Roma legend discusses squad overhaul; contract renewals reportedly finalized

Donyell Malen has faced difficulties in recent matches for the Netherlands national team. Tijjani Reijnders, a midfielder, expressed confidence in Malen's abilities during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Reijnders stated his support for Malen, emphasizing trust in the forward despite recent struggles. Malen is a current Roma player and international performer. His form for club and country remains under scrutiny as Roma looks to maintain consistency in their attacking options. The backing from a national team colleague highlights the belief surrounding Malen at the highest level, though his recent output suggests room for improvement.

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.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested that Ndicka remain at Roma despite the club's need to generate transfer income, according to reports. The Ivorian centre-back is considered a non-negotiable asset unless an irresistible last-minute offer arrives before 30 June. Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is expected to support this stance. In contrast, other prominent players are available for sale, including Matías Soulé, Koné, and Mile Svilar. Soulé has attracted interest from multiple clubs. Borussia Dortmund is pursuing the Argentine but remains unwilling to meet Roma's asking price of over €40 million. Premier League interest has also emerged, with Aston Villa reportedly involved. Koné has received a €45 million bid from Atlético Madrid but is waiting for developments in the Premier League, where Chelsea and Arsenal are monitoring the situation. Separating from Svilar is considered more difficult at present.

Midfielder Koné is Roma's most likely departure this summer, with Atlético Madrid ready to meet the club's asking price of 45 million euros—potentially rising to 50 million with bonuses. The deal would generate a reported accounting gain of 33 million euros. However, Koné is delaying his decision, hoping to attract interest from Arsenal or Chelsea, though initial inquiries from those clubs have not progressed further. Roma has made clear it has no preference for any specific destination, provided an equivalent offer arrives by June 30. The club faces mounting pressure to offload players before the end-of-month deadline to ease financial constraints linked to a Settlement Agreement with UEFA. Other candidates for sale include Ndicka, Pisilli, Svilar, and Soulé, but none currently have firm offers on the table. The Friedkin Group is determined to close or significantly reduce the deficit to present a minimal shortfall to UEFA in December, allowing the club to settle the matter with a fine and squad restrictions. If Koné does not depart by June 30, he will remain at his current salary of 2.6 million euros per year. Matías Soulé remains on Roma's balance sheet at approximately 20 million euros. Borussia Dortmund has shown interest but would need to submit a proposal around 40 million euros to meet Roma's valuation—a figure no club has yet offered.