Malen and El Aynaoui: contrasting World Cup fortunes

Juventus has reportedly made a €40 million bid for AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar as the transfer window enters a critical phase. Roma is simultaneously working to resolve a settlement agreement matter. The club's position on Svilar's potential departure remains unclear at this stage. The offer represents significant interest from a Serie A rival, though whether Roma will consider selling their goalkeeper depends on ongoing negotiations and the club's strategic priorities.

Juventus made an initial contact with AS Roma overnight to inquire about the availability and financial terms for goalkeeper Mile Svilar, according to reports. The Bianconeri are searching for a new goalkeeper to replace Di Gregorio and have been exploring various options, including the former Benfica player. However, Roma has responded with a categorical denial of any possibility that Svilar will be sold. The club considers the 26-year-old goalkeeper a fundamental piece of their squad and has emphasized from Trigoria that he is among the non-negotiable players. Developer consider Svilar a key component of their defensive setup and have made clear internally that they will not entertain offers for the shot-stopper despite the intense summer transfer window activity. The goalkeeper remains central to the club's plans moving forward, and Roma's firm stance suggests they intend to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico regardless of external interest.

Roma is accelerating its pursuit of Mason Greenwood as a key target identified by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with the club preparing a formal offer. However, Fenerbahçe has emerged as a rival suitor, and a dispute over the transfer fee complicates negotiations. The exact structure of Roma's offer and Fenerbahçe's competitive bid remain unclear, though the transfer window has entered an active phase. Gasperini's involvement in identifying Greenwood as a priority suggests the winger aligns with Roma's tactical plans for the season ahead.

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.

Donyell Malen, the Roma winger, was involved in a confrontation with Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman during a training session. The incident occurred as the Dutch national team prepared for their next match following their group-stage advancement. Malen has struggled to make an impact at this tournament so far. The specifics of the disagreement remain unclear. As a key player in Roma's squad, Malen's form and any potential suspension or disciplinary action could have implications for the club when international duty concludes.

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.

Mehdi Benatia has commented on El Aynaoui's time at Roma, noting that the midfielder played less than expected during his time with the Giallorossi. Benatia revealed he previously attempted to bring El Aynaoui to Marseille, suggesting the player was a target for the French club during his tenure there. The exact context of when these events occurred and Benatia's current role remain unclear from the available information.

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.

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.