Roma secures Wesley amid interest from Chelsea and Inter

Atlético Madrid has set a asking price of €30 million for Argentine defender Molina, who has emerged as a target for Roma as the club seeks a new right-back option. Head coach Gasperini is keen on the former Udinese player, who is also of interest to Inter, Juventus, and Napoli. Molina is contracted to Atlético until 2028, and club leadership under Simeone has indicated a strong desire to retain him, creating a significant obstacle to any potential move. Roma's interest in Molina comes as the club continues to evaluate defensive reinforcements on the right flank. Current right-back Celik is close to agreeing a contract renewal, but the club remains open to alternatives. The €30 million valuation represents a substantial investment, though Atlético's determination to keep Molina—in contrast to their more flexible stance on other defenders like Ruggeri—suggests negotiations could prove challenging. Roma will face competition from multiple Serie A rivals pursuing the same target.

Mehdi Benatia, a former Roma and Juventus defender now serving as an executive at Marseille, commented on Moroccan midfielder El Aynaoui in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Benatia expressed surprise at El Aynaoui's limited playing time at Roma despite recognizing his quality. He revealed an attempt to sign the player for Marseille but stated the cost was prohibitive. Benatia said: "He is very strong because he combines quality and quantity. I didn't understand why he played less at Roma than I would have expected. I tried to bring him to my Marseille, but he was too expensive." El Aynaoui has been a Roma midfielder in recent seasons, and the comments suggest the club may not have maximized his deployment. Benatia also praised other Moroccan players, particularly Bouaddi, whom he described as exceptional talent with significant market value—reportedly worth over €100 million—and unlikely to move to Italy due to cost. The interview was conducted during discussion of Morocco's World Cup campaign and performance.

Juventus are reportedly targeting a reunion with Matías Soulé, the AS Roma winger they sold to the Giallorossi in summer 2024 for approximately €25 million. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turin club are considering Soulé as a potential replacement for Edon Zhegrova after a disappointing season under Luciano Spalletti. Juventus are also pursuing a return for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, but Soulé has emerged as a concrete target to bolster their attacking options. Soulé's form at Roma has deteriorated significantly in his second season. The 23-year-old Argentine managed only six goals in 33 Serie A appearances and has lost his starting position under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the out-of-favor forward, though Soulé has no desire to move to Saudi Arabia and prefers to remain in Europe. A return to Juventus could be feasible, though the Bianconeri would likely need to spend around €30 million to acquire their former prospect. Soulé established himself as a regular starter during his first campaign in Rome, but declining performance has prompted Gasperini to deem him surplus to requirements. Details on the timeline and likelihood of the move remain unclear.

The Friedkin Group has signaled it will not rush into bargain sales of key Roma players before the June 30 deadline tied to the club's UEFA settlement agreement. The ownership is willing to risk potential sanctions to build a strong squad for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Matías Soulé, widely expected to depart, has shown little enthusiasm for Saudi Arabian offers and has received a surprise inquiry from Juventus. Midfielder Édouard Mendy's preference for the Premier League has cooled with Arsenal and Chelsea shifting focus elsewhere, leaving only Atlético Madrid's offer on the table—one Mendy is reluctant to accept. Defender Evan Ndicka remains a target for Inter but is considered untouchable by Gasperini, alongside Mile Svilar, Wesley, Niccolò Pisilli, and Donyell Malen. The Friedkin family has reaffirmed its resolve: no distressed sales. Roma believes it can address UEFA's requirements through other means, including recent player sales, wage restructuring from Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini renewals, foreign broadcast rights (€20 million), compensation from Nicolò Bove (€10 million), and ongoing disputes with Basel over the Riccardo Calafiori resale (€6 million). The club expects to face a financial penalty rather than more severe sanctions, given its track record of compliance over three years of UEFA monitoring. Roma's aim is to avoid becoming a feeder club and instead retain a competitive nucleus capable of competing across three fronts.

Atletico Madrid has highlighted left-back Matteo Ruggeri on social media, sharing content of the Italian defender's summer activities and prompting an outpouring of affection from the club's supporters online. Fans responded with messages of praise, with many urging him to stay and declaring him part of the club's future. Ruggeri, a former Atalanta player known for his aggressive playing style, enjoyed a strong season in Spain and built a strong connection with the Atletico fanbase. AS Roma has been linked with Ruggeri as the club seeks to address the left-back position, with plans to move Wesley back to the right flank. However, Atletico's investment in Grimaldo for the same role may complicate any potential move. Ruggeri's future remains uncertain despite the clear affection shown by Madrid's supporters, and his availability for transfer is unclear given Atletico's apparent commitment to their new signings.

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.