Gasperini optimistic over Dybala contract renewal as Roma target squad agreements

French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has spoken positively about his Roma teammate Manu Koné during France's World Cup campaign. Rabiot highlighted the differences between Koné and fellow midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni, noting that while Tchouameni operates deeper to build play from defence, Koné excels in dribbling and creating passing opportunities to break defensive lines. Rabiot stated: "The difference between Tchouameni and Koné? They are rather different players. Aurélien drops back and builds play between the centre-backs. Manu, instead, perhaps has greater propensity for dribbling and searching for passes to unlock opposition lines. You have to adapt, but they are two excellent players with whom it is easy to play." Koné has emerged as one of Roma's key players competing at the tournament alongside Donyell Malen. The midfielder featured in matches against Iraq and Norway after missing the opening game, accumulating 180 minutes and establishing himself as a regular starter under France manager Deschamps. Rabiot confirmed that both players have developed good understanding in midfield, including when they played together during France's encounter with Norway. The positive assessment underscores Koné's importance to Roma's plans as the club looks forward to the coming season.

Donyell Malen has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing his experience at Roma and his aspirations with the club. Malen expressed enthusiasm about his time at the Giallorossi, describing the atmosphere and environment as excellent. He stated his desire to win a trophy with Roma, balancing his ambitions at club level with his broader international football goals. The interview touches on both his immediate focus with Roma and his longer-term perspective in the sport.

Donyell Malen has expressed his satisfaction with his January transfer to AS Roma from the Premier League, crediting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's assurance that he would play as the central striker as a key factor in his decision. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Malen praised the club's integration, fan support, and overall environment. He said: "I am more than convinced I made the right choice. For now everything is magnificent: the welcome, the integration, the relationship with people. Rome is a fantastic place to be. We are all very happy, because I settled into the reality quickly." Malen's arrival has been instrumental in Roma's return to European football after a seven-year absence. He scored 14 goals in his opening campaign, a productive tally not matched since his PSV days. The striker acknowledged the team effort behind their success, stating: "It was wonderful. The fans were so happy: for a player it's thrilling. Now I can't wait to play Champions League at the Olimpico. I imagine a fantastic atmosphere, as good as or better than usual." When asked about next season's ambitions following Roma's strong league finish, Malen confirmed the squad's broader objective: "Certainly. We want to win something. That is our goal."

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.

Roma news roundup covering multiple developments. Paulo Dybala is reportedly making a sacrifice for the club, though specific details remain unclear. In the transfer market, Roma has shown interest in a player named Puerta. Separately, Inter Milan has not submitted an offer for Niccolò Pisilli, suggesting the midfielder remains available for Roma's squad planning. These updates reflect ongoing activity in recruitment and squad management as the club navigates the current transfer window.

Matías Soulé appears set to reject an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, despite Roma's desire to sell him. Al Ahli attempted to persuade the 23-year-old Argentine without submitting an official bid to Roma. Soulé has expressed reluctance to move to a second-tier league at this stage of his career and would have preferred a move to Germany, but neither Borussia Dortmund nor Stuttgart have matched Roma's €40 million asking price. RB Leipzig also inquired without making a firm approach. With the June 30 transfer deadline approaching, Soulé is likely to remain at Roma beyond that date, though the club continues to seek his departure. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly informed Roma's management that Soulé is not among the untouchable players in the squad, particularly with incoming signing Greenwood occupying a similar role. Roma would accept €35 million plus add-ons to generate profit and reinvest funds elsewhere. Paulo Dybala is also close to leaving the club. Roma's management awaits offers that are expected to arrive after the June 30 deadline. Soulé's departure remains probable but is unlikely to be to Saudi Arabia, with German clubs potentially returning with serious proposals in the coming transfer window.

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.