Gasperini confident on Dybala renewal as Roma prepare for Lazio derby

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.

Morocco eliminated the Netherlands at the World Cup overnight, advancing to the knockout stages. The result has starkly different implications for two Roma players. Donyell Malen remained on the bench for the entire match and did not play a single minute as the Netherlands were eliminated. Malen had been a key figure in Roma's Champions League push this season, but Netherlands coach Koeman dropped him after a training ground disagreement, initially trying him as a central striker before moving him to the wing. The attacker is now free to return to Europe and plans to enjoy a deserved holiday before joining Roma's preseason training at Trigoria. El Aynaoui, Roma's midfielder, played limited minutes for the club during the regular season but has now seen Morocco reach the World Cup quarter-finals, keeping his tournament dream alive. His impressive performances have reportedly attracted interest from major European clubs. However, Roma has no intention of selling him and plans to promote El Aynaoui to regular starter status next season. His return to Trigoria will be delayed as Morocco continues its World Cup campaign. Malen aims to be available for Roma's early preseason sessions and will look to rebuild his form with the Giallorossi.

Mehdi Benatia has commented on El Aynaoui's time at Roma, noting that the midfielder played less than expected during his time with the Giallorossi. Benatia revealed he previously attempted to bring El Aynaoui to Marseille, suggesting the player was a target for the French club during his tenure there. The exact context of when these events occurred and Benatia's current role remain unclear from the available information.

Mehdi Benatia, a former Roma and Juventus defender now serving as an executive at Marseille, commented on Moroccan midfielder El Aynaoui in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Benatia expressed surprise at El Aynaoui's limited playing time at Roma despite recognizing his quality. He revealed an attempt to sign the player for Marseille but stated the cost was prohibitive. Benatia said: "He is very strong because he combines quality and quantity. I didn't understand why he played less at Roma than I would have expected. I tried to bring him to my Marseille, but he was too expensive." El Aynaoui has been a Roma midfielder in recent seasons, and the comments suggest the club may not have maximized his deployment. Benatia also praised other Moroccan players, particularly Bouaddi, whom he described as exceptional talent with significant market value—reportedly worth over €100 million—and unlikely to move to Italy due to cost. The interview was conducted during discussion of Morocco's World Cup campaign and performance.

Roma rejected multiple offers for their players ahead of the June 30th financial deadline, turning away approaches from Juventus for Mile Svilar and from Inter and Porto for Niccolò Pisilli. Matías Soulé declined a move to Saudi Arabia, with his agent expressing frustration over how the transfer was handled. Despite external interest, Roma's hierarchy remained firm in retaining their core squad members. UEFA granted Roma and all clubs a tacit extension through July, allowing an additional month to include sales in last season's financial statements due to World Cup scheduling. However, this extension does not apply to new acquisitions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants to keep Wesley, Evan N'Dicka, and Manu Koné, and the club's leadership is unwilling to upset the manager. Roma plans to argue to UEFA that peripheral squad moves will be sufficient to contain financial losses, though failure to do so could result in fines exceeding €10 million and squad limitations in the 2027–28 season. The club aims to retain all top players while strengthening the squad to challenge for the Serie A title. Matías Soulé appears likely to depart despite Roma's broader retention strategy.

AS Roma has rejected an approach from Porto for midfielder Niccolò Pisilli in recent days. The Italian club rebuffed the Portuguese side's attempt to sign the young player, keeping him as a key part of their squad. Pisilli remains a cornerstone of Roma's plans, and the club has no intention of parting with him despite external interest. Details of Porto's offer remain unclear, but Roma's decision to hold firm underscores their faith in the 20-year-old's future at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma is preparing for an active summer transfer window after deciding to keep all major squad players. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, owner Ryan Friedkin, and sporting director D'Amico are expected to hold a meeting soon to finalize the club's transfer plan and budget allocation. The Friedkin Group will determine spending limits for incoming signings. Greenwood remains Roma's primary target, though no formal offer has been submitted yet. The club rejected multiple offers for young midfielder Niccolò Pisilli and goalkeeper Mile Svilar during the previous day, signaling a firm stance on retaining key assets. Gasperini's arrival has prompted a strategic review of the squad, with the coach assessing potential departures and arrivals to align with his tactical requirements. The timing of the meeting reflects Roma's urgency in executing their summer recruitment early, with the transfer window now open. Additional details on specific targets, budget figures, and the timeline for player arrivals remain unclear.