Atletico Madrid celebrate Ruggeri as Roma explores left-back options

Franck Kessie, the Ivorian midfielder, has confirmed he is attracting interest from multiple clubs including Juventus and Roma as he prepares to leave Al Ahli on a free transfer in the coming days. The former Milan and Atalanta player is currently competing at the World Cup with Ivory Coast, where he has helped the team reach the Round of 16 with several goals. Kessie acknowledged the widespread interest, saying: "I am a great signing. In good form, at the World Cup, and above all free—hard to ask for more! That's why many want me, and they're right! But for another 5 days I'm still an Al Ahli player from Jeddah. After the Round of 16 match we'll see each other and I'll tell you something. My agent is working, the calls are many, and I repeat, it's normal: I would take myself too in these physical and financial conditions!" Roma has been linked with the midfielder as one of several possible signings, though Juventus appears to be the primary contender at this stage. Kessie's availability on a free transfer, combined with his current form and physical condition, makes him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking midfield reinforcement. His agent is handling negotiations, and a decision is expected following Ivory Coast's knockout match.

Matías Soulé's future at AS Roma appears increasingly uncertain. The Argentine winger, after a period of reflection, has reportedly begun considering a move to Saudi Arabia, potentially marking his departure from the club. Soulé joined Roma as a key attacking option but has faced competition and changing circumstances. A transfer to the Saudi league would represent a significant move away from European football. Details on the club's stance and Soulé's final decision remain unclear.

AS Roma are open to selling Argentine winger Matías Soulé this summer, with Saudi club Al Ahli emerging as a serious destination. Soulé joined Roma from Juventus in 2024 but has faced muscle injuries during his time at the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini initially viewed him as important but Roma's performances have remained strong during his absences, and the team qualified for the Champions League without him. The player's agent visited Roma's training ground on June 11 to assess the situation surrounding his future. Roma currently have Soulé valued on their books at approximately €15 million. The club would stand to make a significant capital gain by selling him for more than €40 million, a key financial objective ahead of the 30 June deadline. Intermediaries have been working to facilitate a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Ahli positioned as the leading suitor. The Saudi club previously dealt with Roma when signing Roger Ibáñez, establishing a direct channel for negotiations. Soulé has previously expressed a desire to remain at Roma, but club sources suggest an exit could prove mutually beneficial given the financial and sporting circumstances.

AS Roma are preparing to move for Matteo Ruggeri, Atletico Madrid's left wing-back, as Gian Piero Gasperini seeks to strengthen his squad in a position he considers crucial to his tactical system. The Italian's transfer prospects have improved following reports that Atletico will soon complete the signing of Alex Grimaldo, which will reduce Ruggeri's playing time at the Spanish club and make a departure more likely. Ruggeri spent weeks uncertain about his future but now understands he will not be a guaranteed starter at Atletico next season should he remain. Roma intends to offer him a regular starting role at left wing-back, with Wesley expected to shift permanently to the right side. The move would provide Ruggeri the guaranteed opportunity to play in the Champions League, an important consideration for the defender. Gasperini previously worked with Ruggeri during his time at Atalanta and is confident the system at Roma can unlock his potential and improve his career trajectory. The proposed transfer would benefit all parties involved. Ruggeri impressed in European competition last season and would gain the first-team football and continental exposure he needs at this stage of his career, while Roma would reinforce a position essential to their manager's tactical approach.

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.