El Aynaoui's father speaks on Roma midfielder's character

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.

Fiorentina are monitoring AS Roma's midfield options as potential reinforcements, with sporting director Paratici reportedly traveling to New York to watch a player in action during a match against Brazil. The move suggests the Tuscan club is actively scouting Roma's squad to strengthen their own central midfield. Details of which specific Roma player is the focus remain unclear from the available information. This represents another instance of Serie A clubs circling Roma's talent pool during the transfer window.

Younés El Aynaoui, a former Moroccan tennis player and father of Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, has given an interview to FIFA's official channels discussing his son's football career and mentality. Younés revealed that Neil initially showed more interest in tennis while the family lived in Barcelona, but discovered his true passion for football between ages 10 and 11, inspired by Barcelona's culture. His mother, who has close ties to AS Nancy, encouraged the switch. Younés noticed his son's potential when he began training at CREPS Nancy, displaying superior physical abilities and unwavering commitment. Younés described his contribution to Neil's development as an athlete, emphasizing discipline in diet, sleep, and injury prevention—habits learned from his own tennis background. He stressed that the family ensured football remained Neil's personal project rather than a parental dream. Walid Regragui, Morocco's coach, reportedly praised Neil's professionalism and work ethic, drawing a comparison between father and son. Younés said: "Logically, one should not change anything about one's daily routine. You shouldn't delude yourself into thinking you can do something sensational, because trying to do everything perfectly can generate tension. For Neil, the World Cup is there every day, every time he trains." Younés highlighted that Neil, though appearing shy and gentle, possesses a strong character and extraordinary football knowledge. He trains at the highest level regardless of tournament context, maintaining focus and avoiding overwork in the lead-up to major competitions.

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.