Malen and Koeman clash in Netherlands training

Manu Koné, in his second season at Roma, has emerged as a key protagonist for France in an ongoing World Cup tournament. His French teammate Adrien Rabiot has publicly praised Koné's technical abilities, highlighting his dribbling skills and passing range. Rabiot noted that the two midfielders have developed good understanding on the pitch together. Koné's performances at international level underscore his growing importance to Roma's midfield. His development in Serie A has translated to consistent contributions for France, demonstrating the quality the Giallorossi have built into their squad.

Matías Soulé has turned down lucrative offers from three Saudi Pro League clubs—Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and newly promoted Al-Diriyah—despite receiving a combined proposal worth approximately €35 million plus annual wages around €10 million. The 18-year-old Argentine appears set to remain at Roma beyond the 30 June deadline, but the club continues to push for his departure to meet financial settlement agreement requirements. Roma faces potential UEFA sanctions in November 2027–28 if it fails to generate significant player sales by the deadline. Penalties could include a fine of €10–12 million and potential squad limitations. Soulé's contract includes clauses benefiting Juventus (10% of any future resale) and the player himself (4% of Roma's profit). Roma would accept €35 million plus performance bonuses to secure a capital gain and reinvest the funds, though discussions with UEFA about a financial correction plan remain possible if the deadline is missed. Separately, Roma will submit its first formal offer for Mason Greenwood to Olympique Marseille soon, with a formal proposal expected following the weekend. The club continues working to move out young players, with several linked to other Serie A sides.

Roma news roundup covering multiple developments. Paulo Dybala is reportedly making a sacrifice for the club, though specific details remain unclear. In the transfer market, Roma has shown interest in a player named Puerta. Separately, Inter Milan has not submitted an offer for Niccolò Pisilli, suggesting the midfielder remains available for Roma's squad planning. These updates reflect ongoing activity in recruitment and squad management as the club navigates the current transfer window.

French midfielder Adrien Rabiot has spoken positively about his Roma teammate Manu Koné during France's World Cup campaign. Rabiot highlighted the differences between Koné and fellow midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni, noting that while Tchouameni operates deeper to build play from defence, Koné excels in dribbling and creating passing opportunities to break defensive lines. Rabiot stated: "The difference between Tchouameni and Koné? They are rather different players. Aurélien drops back and builds play between the centre-backs. Manu, instead, perhaps has greater propensity for dribbling and searching for passes to unlock opposition lines. You have to adapt, but they are two excellent players with whom it is easy to play." Koné has emerged as one of Roma's key players competing at the tournament alongside Donyell Malen. The midfielder featured in matches against Iraq and Norway after missing the opening game, accumulating 180 minutes and establishing himself as a regular starter under France manager Deschamps. Rabiot confirmed that both players have developed good understanding in midfield, including when they played together during France's encounter with Norway. The positive assessment underscores Koné's importance to Roma's plans as the club looks forward to the coming season.

Radio Roma commentators have shared their views on the club's transfer strategy and squad situation ahead of the new season. Roberto Pruzzo, a former Roma player, stated that while the club faces pressure to resolve financial issues, Svilar is the only player he considers essential to retain. Pruzzo remarked: "Di incedibile nella Roma per me non c'è nessuno, l'unico da salvare è Svilar," reflecting broader uncertainty about who will stay. He also suggested that Koné could depart without major difficulty and that Malen appears eager to return to Trigoria, implying his current national team assignment feels like a distraction. Other radio voices addressed Roma's financial constraints and squad management. Nando Orsi noted the club must decide whether to absorb accounting penalties or sell players to resolve issues surrounding transfer profit accounting. Paolo Marcacci highlighted the complexity of balancing player interests with the club's needs, noting that "incedibili" (untouchables) only remain so until an irresistible offer arrives. The discussion underscores mounting pressure on management as the transfer window progresses, with concerns that Roma risks being used by agents to drive up player valuations elsewhere.

Four AS Roma players advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the conclusion of group play. The Roma contingent will all see action on Tuesday as the Round of 16 begins. Donyell Malen features for the Netherlands against Morocco in a direct matchup with Roma teammate El Aynaoui, who represents Morocco. Later that day, Evan Ndicka will make his tournament debut with Ivory Coast against Norway at 7 p.m., while Aurélien Koné plays for France against Sweden at 11 p.m. Koné has impressed during the group stage with two strong full-match performances and has drawn praise from football legend Patrick Vieira. These four players represent a significant Roma presence in the tournament's latter stages. The club also has Salah-Eddine, who recently completed loan spells at PSV and is expected to leave Roma soon. Meanwhile, Roma defender Zeki Çelik was eliminated when his Turkey side failed to advance from their group. The Round of 16 continues through the week, with Brazil and Germany competing on Monday before Roma's players take centre stage on Tuesday. The Round of 16 concludes ahead of the Round of 8, scheduled to begin on 4 July.