Koné and Venturino recover; Roma active in transfer market as Inter and Al-Hilal move

AS Roma continues its search for a new sporting director to replace Ricky Massara, with owner Ryan Friedkin actively overseeing the recruitment process following his recent arrival in Rome. Tony D'Amico remains the leading candidate, but a pairing of Tognozzi (currently at Rio Ave) and Fabio Paratici has emerged as a notable alternative. The two previously worked together at Juventus and would bring complementary skill sets to manage different areas of Roma's sporting operations. A third option, Sogliano, is also under consideration but reportedly further down the priority list. The club expects to make a decision soon, with the appointment representing a crucial element of the ownership's strategic planning. The search for Roma's new sporting leadership carries significant implications for the club's transfer strategy and long-term direction. Friedkin's involvement in the process underscores the Friedkin Group's hands-on approach to key decisions at the club. Among potential incoming transfers, attacker Summerville continues to feature prominently on Roma's target list, with the club particularly interested if West Ham faces relegation from the Premier League.

AS Roma has submitted an official contract renewal proposal to Paulo Dybala as the club moves into a decisive phase of negotiations. According to reports, the offer includes an annual contract at a reduced salary compared to his current terms. Roma is reportedly capitalizing on uncertainty from Boca Juniors, who have expressed interest in the Argentine but have not committed to a deal due to financial constraints. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has approved the club's approach to pursue the renewal. Dybala is expected to remain at Roma for the coming season barring any major developments. The 30-year-old is currently focused on the club's remaining matches, including the Verona fixture, with contract discussions set to resume in the following week. The renewal represents a strategic decision aimed at retaining a key attacking player while managing the club's financial position. Roma's willingness to negotiate comes at a time when alternative options for Dybala remain uncertain, giving the Giallorossi leverage in talks. The timing of the formal offer marks a shift toward resolving Dybala's future at the club. While specifics of the salary reduction remain undisclosed, the proposal signals Roma's confidence in securing the forward's continued commitment despite the lower financial terms on the table.

Roma face a crucial match in Verona with Champions League qualification on the line. Owner Ryan Friedkin is expected to travel with the squad, continuing his recent involvement in the club's sporting affairs. Gasperini has requested unity from the team and has been present at Trigoria training ground during this period. The Friedkin Group has promised the head coach their presence during the summer transfer window, underlining their commitment to squad planning alongside the new coach. On the transfer front, Gasperini stated: "Nessuno è incedibile" (No one is untouchable). Several contractual matters remain unresolved pending the Champions League qualification outcome. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal depends partly on European revenue, while the future status of Çelik and Pellegrini also awaits clarity. The club continues searching for a new sporting director to replace Frederic Massara, whose departure has been decided despite his continued presence at Trigoria. Gasperini has identified Tognozzi as his preferred candidate, though Juventus are reportedly also interested. Alternative candidates include D'Amico, who is favored by Milan, and Sogliano.

AS Roma are preparing for a decisive Serie A trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday evening, with the match at the Bentegodi essential for their Champions League qualification hopes. Head coach Gasperini has received mixed injury news: midfielders Koné and Venturino are expected to recover in time for the contest, but captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to miss the final match of the season. The club currently sit fourth in the league following a derby victory. Gasperini is understood to want attacking reinforcements in the transfer market as Roma aim to secure a top-four finish. The sporting director role continues to attract attention, with Matteo Tognozzi emerging as a leading candidate. Tognozzi is described as a young but experienced director with multilingual skills who previously identified Matías Soulé as a talent. In the squad, goalkeeper Mile Svilar and forward Donyell Malen have been vocal in motivating teammates for the crucial final stretch, with Svilar telling his teammates "One more is missing, let's go!" following the derby win. Meanwhile, reports indicate there have been offers for defenders Ndicka and Ziolkowski on the transfer market, as other squad members including defenders Saud and Kumbulla discuss their futures. The appointment of Margiotta from Verona is being considered for Roma's youth sector.

Roma is actively working on player departures to meet Financial Fair Play requirements ahead of the appointment of a new sporting director. Inter has renewed contact with French midfielder Manu Koné, with fresh negotiations scheduled after the Friedkin Group vetoed a deal last summer. The talks are described as having genuine potential to succeed this time. Defender Ziolkowski, seeking more playing time, has fielded rejected offers from January and now faces multiple Premier League bids reportedly in the region of €20 million. Fellow defender Ndicka, who recently parted ways with his long-standing agent, has received several proposals from English and German clubs, where he previously played for Eintracht. A potential swap involving Ndicka and Juventus midfielder Koopmeiners has been confirmed as under discussion, though the Dutchman's substantial salary of €4.5 million net per season remains a significant obstacle. In attacking areas, Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk could remain at Roma but may depart if concrete offers arrive, having held discussions with Juventus as they search for a new striker. Young talent Venturino, still officially owned by Genoa, has attracted strong interest from Como, where manager Cesc Fabregas has spoken directly with the 2006-born prospect. Venturino is expected to be bought back and resold by Roma in the coming days.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.