Koné set for World Cup debut as major clubs circle Roma

Midfielder Manu Koné is set to make his World Cup debut for France against Senegal, with Arsenal actively monitoring his performance. The Gunners have accelerated their pursuit and reportedly reached an agreement with the French midfielder, who plays for Roma. Koné rejected Atlético Madrid and continues to await an offer from PSG, his hometown club, but Arsenal remains a serious suitor offering Premier League football that suits his profile. Roma faces a critical transfer decision with a 30 June deadline approaching. Head coach Gasperini wants to retain Koné but the club may need to sell him to fund incoming transfers, particularly winger Mason Greenwood from Marseille. Matías Soulé, the Argentine winger, was initially viewed as the more expendable option due to lower expected resale value, but concrete offers have not materialized. Roma is reportedly demanding €50 million for Koné and will not accept a lower figure, even from Arsenal. The club aims to complete a settlement agreement to avoid further financial constraints on the transfer market. With just two weeks until the deadline, Roma must decide which player to sell. Without concrete offers for Soulé, the club may be forced to consider Koné's departure, despite Gasperini's preference to keep him. Koné remains one of the most sought-after players in the market and could generate significant funds for Roma's summer business.

Mason Greenwood has accepted AS Roma's offer as Head Coach Gian Piero Gasperini pursues the English forward to strengthen the club's attacking department. Greenwood would earn approximately 4.5 million euros per season under a contract that could increase over time. However, an agreement with Marseille remains outstanding, with the French club holding firm on an initial asking price of at least 50 million euros. Gasperini views Greenwood as the ideal addition to transform Roma into a Champions League-calibre team. Roma and Marseille are working through the financial details of the deal, with a resale percentage to Manchester United now set at 30% thanks to a clause in the previous agreement between the two clubs. The negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as both clubs face pressing financial considerations. Marseille's request may increase from July onwards, when a 60 million euro release clause is scheduled to activate. However, Greenwood's departure from Marseille before month's end remains probable given the French club's severe financial difficulties. Roma is maintaining active contact with both the player and Marseille as discussions advance.

Donyell Malen has opened up about his life away from football, revealing a passion for luxury automobiles. The AS Roma attacker appeared on DAY1, a Dutch YouTube channel focused on motors and lifestyle, where he showcased his collection of vehicles including Porsches and Ferraris. He also discussed an old BMW he has owned for four or five years but driven only once. During the episode, Malen touched on his musical preferences, explaining that he refrains from adding songs to the national team's dressing-room playlist. He cited his taste for romantic music, specifically "Never nooit meer" by Gordon, which he acknowledged would be out of place before a World Cup match. The attacker also revealed he recently experienced a car accident, admitting when pressed: "Well, it's partly my fault." Malen was candid about losing one vehicle within three weeks of acquiring it due to the incident. The conversation highlighted Malen's personality beyond his role as a Roma forward, offering fans insight into how the player balances his professional commitments with personal interests during international duty.