Roma's New Stadium Project Advances: Commissioner Orders Timeline Reduction, Authorization Expected Within 90 Days

Nicolò Zaniolo has completed a permanent transfer to Udinese after the club exercised its purchase option in the final hours of the deadline. The former Roma player has signed a contract through 2029. Udinese will pay Galatasaray approximately 5 million euros plus 50 percent of any future sale proceeds. Zaniolo contributed 5 goals and 5 assists during his loan spell with the Friuli club. Despite retaining a sell-on clause with Galatasaray, Roma will receive no financial benefit from this transfer. The club had negotiated terms that would have triggered payment if the sale exceeded 20 million euros, or alternatively 20 percent of any difference above the 16.5 million euros originally paid by the Turkish side. The 5 million euro fee falls well short of both thresholds, meaning Roma gains no bonus or income from the deal. The low valuation has left the Giallorossi without compensation despite their contractual protections.

Roma has made significant progress on its new stadium project at Pietralata, which has been designated a strategically important national asset linked to Euro 2032. An executive order has been signed to streamline the authorization process, with simplified procedures aimed at reducing bureaucratic timelines to approximately 90 days total, including environmental impact assessment. This marks an important step forward for the club's long-term infrastructure plans. On the transfer front, Roma is actively pursuing attacking reinforcements as the Summerville interest has cooled. The club has renewed focus on a French forward whose profile appeals to the sporting department, with Tottenham potentially willing to allow a departure. Roma is also monitoring developments around Nkunku at Milan. Meanwhile, Wesley has returned to the Trigoria training complex and is preparing for rehabilitation after his injury layoff. The stadium designation as a national strategic asset is expected to significantly accelerate the authorization process, potentially providing clarity on Roma's future home within the coming months. The combination of stadium progress and transfer activity reflects the club's dual focus on long-term stability and immediate squad strengthening ahead of the new season.

Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder from Lille, has emerged as a potential alternative target for Arsenal, potentially easing pressure on Roma to sell Manu Koné. The young player impressed at the World Cup, dominating midfield play for Morocco alongside El Aynaoui, particularly in a match against Brazil. He is valued at approximately €70 million. Roma had faced the prospect of losing Koné, their French midfielder valued at around €50 million, to Arsenal. The club needs to generate €60 million in sales by 30 June to improve its financial position, and Koné was among the players whose departure had been discussed. However, both Roma and head coach Gasperini wish to retain the midfielder. Arsenal's shift of focus to Bouaddi could resolve this situation for the Giallorossi, as the Gunners appear willing to spend up to €70 million on the Moroccan prospect. Bouaddi made an impression on Roma several months ago when his Lille side played against the Giallorossi. His standout World Cup performance and high valuation may now work in Roma's favour, as Arsenal weighs the cost of pursuing either player. The development suggests Koné could remain at the Stadio Olimpico for the coming season.