Ruggeri in demand as Roma and Fiorentina compete for left-back; player prioritizes Atlético Madrid stay

AS Roma is evaluating Bologna defender Lucumi as a potential replacement should Ndicka leave the club. The Colombian centre-back was on Roma's radar last summer under Massara but remained at Bologna despite interest from multiple clubs including Sunderland. Now, with his future at Bologna uncertain, Roma has renewed its focus on the player—a profile already familiar to the club's recruitment team. Lucumi's potential arrival would depend on Ndicka's departure from Trigoria. The defender impressed Roma during previous transfer discussions and represents a known quantity in the market. However, Roma faces competition for his signature. Juventus is also pursuing Lucumi, with former Roma manager Spalletti reportedly pushing strongly to bring the Colombian to Turin. The tactical push from Spalletti adds another layer to the competition for the player's services. Details remain unclear on the timeline for any potential move or the likelihood of Ndicka's departure. Lucumi's preference to remain in Italian football has made him an attractive target for multiple Serie A clubs this summer.

AS Roma has identified generating financial profit through player sales by June 30 as an absolute priority that will shape the club's summer transfer strategy. The Friedkin Group's approach reflects a focus on balancing the squad while achieving positive financial returns on player transactions. This objective will influence Roma's incoming and outgoing transfer activity in the coming months, with the deadline creating urgency around the club's market operations.

AS Roma are reportedly interested in signing Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen during the January transfer window. Leverkusen has set a transfer fee for the player, though Premier League clubs are also said to be pursuing the talent, presenting competition for Roma's interest. The Giallorossi are actively seeking reinforcements to strengthen their squad, with the midfielder reportedly among their targets. Details on the specific fee and the extent of Roma's formal pursuit remain unclear.

Roma and Juventus are competing to sign left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid after he featured in 47 appearances during the 2025–26 season, providing 6 assists. The Spanish club paid €17 million to acquire him from Atalanta but could now demand €28–30 million, with both Italian clubs expected to offer €22–25 million including add-ons. Atletico Madrid may sell Ruggeri to make space for alternative left-sided specialists such as Marc Cucurella, Maxi Araujo, or Alejandro Grimaldo. For Roma, the 24-year-old represents a defensive option independent of ongoing negotiations with current right-back Zeki Celik, whose contract expires on 30 June. Ruggeri's familiarity with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini makes him an appealing fit for the Giallorossi's recruitment strategy. The club aims to strengthen its wing defence, with Wesley already providing aggressive coverage on one flank. Juventus, meanwhile, is simultaneously pursuing other Atletico Madrid targets including Alexander Sorloth and Nicolas Gonzalez. The Old Lady is prioritizing a striker before the World Cup begins, though their offer has fallen short of Atletico's asking price. Juventus is also eyeing fullback options in case they offload Andrea Cambiaso later in the transfer window.

Angeliño is spending the summer break in Mauritius with his family after a difficult 2024–25 season. The Spanish left-back suffered from bronchitis around October and subsequently struggled to maintain the physical condition demanded by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, becoming a peripheral figure in Roma's closing matches. His wife, Rocio Galindo, shared holiday photos on Instagram. Angeliño faces an uncertain future at Roma. Gasperini is notoriously demanding of his full-backs, and Wesley has already been deployed on the left wing to cover the absence of the former Lipsia defender. The Spaniard has until mid-July to convince Gasperini of his worth during the upcoming pre-season. Though his contract extends until 2028, Roma will explore a sale if Gasperini remains unconvinced. A recovery and retention would benefit both sides, allowing the club to focus its transfer activity elsewhere.

Roma is intensifying efforts to sign Juan Manuel Ruggeri, an Atlético Madrid defender, as the club looks to strengthen its flanks. Ruggeri has been on Roma's radar since January, but interest has now become more concrete. The player's agents, Manuel Montipò and Tullio Tinti, confirmed the interest during an interview with Sky Sport, stating: "Atlético is very happy to keep him, but in football anything can happen. He has requests both in Italy and abroad." The agents also acknowledged potential interest from other top clubs, including Juventus, though they were less direct when asked specifically about Roma. Roma seeks additional reinforcement on the wings beyond Wesley, the current squad option. Previous target Dodo from Fiorentina appeared to lose momentum, with recent developments stalling that line of inquiry. Ruggeri, a former Atalanta player now at Atlético Madrid, represents an alternative avenue for the club's recruitment strategy. When pressed about Juventus's possible involvement, the agents suggested: "It is a top club and as such looks at strong players. There could also be interest." However, regarding Roma specifically, their response remained more evasive, hinting at competition from other suitors. The situation remains fluid, with multiple clubs potentially pursuing the defender's signature.