Roma will not exercise option to sign Venturino; Como interested

Atlético Madrid has submitted an offer of €45 million for Manu Koné, the French midfielder who forms a key part of Roma's midfield. Koné continues to be a focus of transfer speculation in the market. Roma's formal response to the Spanish club's bid remains unclear at this stage, though the offer signals continued interest from a top European side in one of the Giallorossi's important players.

AS Roma has turned down a €45 million bid from Atlético Madrid for midfielder Manu Koné, according to reports. The club is unwilling to sell its key players at discount prices, despite needing to generate approximately €60 million in profit by 30 June. Roma has set a minimum asking price of €50 million for the French midfielder, a valuation that could increase further given his expected prominent role in the upcoming World Cup with France. Koné remains one of Roma's most attractive assets and has drawn interest from major European clubs. This rejection mirrors Roma's stance with Inter last year, demonstrating the club's resolve not to make quick sales without securing appropriate fees. The Friedkin Group's ownership appears committed to maximizing value from any departures rather than accepting below-market offers, even under financial pressure. Other players potentially available for transfer include Ndicka and Soulé, though Roma's strategy remains unchanged: no discounts will be offered. The club's approach reflects a determination to balance its financial requirements with protecting the quality of its squad.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director following meetings with Atalanta to finalize his contract termination. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, with D'Amico reportedly agreeing a three-year deal worth 1.5 million euros per season. Today he travels to Bergamo to complete the final details of his departure from Atalanta, where he has worked alongside Gasperini for three years. D'Amico will inherit a substantial workload at Roma, including contract renewals for Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and Celik, as well as managing player sales before the June 30 deadline. The director and Gasperini are reuniting after their successful period at Atalanta, during which they won the Europa League in 2024 and reached the Coppa Italia final the same year. Gasperini is also in Bergamo today for a charitable event, though the two are unlikely to meet in person given their schedules. Recent contacts between them have been frequent as they prepare to work together again at Roma.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli has been selected for Italy's upcoming friendly matches in June. The call-up comes as Roma celebrates its recent qualification for the Champions League. Pisilli joins fellow player Venturino in the Italy squad for the international fixtures. The selection represents recognition of Pisilli's performances and continues a positive period for Roma, with the club now preparing for European football's top competition alongside managing international commitments for its players.

Italy interim coach Baldini has named a youthful squad for two friendly internationals against Luxembourg (3 June) and Greece (7 June), with an average age of just 20 years and 6 months. The squad prioritises emerging talent following Italy's World Cup qualification failure and the earlier defeat in Zenica. Two AS Roma players have been included: Niccolò Pisilli and Lorenzo Venturino, the only Giallorossi selected for the fixtures. The call-up underscores a new direction for the national team under Baldini's interim stewardship. The most experienced player in the squad is 27-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma, currently at Manchester City. The wide pool of young talent includes players from major European clubs, with representation from Atalanta, Milan, Fiorentina, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus among others. The selection reflects an attempt to rebuild squad depth and identify future internationals ahead of upcoming campaigns. Pisilli and Venturino's inclusion represents recognition of their development at Roma. The remainder of the squad spans multiple positions across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with several players based abroad in Serie A and top European leagues.

Roma midfielders Koné and Venturino are returning to fitness following injury concerns. The club remains central to transfer activity, with Serie A rivals Inter and Saudi side Al-Hilal reported to be active in the market. Meanwhile, Lazio president Lotito has made comments directed at Roma's ownership, the Friedkin Group. The full scope of Roma's January business and squad movements remains under development as multiple clubs vie for player acquisitions.