Saudi Arabia clubs show interest in Soulé; Faccini says Svilar, Malen and Koné are untouchable

AS Roma continues its summer transfer activity with attacking reinforcements as the primary focus. The club has identified Summerville of West Ham and Greenwood as key targets, with vice-president Ryan Friedkin personally engaging with West Ham over the Dutch winger. Roma currently values Summerville at approximately €30 million, while West Ham seeks €40 million given competitive interest. Greenwood remains a priority, with Roma exploring a loan with obligation-to-buy structure valued around €45 million after Marseille's initial €50 million asking price. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan has also emerged as a left-wing option, with the American reportedly seeking an exit from Milan after repeatedly declining renewal offers. Roma views Pulisic as a potential fit to operate in his natural position and contribute goals and assists to the attack. On the contract front, negotiations have progressed on multiple fronts. A revised offer for Gianluca Mancini's renewal has improved, with agreement now described as close. Paulo Dybala's situation remains complex, with Boca Juniors continuing to pursue the Argentine midfielder, though the decision ultimately rests with the player regarding whether to extend his Roma contract.

Roma have improved their contract renewal proposal to defender Gianluca Mancini as the club shapes its future squad. Beyond exploring the Mason Greenwood transfer option, the Giallorossi are reviewing their renewal strategy with key players. Mancini, a cornerstone of the Roma defence, is now receiving an enhanced offer as the club seeks to secure the services of established squad members. Details of the improved terms remain unclear, but the move reflects Roma's prioritization of retaining important players during the ongoing transfer window.

AS Roma has improved its contract proposal for defender Gianluca Mancini, bringing a renewal agreement closer following a strong season that helped secure Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini considers Mancini untouchable in his plans, and the club prioritises his renewal alongside Paulo Dybala as central to the team's future direction. Mancini's improved offer reportedly includes a contract extension through 2029, with an optional additional year, at approximately €3.5 million per season. The former Atalanta defender played consistently at a high level throughout the campaign and is viewed as essential to Gasperini's project at Roma. Tony D'Amico, the newly appointed sporting director, is actively working to finalise the deal, with ongoing negotiations expected to accelerate the process in the coming days. An agreement is anticipated soon, with both club and player motivated to complete the renewal. Gasperini has made clear that Mancini's future remains firmly at Roma, with no consideration given to moves elsewhere, including to Inter.

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.

Mile Svilar has earned high praise from Silvano Martina, the longtime agent of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. In comments on a YouTube channel, Martina highlighted Svilar's exceptional performance, stating: "Speaking of Serie A, certainly Svilar's performance was that of the best goalkeeper of the championship. In absolute terms my preference is for Maignan. In absolute value I think what Maignan did should be recognized." Svilar has become a key figure in Roma's recent resurgence, including the club's return to the Champions League, and his profile is valued across European football. However, the goalkeeper remains focused solely on his future at Roma. Martina also addressed the possibility of Buffon joining Roma in the past. He revealed that Roma made a serious push to sign Buffon when Franco Baldini was at the club, with negotiations involving club official Sensi. The discussions were advanced and the deal appeared close, but ultimately fell through due to financial constraints and other factors. Martina explained: "We were with Sensi, they were thinking about it, they wanted him, but we were talking about important figures. Then Juve spent even 30 billion more than what Roma would have wanted to spend again in 2013. Theoretically the thing was done, then at the last moment nothing happened." He suggested that with cooperation from both sides, the transfer could have been completed. Buffon ultimately remained at Juventus during that period.

AS Roma has officially appointed D'Amico as its new sporting director, replacing Massara. The appointment comes as head coach Gasperini begins planning the summer transfer window, with attacking reinforcements identified as a priority before the pre-season retreat. Gasperini is pushing for two new strikers, with English forward Greenwood emerging as the primary target. The coach has reportedly made direct contact with Greenwood's agent. American winger Pulisic has also surfaced as an option, with Gasperini attracted to his playing style and availability at a reported fee of €35 million. Both players are viewed as possessing unique characteristics that appeal to the manager's tactical vision. D'Amico faces an immediate agenda heavy with administrative tasks. Before any major signings can be pursued, the club must address financial matters including plus-value adjustments and player contract renewals. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mile Svilar has reaffirmed his commitment to Roma, reportedly blocking a potential transfer to Tottenham despite the English club's interest. Svilar's decision to remain represents continuity in a busy summer ahead for the new sporting director.

A Roma midfielder has rallied his Morocco squad ahead of their World Cup group match against Brazil on the same evening that teammate Donyell Malen prepares for the Netherlands against Japan. The Roma player addressed the team after training, expressing confidence in their tactical preparation. He stated: "We have worked well these days on Brazil's team. We have seen their weak points and will try to exploit them. It will be a great match. We are determined. The staff has worked very well analysing Brazil's recent matches." The midfielder also highlighted the importance of Morocco's home support, drawing parallels to their recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph. He noted: "Morocco's public is incredible. We already saw it during preparation in the match against Norway: it seemed like we were at home." This World Cup campaign marks another significant test for Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 and won the continental title earlier this year. The evening's fixture pits Morocco against Brazil, with both nations eyeing progression from their group. Roma's involvement in international football remains prominent, with multiple squad members competing at the World Cup across different confederations.

Donyell Malen will start as centre-forward for the Netherlands in tomorrow's World Cup match against Japan (10 p.m.), with winger Summerville also in the starting lineup. The selection resolves final formation doubts for coach Koeman, who has chosen Malen as the primary striker ahead of Depay, who will be on the bench. Gakpo completes the attacking trident on the left wing. Malen aims to move past recent criticism following two unconvincing friendly performances last week. The Roma winger, who recently secured his permanent transfer to the club, is eager to perform as a protagonist during the tournament. Gasperini is reportedly interested in bringing Summerville to Roma as well, though any move would be discussed after the World Cup concludes. In a separate fixture, El Aynaoui will face Ancelotti's Brazil at midnight.

AS Roma midfielder Wesley will miss Brazil's opening match at the 2026 World Cup against Morocco, which takes place at midnight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Wesley, who was travelling towards a starting-place selection, is sidelined from Brazil's Group C opener under former Roma coach Carlo Ancelotti. The match will be broadcast on RAI and DAZN. Other Roma players are set to feature in the tournament's opening fixtures. Turkish defender Celik takes the field on Sunday morning at 6 a.m. as part of Montella's Turkey squad against Australia in Group D. Netherlands winger Malen will debut Sunday evening at 10 p.m. against Japan. Additional Roma-connected players include Costa d'Avorio's Ndicka, who opens Monday night against Ecuador, and France's Koné, scheduled for Tuesday evening against Senegal. Wesley received a warm reception from Roma fans at Fiumicino airport ahead of his World Cup departure, with supporters chanting 'Forza Roma!' The tournament represents the first World Cup featuring Roma players at the 2026 edition. Brazil's squad will be without one of their key midfield options as they begin their campaign in Group C.