFA sanctions to accepting significantly undervalued offers. A corrective economic plan with UEFA may also be discussed in November. Head coach Gasperini continues to pursue reinforcements; Mason Greenwood remains a target, while contract discussions with Çetin, Dybala, and Pellegrini await clearer direction from the club.