Çelik exits World Cup as Koné advances with France; Round of 16 schedule set

Transfer analyst Alfredo Pedullà has outlined Roma's activity across several key areas of the squad. Paulo Dybala is close to signing a new contract, with Gasperini prioritizing the renewal. Celik's situation is reportedly almost finalized, while a further meeting is needed to resolve Lorenzo Pellegrini's terms. Pedullà confirmed that Koné's agent has communicated directly to Roma: "No to speculation, there must not be intermediaries, people bringing offers. I am the agent and I will bring the offers." Roma values the midfielder at a minimum of €45 million including bonuses, though the situation could shift rapidly. On the attacking front, Greenwood is on Gasperini's list but is not the only target under consideration. Pedullà emphasized there is no active negotiation or meeting yet scheduled, suggesting Roma is exploring options quietly. Other names under review remain unconfirmed, while Paixao, Nusa, and others have been ruled out. The club is conducting business away from public scrutiny across recruitment priorities, with potential developments in Matías Soulé's situation also possible. The renewal of Dybala and acquisition of attacking reinforcements represent key priorities as Gasperini shapes his squad.

Portuguese midfielder Sergio Oliveira has returned to Roma, expressing his affection for the club and city. Oliveira arrived at Roma in January 2022 and played a key role in the club's European campaign during his time in giallorosso. His return marks a reunion with the Stadio Olimpico faithful, where he made a significant impact during his initial spell. The midfielder's message suggests an enduring emotional connection to Roma, reinforcing the bond between player and supporters. Further details about the nature and duration of his return remain unclear.

French football legend Vieira has praised Manu Koné following his performances at the international tournament, notably his display against Norway. Vieira ranked Koné above fellow French midfielders Tchouameni and Rabiot, citing his aggressive play and ball-winning ability. Vieira stated: "He is the best midfielder in France right now for me. I would put him ahead of Tchouameni and Rabiot because he moves more in midfield. He is aggressive, wins lots of balls, breaks the lines, he has something more than the others. Tchouameni sometimes plays the ball backwards too much, he plays it forwards." Koné's strong international performances have not gone unnoticed, with Roma intent on keeping their midfielder despite interest from other clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly tracking the French midfielder, though he has already declined an approach from Paris Saint-Germain. Roma are reluctant to sell Koné, viewing him as a key player in their midfield setup under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His performances come after a season interrupted by injuries, yet he has now established himself as a regular starter for France.

Several AS Roma players are competing in World Cup group stages across three host nations, with most facing decisive matches within 24 hours to secure knockout round qualification. Donyell Malen's Netherlands play Tunisia tonight, needing victory to maintain first-place position ahead of Japan and Sweden, though the Dutch are virtually assured of advancing even as runners-up. Equally important is Ivory Coast's clash with Curaçao, where Evan Ndicka—recently returned from injury—needs only a draw to mathematically confirm second place. Morocco, featuring El Aynaoui in a prominent role, has already qualified as runners-up behind Brazil and could face the Netherlands in the Round of 16. Manuel Koné's France has already advanced to the knockout stage and will determine their final group position tomorrow against Norway at 9 p.m. Turkey, however, has been eliminated after two consecutive defeats. Merih Çelik's team faces the United States in a meaningless fixture tomorrow morning. The World Cup's first phase is nearing its end, with these matches serving as the initial elimination round. Roma's contingent of international players will have their qualification hopes resolved or ended within the next day.

Roma's new sporting leadership has begun its transfer window work with two primary objectives. Paulo Dybala is close to signing a new contract after discussions over fixed wages and performance-related bonuses. Roma has proposed terms worth approximately 2.5 million euros plus bonus payments tied to on-field performance, though the Argentine forward is seeking a higher figure. Dybala awaits a call from Tony D'Amico to schedule a meeting with his agent Carlos Novel to narrow the gap and finalize the renewal. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's dream target is Mason Greenwood, and Roma is preparing its opening offer to Marseille for the English attacker. An agreement over wages — reported at around five million euros annually — has reportedly been reached with Greenwood's representatives. However, Marseille remains the significant obstacle, maintaining a valuation of 50 million euros with no indication of lowering their asking price. D'Amico arrived in Rome on Sunday evening and was at the Trigoria training ground alongside Gasperini on Monday, signaling the intensity of the club's summer planning. Additionally, Roma is addressing contract matters involving other squad members, with the situations of Çelik and Pellegrini also under discussion as part of the broader transfer strategy.

Paulo Dybala and AS Roma remain in active talks over a new contract, with both parties reportedly eager to reach an agreement, though final terms have not yet been settled. Dybala has submitted a counterproposal after initially accepting a significant reduction from his current €8 million plus €1 million in bonuses. Roma had tabled an offer worth €2 million per season plus €60,000 per appearance lasting 45 minutes or more. Dybala's latest proposal counters with either €3 million annually with a lower performance-based component, or €2 million plus €60,000 per appearance regardless of playing time. The distinction over minute-based payment thresholds represents one of the remaining sticking points. Negotiations have been handled directly by Ryan Friedkin with input from the player's agent Pietro Scala, though newly appointed sporting director Tony D'Amico is now expected to accelerate progress toward a final agreement. Contract renewal talks for other squad members, including Zeki Çelik, are also advancing, with distance remaining over financial terms for Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Donyell Malen, Roma's forward, failed to score across three group-stage matches at the World Cup with the Netherlands, a significant drop from his impressive form with the club. The player was shifted to the right wing during the tournament as fellow striker Brobbey scored three goals. Former Inter manager Frank De Boer analysed Malen's difficulties, tracing the root of his struggles to a friendly match against Algeria at the De Kuip stadium. De Boer explained that Malen did not play poorly in the group stage, including against Tunisia, where he remained active and unlucky in the final minutes. However, the Dutch legend believes a critical turning point came earlier. De Boer stated: "Everything started with the wasted opportunity against Algeria at the De Kuip. It seems to torment him a bit, it seems he's thinking too much. It would have been nice if he'd scored two goals now. But he didn't play badly." The analysis suggests Malen's lack of goals stems from a mental block rather than tactical or physical issues. De Boer implied that the forward's confidence may have been shaken by the missed chances in the Algeria friendly, affecting his performance throughout the tournament. His return to Roma and prospects for regaining form remain to be seen.

