Zaragoza's Roma exit: Espanyol considers move alongside Monchi

Artem Dovbyk remains on the exit list at AS Roma, but the club has yet to receive a concrete offer meeting its valuation for the Ukrainian striker. According to reports, interested clubs have only submitted proposals for a straightforward loan, a formula Roma refuses to accept. The Giallorossi, who signed Dovbyk for approximately €40 million two years ago, intends to allow him to leave only on a permanent transfer or potentially on loan with a mandatory purchase clause. Dovbyk's departure stems from limited tactical cohesion with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The striker has drawn interest from Trabzonspor and Real Betis, though neither club has yet tabled an offer Roma considers acceptable. The impasse reflects the club's determination to recoup a significant portion of their initial investment rather than simply offload the player on a temporary basis. Details remain unclear regarding the timeline for resolution or whether Roma might adjust its stance if suitable alternatives emerge in the transfer market.

Denis Undav, the Stuttgart striker who has become a standout performer for Germany at the international tournament under Nagelsmann, has renewed his contract with Stuttgart until 2029 with an optional additional year. His emergence as a key player came after scoring three goals in Germany's first two matches, including a decisive double in the comeback victory over Côte d'Ivoire. Before the tournament began, several European clubs had registered their interest in Undav given his existing contract was set to expire in 2027. AS Roma was among those clubs to make enquiries about the forward as they sought a new attacker to partner Donyell Malen. AC Milan had already begun discussions with Undav's representatives, while Como also showed interest. Spanish and Arab clubs were likewise keen on securing the player. However, Undav was determined to clarify his future before the international tournament commenced, prompting Stuttgart to act swiftly. Two days before his departure for the tournament, Undav agreed fresh terms with Stuttgart, with his salary rising to approximately 5.5 million euros per season. The move effectively removed him from the market and ended Roma's pursuit of the forward.

Manu Kone, Roma's standout midfielder currently on World Cup duty with France, is attracting intense transfer interest from multiple elite European clubs. The 25-year-old made his tournament debut in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq, displacing Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni from the starting lineup. His strong performance at the World Cup is expected to boost his market value and attract further suitors, with Roma potentially commanding a fee of at least €50 million if he departs. Departure from Roma appears increasingly likely, driven partly by the club's need to raise funds to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Inter, who previously pursued Kone last summer before Roma rejected their advances, remain interested and may revisit their efforts given planned midfield changes. Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a potential destination, with reports suggesting Kone is keen on returning to France, though guaranteed playing time may be limited given their settled midfield structure. However, the primary threat comes from the Premier League, where Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the situation. All three clubs possess the financial capacity to meet Roma's valuation comfortably. Spurs have recently enquired about Kone as manager Roberto De Zerbi aims to strengthen the squad, though they are currently prioritizing other targets. Arsenal has already met with the player's agent to discuss a potential move. Details of Chelsea's specific interest remain unclear, though the club has demonstrated a willingness to spend significantly under its current ownership.

Zaragoza, a Spanish forward who had a brief and largely unsuccessful spell at AS Roma, is set to leave Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window. Bayern are prioritizing other profiles and do not view him as part of their future plans. The player is keen to return to Spain, where former Roma director Monchi—now at Espanyol—has reportedly identified him as a target for the upcoming season. Zaragoza's time at Roma was disappointing, lasting only a few months before the club decided not to exercise their purchase option. His arrival failed to make the expected impact, and he remains owned by Bayern, who are actively seeking buyers. Monchi's interest suggests the Spanish club sees potential to strengthen their squad with added creativity and attacking options. The move remains speculative at this stage, with no formal negotiations reported. Both Zaragoza and Espanyol are exploring options, though the player's transfer depends on Bayern finding a suitable buyer or loan arrangement for him.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has made clear his expectations for Roma's upcoming season following the club's return to European football. Gasperini wants to avoid repeating previous mistakes in the transfer market by bringing in players suited to his tactical system. The coach is demanding at least 16 fit outfield players to compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, recognising that European football demands significant physical and mental resources. Several players have already departed or are expected to leave during the transfer window, including Ferguson, Tsimikas, El Shaarawy, Venturino, and Zaragoza, with Baldanzi and Ziolkowski also on their way out. To maintain squad depth and protect key performers from injury during a gruelling season, Gasperini has identified specific targets: a number 10 or attacking midfielder, a deputy to Gianluca Mancini, a striker, and both right and left-sided defenders. Names under consideration include Vlasic and Greenwood, though negotiations remain in early stages. The arrival of D'Amico as sporting director is pending official confirmation, after which the club is expected to accelerate its recruitment strategy. Gasperini's priority is ensuring the squad composition aligns with his playing philosophy, having identified this as the key lesson from the previous season's recruitment process.

AS Roma has five days to prepare for a crucial Champions League qualification match against Hellas Verona on Sunday at 20:45. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to get midfielder Manu Koné fit in time after the French player completed individual field work during training on Tuesday. Koné is considered the injury concern with the best chance of returning for the Verona fixture. However, Gasperini will definitely be without Wesley, who is suspended following a red card in the derby, and Ndicka, who is unavailable for at least a month due to injury. Pellegrini, Venturino, and Zaragoza remain absent from group training and their participation in the away trip to Verona is very unlikely. The injuries have depleted Roma's options as the team pursues the points needed to secure European football next season. Koné's personal training regimen suggests he is being carefully managed ahead of what could be a decisive final match of the campaign.