Dybala-Roma contract renewal talks remain distant as Juventus moves

Ismael Koné, a Sassuolo midfielder, suffered a severe left-leg fracture during a Canada vs. Qatar match at the 52nd minute. He underwent emergency surgery and now faces months of rehabilitation. The injury significantly impacts AS Roma's transfer strategy, as the club had identified Koné as the ideal replacement should Manu Koné depart. With that option removed, Roma's alternatives have narrowed considerably. Roma's primary focus remains Manu Koné, the French midfielder. Coach Gasperini reportedly prefers to sell Matías Soulé instead of losing Koné, but time is running short. If no offer of around 40 million euros arrives for Soulé, the club may be forced to consider Manu Koné's departure seriously. With Ismael Koné now unavailable, Roma must explore other options to reinforce midfield. Among the remaining targets is Danilo, a Brazilian midfielder at Botafogo, valued between 30 and 35 million euros—a substantial sum that could strain Roma's budget. Another internal option is El Aynaoui, a Moroccan midfielder who impressed during his first season and could step into a starting role if needed. Any sale of Manu Koné would generate significant revenue to reinvest in the transfer market.

AC Milan are preparing a major squad restructuring following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach. Several key players are expected to depart San Siro during the summer transfer window, including veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who will leave to captain Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and forward Santiago Gimenez are also likely to exit, while the futures of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Christopher Nkunku remain uncertain as Milan pursue an attacking overhaul. Amorim is reportedly keen to retain Leao, his Portuguese compatriot, and plans to meet with the 27-year-old winger after the World Cup to convince him to stay. The pair may form the cornerstone of Milan's new attack. However, Milan's primary concern is addressing a shortage of goals—the club scored just 53 times last season, fewer than any other top-six finisher in Serie A. Santiago Gimenez has underperformed since arriving from Feyenoord, prompting Milan to seek a new striker. Robert Lewandowski's potential move to Milan appears unlikely, with the Barcelona forward reportedly agreeing terms with MLS side Chicago Fire instead. Milan have turned attention toward Udinese's Nicolò Zaniolo, though the 26-year-old netted only five goals in 32 Serie A appearances last season. Christian Pulisic, who has not scored in the league since December 2025, faces an uncertain future with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested. Christopher Nkunku, in his first season at Milan, may return to Chelsea under new boss Xabi Alonso, though a move to Roma is described as a more plausible option. Francesco Camarda has been recalled from his loan spell at Lecce and could feature more prominently.

Juventus has reportedly made contact with Paulo Dybala's agent to gauge the status of his contract renewal with Roma and test the waters of negotiations, according to reports. However, the move has sparked no alarm at Roma's training ground. Dybala has made clear his commitment to the club, viewing Roma as his true home rather than a stepping stone. His daughter was born in the city, and he has repeatedly chosen to stay despite approaches from Saudi Arabia and other suitors. The Argentine forward has become central to Roma's project and has built a strong bond with the supporters and the club's environment. Dybala's time at Roma since his 2022 arrival has been defined by decisive contributions and loyalty through injury and upheaval. Club officials view his recent public statements—sometimes read as impatient—not as signs of discontent but as eagerness to resolve the renewal and move forward. Roma's ability to return to the Champions League, which Juventus cannot guarantee as they compete in the Europa League, strengthens Roma's position in keeping him. The forward is determined to prove himself again on Europe's biggest stages and sees Roma as the platform to do so. Renewal negotiations are progressing at pace with D'Amico, Roma's new sporting director, prioritizing closure. The club's offer currently stands at €2.5 million plus bonuses annually, while Dybala seeks €3 million. The new agreement would run for two additional years. Once financial details are finalized, Dybala's future at Roma is expected to be secured without interference from rival clubs.

Juventus has reportedly made contact with Paulo Dybala's agent to gauge the status of his contract renewal with Roma and test the waters of negotiations, according to reports. However, the move has sparked no alarm at Roma's training ground. Dybala has made clear his commitment to the club, viewing Roma as his true home rather than a stepping stone. His daughter was born in the city, and he has repeatedly chosen to stay despite approaches from Saudi Arabia and other suitors. The Argentine forward has become central to Roma's project and has built a strong bond with the supporters and the club's environment. Dybala's time at Roma since his 2022 arrival has been defined by decisive contributions and loyalty through injury and upheaval. Club officials view his recent public statements—sometimes read as impatient—not as signs of discontent but as eagerness to resolve the renewal and move forward. Roma's ability to return to the Champions League, which Juventus cannot guarantee as they compete in the Europa League, strengthens Roma's position in keeping him. The forward is determined to prove himself again on Europe's biggest stages and sees Roma as the platform to do so. Renewal negotiations are progressing at pace with D'Amico, Roma's new sporting director, prioritizing closure. The club's offer currently stands at €2.5 million plus bonuses annually, while Dybala seeks €3 million. The new agreement would run for two additional years. Once financial details are finalized, Dybala's future at Roma is expected to be secured without interference from rival clubs.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is delaying decisions on extending his Roma contract, while Paulo Dybala awaits the club's response regarding his future. Contract negotiations involving both players remain uncertain as Roma navigates Financial Fair Play constraints that affect potential squad movements. The club faces decisions on retaining key players amid transfer activity and budget limitations. Details remain unclear on the timeline for contract talks or whether renewals are imminent.

AS Roma right-back Celik is on the verge of signing a contract extension through 2029, with negotiations between the club's director and his representative progressing steadily. An agreement is expected in the coming days, though minor financial differences remain to be resolved. Celik, currently on international duty, is set to earn just under 3 million euros per season under the new terms. Director D'Amico is simultaneously managing renewals for two other key players: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. Pellegrini's extension is described as a matter of days away, with talks intensifying and a two-year deal reportedly ready for signature. Dybala awaits Roma's response to a counter-proposal he submitted earlier. Head coach Gasperini requested the retention of his trusted players before the club shifts focus to summer transfer targets in July. Roma's primary transfer objective remains Mason Greenwood, though Marseille continues to block a move and is seeking approximately 50 million euros plus bonuses. The resolution of these renewal negotiations is expected to clear the way for the club's incoming recruitment strategy.