Gasperini holds firm on Ndicka; Roma eyes Ostigard as defensive reinforcement

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his transfer priorities to new director of sport D'Amico following a meeting that also included Lombardo and Scala from the Friedkin Group. Gasperini has identified five required reinforcements to strengthen the Roma squad for the coming season, with four designated as essential starters. The recruitment window runs from the start of pre-season on 13 July through late July and early August. Gasperini's primary target is Greenwood, the Marsille attacker, personally contacted by the coach in the presence of the player's father and agent. The manager also seeks two attacking wingers—one for the right flank and one for the left. Summerville has reportedly demanded €6.5 million net annually, a salary deemed excessive under Roma's new structure. Alternative options include Milan's Pulisic and Nkunku, the latter potentially available on loan. Roma also requires a lower-profile defender, preferably a left-footed centre-back with speed and ball-playing ability. Molina of Atlético Madrid, who plays as a right-back, remains under consideration, with his contract expiring in June 2027. A fourth signing targets a Koné replacement following the midfielder's anticipated departure, with Lille's Bouaddi identified as a primary candidate though the French club is seeking approximately €60 million. Additional priorities include an attacking midfielder and defensive reinforcements. Some signings must be finalized by 30 June to comply with UEFA settlement agreement obligations.

AS Roma faces a challenging summer transfer window as the ongoing World Cup is delaying player sales at a critical time. The club must generate approximately €55 million in player sales by 30 June to meet financial targets, but potential buyers are waiting to assess which players improve their market value during the tournament before making concrete offers. This mirrors past seasons when sales of players like Volpato and Ibáñez had helped Roma meet deadlines, but 2024 presents a more complex scenario. Clubs, sporting directors, scouts, and intermediaries are all watching the World Cup rather than committing to transfers. Players expected to attract interest—including Ndicka (despite Inter's ongoing attention), Koné (who debuted against Iraq), El Aynaoui (a standout performer for Morocco), and Dovbyk (for whom Roma has not received an acceptable offer)—remain in limbo. Even players not competing, such as Soulé (attracting German interest) and Dovbyk, are affected indirectly, as the tournament can shift valuations and club priorities. The window closes in just over a week, leaving Roma little time to sell assets without accepting undervalued offers. The World Cup continues to create uncertainty across the entire market, with most clubs in no rush to finalize deals until the tournament concludes and clearer valuations emerge.

Artem Dovbyk is set to leave AS Roma. The club has signaled its intention to sell the Ukrainian striker, though current offers from interested parties fall short of Roma's valuation. The Giallorossi are holding firm in negotiations, unwilling to accept bids below their asking price. Details on specific clubs involved or the exact demands remain unclear. Dovbyk's departure would represent a significant squad change for Gasperini's side as the club seeks to reshape its attacking options and generate funds for reinvestment elsewhere.