Spanish clubs targeting El Aynaoui amid World Cup performances

AS Roma has informed Matías Soulé that he must find a new club in the coming days, effectively ending his time at the Giallorossi after two seasons. The Argentine winger is no longer merely on Roma's transfer list but has been actively told to depart, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views him as expendable. Roma is pursuing significant sales to complete UEFA financial compliance by July, with Soulé among the priority departures. The club is targeting Mason Greenwood as a replacement and needs to generate income on the right flank, where Paulo Dybala—close to signing a contract renewal—also operates. Two Saudi Arabian clubs, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, have emerged as frontrunners for Soulé. Both sides are reportedly prepared to offer around €40 million, Roma's asking price, plus substantial wages for the attacker. Soulé previously rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in 2024. Other interested parties include Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, and Aston Villa, though none have made concrete moves beyond initial enquiries. Soulé's representatives are now evaluating the proposals on the table as Roma seeks to conclude his departure within the coming weeks.

Sandro Tovalieri, reached by phone, discussed Roma's transfer activity and Tony D'Amico's involvement in the market. The conversation carried an emotional undertone, as Tovalieri reflected on the recent loss of Igor Protti. D'Amico's actions in the market speak for themselves, according to Tovalieri's remarks. The full details of the transfer discussion and specific players involved remain unclear from the available information.

Christian Pulisic is considering his future away from AC Milan amid reported turmoil at the Italian club. AS Roma has added the American winger to their list of targets for the summer transfer window, viewing him as a potential reinforcement for their attacking department. However, Roma faces competition from overseas, with New York City reportedly presenting Pulisic's representatives with a substantial offer worth $10 million annually over five years, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The move would represent a significant opportunity for the player, though his current preference appears to be continuing his career in Europe rather than returning to the United States. Roma remains in an observational position, aware that any potential negotiation will depend not only on Milan's financial demands but also on Pulisic's own decision regarding his next career step. The situation remains fluid, with multiple factors yet to be determined as the summer transfer window approaches.

Neil El Aynaoui, a Moroccan midfielder at AS Roma, has attracted the attention of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to reports from El Nacional. The clubs are closely monitoring the player's development, with Barcelona appearing particularly interested. Joan Laporta and Deco view El Aynaoui as an attractive prospect both in terms of technical ability and transfer cost, with Roma's valuation of the midfielder estimated at around €30 million—a figure Barcelona considers affordable. El Aynaoui has previously expressed a childhood dream of playing at Camp Nou and maintains a connection to Barcelona, having spent part of his early years in the city. The interest from two major Spanish clubs creates a delicate situation for Roma. The club views El Aynaoui as an important technical asset and has no intention of selling him, particularly given the likely departure of Konè from the squad. The presence of Barcelona and Real Madrid's interest means Roma must carefully assess its negotiating position and understand the player's own desires regarding a potential move. Details remain unclear regarding any formal approach or negotiations. El Aynaoui's recent performances have raised his profile internationally, prompting the Spanish clubs' closer attention to his progress.

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.

Neil El Aynaoui, Roma's midfielder, has impressed during Morocco's World Cup campaign, drawing attention to his future at the club. El Aynaoui helped Morocco draw against Brazil in their opener and beat Scotland in their second group match, with a final group fixture against Haiti to come. His strong performances have sparked transfer interest, with Roma looking to accelerate player sales this summer. El Aynaoui's father, Younes, an ex-tennis player, has disclosed his son's preferred destination. He stated: "My son is a Barcelona fan, he lived there until he was 11 years old. He would be the happiest person in the world if one day he could play there." The comments, reported by Mundo Deportivo, open the possibility of a transfer link between Roma and Barcelona, though El Aynaoui's immediate focus remains on Morocco's World Cup campaign and his responsibilities at Roma. A notable detail emerged following Morocco's Scotland match: El Aynaoui appeared in the mixed zone wearing Roma's yellow-and-red backpack, distinguishing him from most teammates who opted for Morocco's official kit. This gesture was seen as a signal of his continued attachment to the club, even as speculation about his future mounts.