Malen struggles for Netherlands, midfielder backs him

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and new sporting director Tony D'Amico held their first official summit at Trigoria, Roma's training ground. The pair arrived together in the morning, entering the facility to avoid media attention. The meeting comes at a critical moment for the club's future direction and strategy. Key agenda items for the discussion include player contract renewals, squad sales for profit, and incoming transfer targets. Mason Greenwood's name has reportedly been circled as a priority signing for Roma. The meeting also included a planned call with owner Ryan Friedkin. Pellegrini, described as the former captain, was also present at Trigoria on the same day, amid reports of negotiations over a contract renewal. Gasperini and D'Amico previously worked together at Atalanta, where they secured a Europa League title and three Champions League qualifications. Their appointment marks a significant structural change at Roma as the club looks to reshape its competitive ambitions.

Roman radio stations hosted discussion among journalists and former players about Roma's transfer strategy and contract situation. Piero Torri predicted that at least a couple of contract renewals would be announced within the week, stating: "I think that within the week at least a couple of renewals will be announced, those of Celik and Dybala are now finalised. I expect to understand if Roma will extend the Settlement Agreement by one year. I believe this is still an open issue, even though the ownership would like to close it by 30 June." Other contributors discussed potential player sales to fund summer operations. Roberto Pruzzo suggested that to raise necessary funds, Roma should sell a player acquired at minimal cost, naming Svilar and N'Dicka as possibilities, while insisting the goalkeeper should be protected. Nando Orsi emphasised Svilar's importance to the team, noting he contributes approximately seven or eight points per season. The discussion also covered rumours linking midfielder Koné to top European clubs. Orsi expressed scepticism about interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, suggesting that if a serious offer arrived—such as from Atlético Madrid—it should be accepted. Torri additionally raised uncertainty about the Settlement Agreement, a financial mechanism Roma has been operating under, suggesting the ownership hopes to resolve this by the end of June.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is expected at Trigoria as AS Roma pursues contract renewal discussions with the midfielder. The club faces a June 30 deadline to generate necessary player sales and meet settlement obligations. Pellegrini, who was born in Rome and remains a key figure in the squad, is central to Roma's summer planning. Contract renewal negotiations with the homegrown talent reflect the club's intent to retain core players during a period of financial restructuring and squad adjustment under current management.

AS Roma has reportedly received final approval from the Friedkin Group to sign English forward Greenwood, with the deal to be structured in installments. The club is also considering Davis, a former Watford player, as a backup option to Donyell Malen in attack, though the move remains at an early stage. Several complications exist around the potential Davis signing, including issues involving another player in the squad. Meanwhile, Roma is prioritizing contract renewals. Gianluca Mancini's extension is under discussion, with the defender having already communicated his position on the matter. Paulo Dybala's renewal is also nearing completion. On the outgoing front, midfielder Koné is awaiting interest from Premier League clubs, while fullback Molina appears to be moving further away from Roma's plans. The club continues to navigate a complex summer transfer window with multiple priorities across recruitment and squad retention.

Roma is pursuing English forward Davis as a backup option to Donyell Malen after Artem Dovbyk failed to fully convince. Davis fits head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical profile, offering pressing intensity, physical presence, and the ability to drive the team forward. He scored 10 goals in 30 appearances last season and is considered a reliable profile by Roma's sporting department. However, any deal faces significant hurdles. Udinese values Davis at approximately €20 million—a figure Roma considers steep for a backup role—and the club has no interest in parting with a key attacking player. Complicating matters is the Nicolò Zaniolo situation. The former Roma player was recently bought by Udinese from Galatasaray for around €5 million, but contractual disputes have emerged. Zaniolo's agent Vigorelli has reportedly requested a wage increase, while Udinese wants to maintain his current €1.1 million salary. If negotiations collapse and Zaniolo departs—with SS Lazio reportedly interested—Udinese would be even less willing to sell Davis. The club would view any double departure as destabilizing. Roma has other priorities, particularly wide players and potentially a midfielder if Koné leaves. Davis remains a tentative rather than urgent target, and any interest hinges on Udinese reducing their demands. Meanwhile, Gasperini continues to evaluate the market as the situation develops.

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman commented on Donyell Malen's performance following the Dutch national team's 5–1 victory over Sweden in World Cup qualifying. Koeman reportedly suggested that Summerville defends better than Malen, highlighting a defensive aspect of play. Malen, a current AS Roma player, has been a focus of tactical discussion at the international level. The remark reflects Koeman's assessment of attacking players' contributions beyond finishing, with defensive positioning and work rate being evaluated as key performance indicators.