Koné's future in balance: Gasperini weighs keeping or selling the French midfielder

Mason Greenwood has made clear his preference to join AS Roma and is not entertaining offers from rival clubs. Recent contact has taken place between the English attacker and head coach Gasperini, with Greenwood reiterating his desire to play for the Giallorossi. Roma has already agreed personal terms with the player on wages, positioning themselves to move decisively against competing suitors. However, Roma's ability to complete the signing faces a critical constraint. The club must sell players before finalizing Greenwood's arrival, as sales are tied to resolving the settlement agreement with UEFA. The coming two weeks are described as decisive for Roma's transfer business both in and out, with a deadline of 30 June looming. Gasperini and the club are keen to bring Greenwood in as their first major signing of the summer window. Greenwood is waiting to begin his time in yellow and red, and Roma's priority is to accelerate outgoings to unlock the resources needed for the transfer.

France defeated Senegal 3–1 in a World Cup 2026 match, with goals from Mbappé (two) and Barcola. AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné remained on the bench throughout the entire game, as manager Deschamps opted to start Tchouaméni and Rabiot in midfield. Koné's debut for France at the tournament has been postponed, though he may receive playing time in France's upcoming match against Iraq on 22 June. For Roma, Koné's limited opportunities at the World Cup add another layer to ongoing transfer considerations. The midfielder has been linked with potential moves away from the Giallorossi, with Arsenal reportedly showing interest. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces decisions about the squad's composition heading into the new season, weighing whether to retain or allow departures of key players. Senegal's goal came from Mbaye during the second half. Deschamps made attacking substitutions in the second half, bringing on Barcola and Cherki, but chose to maintain his midfield pairing rather than give Koné minutes in this early group-stage fixture.

Roma is actively searching for defensive reinforcements, particularly on the left flank, with Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico Madrid emerging as a target. The 2002-born Italian full-back, a former Atalanta player, is valued at a minimum of 20 million euros by the Spanish club. Despite positive relations with Roma head coach Gasperini, Ruggeri reportedly prefers to remain at Atletico Madrid under manager Simeone, making any deal complex. Juventus has also entered the pursuit for Ruggeri as a potential replacement for Juan Cambiaso, whose departure to Chelsea appears increasingly likely. The Turin club is demanding at least 40 million euros from Chelsea for Cambiaso, with plans to reinvest those funds in acquiring Ruggeri. Meanwhile, Roma continues to explore other left-back options, including Angeliño, who is also being tracked by Real Betis. Roma's new CEO Carnevali is also examining alternatives such as Spence of Tottenham and Emerson Palmieri. Roma's pursuit of Ruggeri faces significant obstacles given his stated preference to remain in Madrid, and the competitive interest from Juventus in the same market window adds further complexity to potential negotiations.