Dybala Keeps Roma Waiting on Contract Renewal Decision

Roma midfielder Koné has rejected an approach from Atlético Madrid as he waits for concrete interest from PSG. Arsenal, finalists in the last Champions League, have now made concrete moves for the 2001-born French midfielder, with initial contact reportedly made with his representatives. The Arsenal option is reportedly appealing to Koné, whose future remains uncertain. Roma's priority under head coach Gasperini and the club is to meet the Settlement Agreement requirements of 50 million euros by 30 June without sacrificing major players like Ndicka and Koné. The plan focuses on selling players such as Soulé (linked with Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and Arab clubs), Ziolkowski, and other minor assets. However, if attractive offers arrive that are difficult to refuse, Koné would represent a valuable sale for profit purposes, with several European clubs having shown interest in the French midfielder. Beyond Inter, Atlético Madrid was the first to make a move for Koné. Should he depart Roma, the club has Musah in their sights as a potential replacement. Details on the timeline or fee structure remain unclear.

Igor Paixao, an offensive winger who had been linked with AS Roma in recent weeks, is unlikely to join the club. The player reportedly prefers to remain at Marseille rather than pursue a move to the Giallorossi. Roma had considered Paixao as a potential addition to their squad during the transfer window, but his preference to stay in France means the club will need to explore other targets for their attacking options.

A Roma figure identified as Faccini has stated that goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Konè, and winger Donyell Malen are not for sale in the transfer market. Faccini, who grew up in Roma's youth academy and scored the first goal of the club's historic 1982–83 Serie A title-winning season, made the declaration regarding the club's transfer strategy. The statement signals Roma's intent to retain key players during the upcoming market window, reinforcing their commitment to building around this core group under current management.

Paulo Dybala's representatives have submitted a counter-proposal to Roma, bringing negotiations over his future closer to resolution. The Argentine forward has indicated that his decision is not yet final, leaving the door open to multiple possibilities regarding his next move. Roma and Dybala's camp continue discussions as white smoke appears increasingly likely. The exact terms of the counter-proposal remain unclear, but the development suggests both parties are working toward an agreement. Dybala's willingness to keep options open reflects the ongoing nature of contract negotiations between the player and the club.

Roma has officially announced the arrival of D'Amico. In parallel transfer developments, American winger Christian Pulisic has entered the club's scouting focus as a potential target. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala is taking steps toward negotiating a contract renewal with the Serie A side. Details remain unclear regarding the specific roles, timelines, and terms involved in these moves.

Head coach Gasperini has identified Mason Greenwood and Christian Pulisic as key targets to strengthen Roma's attacking lineup for the upcoming season. A potential Roma front four could feature Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Pulisic, and Greenwood, though bringing both players to the club remains challenging at this stage. Greenwood, currently at Marseille, is Gasperini's primary objective, while Pulisic is also a direct request from the coach. Negotiations with the French club are expected to be complex. What particularly attracts Gasperini to both players is a shared technical characteristic: both are genuinely two-footed. They perform with equal ability using either foot regardless of their position on the pitch, a quality that translates to increased match-day danger and unpredictability. This ambidexterity is relatively rare among elite footballers. Gasperini views both as international-level profiles ready for a Champions League campaign and capable of delivering quality, goals, and the kind of performances that energize supporters. Current constraints limit Roma's immediate pursuit of both targets. The club must balance Financial Fair Play requirements, with a €60 million net spend target by June 30, though qualifying for the Champions League has strengthened Roma's negotiating position. Dybala is expected to renew his contract, while Malen remains a confirmed fixture in the squad.

Tony D'Amico has been officially confirmed as AS Roma's new sporting director from the 2026–27 season. The Abruzzo-born executive previously worked with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta. D'Amico will assume full powers on 1 July 2026, though he can work behind the scenes before that date. Until then, interim sporting director Maurizio Lombardo will hold signing authority, as Roma was unable to request a special dispensation from the Italian league due to the timing of D'Amico's arrival from Atalanta. D'Amico inherits a substantial workload. Priority contract renewals include Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Celik, with extensions for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante also on the agenda. Roma must also meet commitments under its UEFA Settlement Agreement and resolve financial fair play requirements around gains on player sales by 30 June. The transfer market remains active, with names including Greenwood, Summerville, and Pulisic linked as possible signings. The club is also addressing its full-back options. Until 1 July, D'Amico cannot formally sign documents or submit written offers for either renewals or new signings—authority falls to chief financial officer Morrow. This represents only a minor delay despite an already crowded agenda ahead of the new season.

Roma must navigate a complex financial situation this summer as ownership plans to spend approximately €100 million net on new signings while simultaneously reducing the wage bill. The club's current payroll stands at roughly €140 million, and the Friedkin family aims to cut it below €80 million, introducing a new wage cap of €4.5 million per year. High-earners Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose contracts expire, must accept reductions to remain at the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prefers to avoid selling key players, though a settlement agreement may force departures if necessary. The timing is critical, with most transfer activity expected after June 30th. Roma could request a postponement to the following year depending on offers received, though this would leave finances under continued scrutiny. Mason Greenwood remains the primary target, with Roma aiming to spend €45 million despite Olympique Marseille seeking a higher fee. Alternative attacking options include Kerim Alajbegovic and Gianluca Scamacca, while wing-back candidates are Dodo, Carlos Augusto, Davide Zappacosta, and Costantino Favasuli. The wage restrictions reflect a sustainable financial strategy but risk pricing Roma out of certain signings, particularly as competitive ambitions grow.

Tony D'Amico is set to become AS Roma's new sporting director after resolving contractual issues with Atalanta. The former Verona executive resolved the financial pending matters with the Bergamo club on the morning of the announcement and is now ready to sign with Roma. Official confirmation from the club is expected within the coming days. D'Amico will work alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His arrival comes after a lengthy delay caused by negotiations with Atalanta, which had removed him from his position over a week prior and named Cristiano Giuntoli as his replacement. Upon joining Roma, D'Amico faces a packed agenda including contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluca Mancini, resolution of a Settlement Agreement and financial fair play issues by June 30, and incoming transfers with Mason Greenwood reportedly a priority target. D'Amico's operational powers will initially be limited. He will gain full authority only from July 1, when the transfer market officially opens. Until then, he cannot sign contracts or send formal written offers for renewals or transfers, as Roma was unable to request a derogation at the recent League Assembly. In practical terms, signing authority will rest with chief financial officer Morrow. D'Amico can work informally before July 1, but this represents a further delay of several days in Roma's transfer planning.