Dodô: The pace and one-on-one qualities Gasperini is seeking

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out Brazilian winger Dodo as a transfer target for Roma, despite recent speculation linking the Fiorentina player to the club. Gasperini's focus is elsewhere: he prioritizes offensive reinforcements, seeking at least two new attacking signings before addressing other positions, including the wing. Greenwood remains his primary target in attack. Dodo's exclusion from Roma's plans stems from two main factors. Fiorentina's elevated asking price for the Brazilian winger and Gasperini's own preference for alternative profiles have shifted the club's attention away. Among the alternatives now under consideration is Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid, whose profile appears to align more closely with the coach's vision for the position. As a result, Dodo is not expected to join Roma as a winger in the coming transfer window, barring unexpected developments. Wesley, Roma's current defender, will continue his partnership with new teammates, with the potential arrival of players like Molina signalling the club's strategic direction. Gasperini's emphasis on attack-first recruitment reflects his tactical priorities as Roma rebuild under the Friedkin Group's ownership.

Wesley is working towards his return to fitness after missing out on the World Cup. The Roma defender has expressed determination to come back stronger than before, moving past the disappointment of his late exclusion from the tournament. Wesley remains focused on his rehabilitation and is targeting a full recovery to rejoin the squad. His commitment to bouncing back underscores Roma's hopes of having him available for upcoming fixtures.

Wesley is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during international duty with Brazil and has returned to Roma to rehabilitate before the club's pre-season training begins on July 13. The Brazilian full-back posted on social media a photograph of himself training at home, stating: "I am recovering to come back stronger than before." The injury forced him to withdraw from Brazil's squad after initially being selected, ending his World Cup hopes for the tournament cycle. Wesley had established himself as a top performer for Roma this season before the muscular problem to his biceps femoris disrupted his campaign. His absence was notable given the consistency he had shown for the giallorossi. The recovery work he is undertaking at home is part of a broader effort to regain full fitness and match sharpness ahead of the structured pre-season programme. The defender's message to supporters reflects his determination to return to action as soon as possible and make an impact in the upcoming campaign. Roma's pre-season begins July 13, giving Wesley a window to complete his rehabilitation work before joining the group for tactical and physical preparation.