Doumbia's agent reveals Roma were tracking player until Massara's departure

Cheikh Fall, agent of Issa Doumbia, has revealed details of the midfielder's recent transfer. The former Venezia player joined Sporting Lisbon, rejecting interest from several Serie A clubs including Roma. Fall stated: "La Lazio non ha mai fatto offerte. Il Milan ha fatto solo un sondaggio così come il Napoli e la Juventus. La Cremonese la scorsa estate s'è mossa concretamente, la Fiorentina con Paratici ci ha provato a gennaio e anche questa estate. Pure la Roma era insistentemente sulle sue tracce, almeno finché c'era Massara." Roma's pursuit of Doumbia appears to have ended following the departure of Massara from the club's management structure. Other clubs that made concrete moves included Cremonese and Fiorentina (with Paratici involved), though none matched Sporting's commitment. Fall explained the reasoning behind Doumbia's choice: "Cercavamo una squadra dove il ragazzo potesse proseguire il suo processo di crescita dopo Albinoleffe e Venezia. Dopo l'ultima annata in Serie B si sono presentate diverse squadre importanti, ma lo Sporting s'è mosso prima e meglio di altre squadre. L'hanno cercato a lungo, corteggiato già da gennaio." Doumbia progressed through Albinoleffe and Venezia before his move to Portugal. Fall indicated that other Portuguese clubs, two Premier League sides, and a top Spanish team also pursued the player, though Sporting's earlier and more persistent approach ultimately won out.

Fabio Paratici, Fiorentina's sporting director, has indicated the club will not block Dodô's exit if the right offer arrives. Speaking to Sky Sport, Paratici acknowledged the player's ambitions while suggesting Fiorentina will evaluate what is best for both parties. Dodô is a target for AS Roma to strengthen their right flank, and his current contract with Fiorentina runs until 30 June 2027. Roma are actively pursuing reinforcements on the flanks under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Wesley will remain on the left side, but the club seeks an established starter for the opposite flank. Dodô fits that profile and is unlikely to renew with Fiorentina, making a summer move plausible. However, Roma must complete player sales by the end of June to meet their settlement agreement obligations before formally pursuing new signings. Paratici stated: "He has legitimate ambitions. If there are requests? I won't go into specifics, but in any case, as I said, he has legitimate ambitions, just as Fiorentina does. We will evaluate what is best for both." No official offers have been tabled yet, though Roma's interest is clear as they reshape their squad for the new season.

Bryan Cristante appears set to extend his contract with AS Roma, keeping the midfielder at the club. However, the transfer market may yet bring unexpected developments in the coming weeks. Roma's midfield anchor looks positioned to continue his stay in the Giallorossi colours, though the club remains active in the market and could pursue further squad adjustments if opportunities arise.