Roman radio stations aired commentary from journalists and former players on Roma's transfer plans and squad prospects. A central theme was whether the club would sell key players during the summer window. Piero Torri from Radio Manà Manà stated: "There is the possibility that Roma does not sell anyone," while also commenting on midfielder Koné's recent performance for France. Mateo De Santis raised concerns about contract negotiations, noting that Pellegrini's representatives have not been in contact with Roma despite the player and his assistant wanting to renew. "Their contract expires in three days," De Santis warned, highlighting the urgency of discussions. He also indicated that winger Soulé does not want to move to Saudi Arabia and that movement around midfielder Koné could still occur, questioning the value of the Settlement Agreement if it is not respected. Legend Roberto Pruzzo expressed optimism about Malen's return, saying the winger "cannot wait to come back to Trigoria" and suggesting he will arrive more motivated. Pruzzo noted that Malen's role became clearer during his Roma spell compared to his use with the Netherlands. Fellow commentator Nando Orsi suggested Malen may be managing physical fatigue after a demanding season and cautioned against viewing the situation as a crisis, observing that his current campaign has established him as a key player.

AS Roma players competing at the World Cup have faced mixed fortunes in the group stage. Some, including Donyell Malen, have progressed to the knockout rounds and continue their tournament campaign. Others have been eliminated early and must return to club duties. The article provides an early assessment of how Roma's internationals have performed during the initial phase of the competition. Their results and individual displays will influence preparation for Roma's return to domestic and European action.

Several AS Roma players are competing in World Cup group stages across three host nations, with most facing decisive matches within 24 hours to secure knockout round qualification. Donyell Malen's Netherlands play Tunisia tonight, needing victory to maintain first-place position ahead of Japan and Sweden, though the Dutch are virtually assured of advancing even as runners-up. Equally important is Ivory Coast's clash with Curaçao, where Evan Ndicka—recently returned from injury—needs only a draw to mathematically confirm second place. Morocco, featuring El Aynaoui in a prominent role, has already qualified as runners-up behind Brazil and could face the Netherlands in the Round of 16. Manuel Koné's France has already advanced to the knockout stage and will determine their final group position tomorrow against Norway at 9 p.m. Turkey, however, has been eliminated after two consecutive defeats. Merih Çelik's team faces the United States in a meaningless fixture tomorrow morning. The World Cup's first phase is nearing its end, with these matches serving as the initial elimination round. Roma's contingent of international players will have their qualification hopes resolved or ended within the next day.

Younes El Aynaoui, father of AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, has ignited debate in Morocco with comments about his son's relationship to the nation's Africa Cup of Nations title. Speaking to RMC Sport, the father stated: "My son does not feel like an Africa Cup champion." The remark references Morocco's January final against Senegal, which the team lost on the pitch but won through legal appeal, securing the trophy via court decision. The comments have divided Moroccan supporters, with many criticizing the father for remarks deemed inappropriate during a critical World Cup campaign. El Aynaoui, a Roma midfielder, has delivered three consecutive high-level performances at the tournament and has attracted interest from Barcelona. However, his father's public statements have overshadowed his on-field success. The second wave of controversy emerged from further remarks about Neil's national team choice. Born in Nancy and developed in France, El Aynaoui reportedly considered representing France before selecting Morocco. His father explained: "He considered the French national team a squad of the highest level, perhaps he doubted he could be part of it." He added that manager Walid Regragui's efforts over the years led to his eventual Morocco call-up, though France never formally invited him. The father's intervention has fueled social media debate at a time when Morocco requires unity during the World Cup. El Aynaoui continues to perform well on the pitch but now faces external distractions from his family's public commentary.

AS Roma defender Ndicka is pushing for his first World Cup appearance as Ivory Coast prepare to face Curacao in a crucial knockout-stage qualifier. The 26-year-old has been sidelined for the tournament's opening matches and is competing with Singo for a starting berth. Ivory Coast manager Faé signalled Ndicka's availability ahead of the fixture, stating: "Ndicka is available." A win against Curacao would secure Ivory Coast's passage to the round of 16, making it a pivotal moment for both the team and the Roma player, who has never featured in a World Cup match despite earning his international debut in 2023. Ndicka joined Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure and remains central to the club's defensive plans. His absence from the early World Cup action stems from match fitness concerns, though Roma supporters have rallied behind him on social media, calling for his inclusion in the starting lineup. The versatile defender represents one of several Roma players competing at the tournament alongside figures such as Koné and El Aynaoui, each fighting for minutes with their respective nations. The Curacao match carries historic significance for Ndicka—a chance to write his World Cup story after missing out on Qatar 2022. With social media backing and manager approval, the onus now falls on Faé to confirm his selection. The fixture offers the Roma player both a personal milestone and a critical contribution to Ivory Coast's tournament progression.