How Alex Grimaldo's Move to Atletico Madrid Opens Door for Roma to Sign Matteo Ruggeri

AS Roma is tracking Gustavo Puerta, a 2003-born midfielder at Racing, following his strong performance with Colombia in international competition. Several European clubs have turned their attention to the Colombian after his impressive early showings. According to reports, Roma and Atalanta are both monitoring Puerta's situation in Serie A, with Racing valuing him at approximately €10 million. Roma's current focus remains on player departures and contract renewals before the June 30 deadline, but the club plans to shift attention to incomings from July onwards. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is expected to begin pursuing midfield reinforcements once the immediate deadline passes. Puerta represents a potential option for Roma's midfield as they assess targets in the transfer window. The midfielder has emerged as an attractive prospect following his World Cup displays, and his relatively modest valuation makes him an economical prospect for European clubs. Details remain unclear regarding the precise timeline of Roma's interest or how advanced any discussions may be.

Como have made another attempt to sign Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli, but the Giallorossi have firmly rejected the approach. The Serie A club, managed by Fabregas, is searching for Italian talent to meet UEFA squad list requirements for their Champions League campaign. However, Roma have no intention of selling Pisilli and consider him a key midfielder they cannot afford to lose. Pisilli, born in 2004, wants to remain at Roma to play Champions League football with the club he has supported and represented since childhood. The midfielder has become increasingly important to Roma's midfield over recent months and is determined to establish himself as a starter under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini in the upcoming season. Roma's stance reflects their confidence in Pisilli's development and his value to their project moving forward.

Roma's summer transfer activity is intensifying, with multiple moves in development. Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal is not currently a priority for the club; while the midfielder visited the training ground on Monday to discuss an extension, any formal negotiation with the board will not take place until July. The focus instead shifts to Paulo Dybala, whose renewal is progressing and drawing closer to completion, bolstered by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's backing. The Friedkin Group aims to finalize Dybala's new deal by 30 June. Meanwhile, Alessandro Romano's departure has been confirmed: the 2006-born midfielder will join Cagliari for a reported 5 million euros plus performance-based bonuses that could reach 6.5 million, with a conditional purchase obligation clause included. The Romano transfer provides financial relief ahead of Roma's 30 June accounting deadline. Real Betis has also reportedly tabled an offer of 15 million euros for an unnamed Roma player involving a loan with a purchase option, though details remain unclear.

Roma have rejected recent offers for Wesley and Mile Svilar from Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, with the latter tabling a €50 million proposal for the goalkeeper. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is determined to keep both players, who are aligned with the club's stance. Manchester City has also made an inquiry for Manu Koné, though he remains central to Gasperini's plans. Inter showed interest in Wesley, while PSG and Atlético Madrid are monitoring Koné's situation. The club continues to pursue the sale of Matías Soulé to meet a UEFA financial settlement agreement, seeking €35 million plus add-ons. Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are reportedly interested in the winger, who prefers a move to the Premier League over other options. Roma would benefit significantly from a €100 million windfall, but Gasperini views both Wesley and Svilar as non-negotiable components of his squad reconstruction. Soulé has generated international interest following his solid performances since joining Roma two years ago. The club expects a formal offer from Saudi Arabia in the coming days. Details remain unclear on the exact timeline for resolving Roma's financial obligations or whether alternative solutions might extend their flexibility into 2027.

Nahuel Molina has emerged as a strong target for Roma's right-back search, with the club monitoring the 28-year-old Atlético Madrid defender closely. Molina finished the previous season in good form under Diego Simeone, who values him highly, and is currently on international duty with Argentina. However, Atlético Madrid have not yet received any offers for the Argentine player. Roma's pursuit of Molina comes as the club continues to strengthen its defensive options alongside its offensive priorities, with Mason Greenwood remaining the main focus in attack. The club had previously considered other targets including Ruggeri and Dodó, but Molina has now become the primary option on the right flank. A significant detail has emerged regarding Molina's contractual situation: his deal with Atlético Madrid runs until 2028 rather than 2027, which means any potential transfer fee would be considerably higher than it would be for a player approaching the end of his contract. Regarding alternative targets, Ruggeri is considered less essential by Atlético Madrid and the Spanish club would be open to offers. The reported valuation for Ruggeri stands around €20–22 million. Wesley, Roma's current right-back, continues his fitness work during the off-season, training in Greece.

Wesley has turned down approaches from Chelsea and Manchester City, choosing to remain at Roma and pursue Champions League football in the capital. The Brazilian defender received multiple Premier League proposals in recent days, but rejected them to stay with the Giallorossi. Chelsea came closest before pivoting to alternative targets, but Wesley made clear his intention to continue at the Olimpico. Wesley is currently on holiday in Greece while maintaining his fitness regimen with his personal physiotherapist Kaine Escobar and Roma's Claudio Patti. He is targeting full availability for Roma's squad assembly on 13 July as he works to recover from an adductor injury. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has requested five signings from the club, and while Wesley stays, Roma are actively pursuing reinforcements on the flanks. Atletico Madrid's Ruggeri and Molina are primary targets; Ruggeri may become available following Atletico's signing of Grimaldo, which could allow the Spanish defender to move on. If Ruggeri joins, Wesley would shift to the right flank, with Molina providing backup depth on that side. Roma have cooled interest in Dodô.