Dovbyk set to leave Roma; Champions League clubs circle Ukrainian striker

Brahim Díaz's future at Real Madrid remains in flux following Florentino Pérez's reconfirmation as club president. The Moroccan midfielder reportedly prefers to remain at the Bernabéu and fight for his place, but the imminent arrival of José Mourinho as head coach could alter that calculus entirely. Mourinho may decide not to build around Díaz, particularly with the possible return of Nico Paz on the agenda. AS Roma and Juventus are both monitoring the situation closely, with Díaz on their radar as a potential acquisition. Juventus currently appears to be the more aggressive suitor, attempting to persuade the player to consider a move away from Madrid. Roma appreciates his profile but has not yet matched Juve's intensity in pursuit. Díaz, 25, had a disappointing 2024–25 season by his standards, registering 2 goals and 9 assists across 42 appearances. His contract situation and the tactical preferences of the incoming manager will likely determine whether he departs the Spanish capital or secures a new role under Mourinho's regime.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly identified a second player of interest at Marseille alongside Mason Greenwood. The article provides a technical analysis of Paixao's playing style, focusing on his dribbling ability and capacity to change pace during play. The piece examines what makes the player attractive to Roma's coaching staff. Details remain unclear regarding the extent of Roma's interest or any potential move.

Fiorentina have identified Alessandro Romano, a young central midfielder from Roma's youth setup, as a transfer target and are preparing a formal offer. Romano is viewed as one of Roma's emerging talents. Details of the proposed fee and timing remain unclear. The move represents Fiorentina's interest in strengthening their midfield with academy prospects, while Roma may face a decision on whether to retain or sell the youngster in the coming window.

Artem Dovbyk's standing at Roma has deteriorated significantly in his second season. Purchased for €35 million, the Ukrainian striker scored 17 goals in 45 appearances during his first year—a respectable return given tactical constraints under previous managers. This season, however, has been marked by decline: in 14 matches, he has managed only 3 goals. An injury sustained against Lecce late in the campaign sidelined him for much of the remainder. The emergence of Donyell Malen as the preferred forward has further reduced Dovbyk's role, while his failure to convert key chances—including a missed penalty against Lille—has drawn criticism. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has attempted to support Dovbyk despite him not fitting the manager's preferred attacking profile. However, those efforts have yielded no turnaround. Roma now faces a difficult position: the initial €35 million investment has lost roughly half its value in just over two years. Club leadership is exploring limited options—either a permanent sale or a loan deal to restore the player's confidence and goal-scoring form elsewhere. Turkish club Trabzonspor has reportedly tabled an offer of approximately €10 million, which Roma considers insufficient at present. Dovbyk's salary of roughly €3.5 million net annually complicates potential moves, as few clubs can afford such terms. Rome's preference is to limit losses while enabling the player to rediscover form away from the Stadio Olimpico, with hopes of reassessing his future value afterward.

Actor Luca Zingaretti, a long-time Roma supporter, has offered his perspective on the club's current state under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He praised Roma's Champions League qualification, achieved in the final matchdays after winning the Derby della Capitale and Juventus's loss, describing it as an important achievement after several years without European football at that level. However, Zingaretti highlighted areas for improvement, stating: "It is not yet a fully Gasperini Roma. We managed to buy few players truly functional to the coach's ideas. I hope two or three correct signings arrive on the flanks and also another striker. Because Ferguson and Dovbyk, at least so far, have not adapted to Gasperini's football." Regarding former manager Claudio Ranieri's departure, Zingaretti acknowledged the emotional aspect while accepting the separation as necessary. He said: "Ranieri will always remain a person who gave a great deal to Roma. Then, within a club, differences of opinion can arise on how to carry forward a project and it is right that the roads divide. But I hope this is a wound from which we can heal as soon as possible." Zingaretti's comments reflect broader expectations that Roma will make strategic summer transfers to fully implement Gasperini's tactical vision.

AS Roma secured Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years after a 2-0 victory over Verona, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini guiding the team to the European competition in his inaugural season. The win confirmed Roma's place in next season's Champions League following an earlier victory over Lazio that had left qualification in their own hands. Gasperini's achievement is notable given significant obstacles he faced during his tenure. Early public disagreements with Claudio Ranieri regarding transfer decisions created instability, and key players including Donyell Malen and Artem Dovbyk suffered injuries that left Roma without a recognised striker for extended periods. Despite these challenges, Gasperini successfully implemented his tactical philosophy while adapting to the squad's available resources. The manager demonstrated flexibility by adjusting minor elements of his system to leverage the strengths of existing players rather than rigidly imposing his approach. Gasperini's evolution as a tactician proved crucial to Roma's success. Though widely regarded as a manager with firm convictions about his methods, he showed willingness to refine his ideas throughout the campaign while maintaining core principles. Late arrivals in the transfer market, particularly Malen's January signing, eventually provided the reinforcements needed. In navigating a season with substantial potential for setback, Gasperini has established Roma's return to European football's premier club competition.