Roma Negotiating with Dybala as Greenwood Deal Stalls; Garnacho Eyed as Alternative

AS Roma have entered the race to sign Saël Kumbedi, a 21-year-old French right-back currently at Wolfsburg. Kumbedi is expected to leave the German club following their relegation to Bundesliga 2. Despite a difficult season for Wolfsburg, the young defender registered 5 assists across 27 appearances. Roma's primary transfer targets remain Greenwood and Moreira as the club prepares for its return to the Champions League under head coach Gasperini. However, the Giallorossi are continuing to explore additional reinforcements for their squad. Kumbedi has attracted attention from multiple clubs, with SS Lazio also making enquiries about the player. Porto, Feyenoord, and an unnamed Ligue 1 side are also monitoring his availability. The 2005-born talent represents a potential depth option at right-back as Roma strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season.

El Aynaoui has emerged as a standout performer at the World Cup, transforming his fortunes after a difficult first season at Roma. The Moroccan midfielder, who began the tournament viewed skeptically by Roma supporters following inconsistent form and limited playing time, has now become the focal point of his national team across four matches. His performances have attracted attention from major European clubs including Liverpool and Barcelona, yet Roma remains confident in retaining the player, who has reportedly expressed his desire to continue in the capital. Gasperini views El Aynaoui as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield project and plans to give him expanded responsibility in the coming season. Last year, the midfielder ranked below Pisilli in the hierarchy as he adjusted to Serie A after his move from Ligue 1. Gasperini recognized his potential but deemed him lacking the consistency needed during critical moments. The World Cup has demonstrated his readiness; El Aynaoui has developed the rhythm and confidence that eluded him in his debut campaign. The coach now sees concrete qualities upon which to build rather than mere promise. El Aynaoui will not necessarily be a guaranteed starter, particularly if Manu Koné remains at the club, but his increased opportunities will carry greater weight. Roma views the interest from Liverpool and Barcelona as validation of the talent already in their possession. The player's second season at the club is positioned as his moment of full consacration in giallorosso.

AS Roma are exploring a move for Chelsea forward Alejandro Garnacho, the 22-year-old Argentina international who joined Stamford Bridge last summer after departing Manchester United. Chelsea are also open to moving him on under new coach Xabi Alonso and do not view Garnacho as central to their plans. Whether Chelsea will sell or loan the player remains unclear, though his long contract until 2032 and £110,000-per-week wages may complicate any deal. Gasperini's arrival at Roma and his reputation for developing young talent makes the Giallorossi an interesting potential destination for Garnacho. The forward finished his first season at Chelsea with eight goals and four assists across 43 appearances. A loan move could appeal to both clubs—offering Roma a lower-risk opportunity while allowing Chelsea to preserve his market value through regular football. Gasperini has a track record of working effectively with both established and young players, though he is also known for high-profile disputes with some of his charges. Garnacho's talent has never been questioned, but both Chelsea and Manchester United have struggled to get the best from him in recent seasons. At 22, he remains a raw prospect capable of developing into a top-class player should he find the right environment and coaching.

Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala spent an evening together in Buenos Aires, sharing a traditional South American barbecue dinner with friends including tennis player Federico Coria. Both Roma players are currently on holiday in Argentina and will return to the capital within the coming week as pre-season preparations approach. Soulé is expected to report for Roma's squad gathering on July 13, though his future at the club remains uncertain as he is listed for potential departure. Dybala, meanwhile, has yet to formally sign off on his contract renewal, though reports suggest he is ready to commit to a new deal and take on a fresh role at the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will await both players' arrival at Trigoria as the new season edges closer, with the full squad assembly set for mid-July.

Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé were photographed together during a vacation in Argentina. Both Roma players were excluded from Argentina's World Cup squad. The pair are experiencing a period of uncertainty regarding their respective futures at club level. Details remain unclear regarding the specific timing and location of the holiday, as well as any immediate implications for their Roma careers.

Roma's transfer activity and the club's operational speed have become the subject of debate among Italian radio commentators and former players. Piero Torri criticized the Friedkin Group's decision-making pace, stating: "The theme of speed is not understood by the Friedkin. Roma's timescales have slowed down and I believe Gasperini is not in agreement on this." The commentary reflects broader concern about how quickly the club is moving in the transfer market under new head coach Gasperini. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo emphasized that the 2026 centenary season presents an opportunity to compete for silverware, noting that Paulo Dybala appears to want to remain at the club if suitable conditions are met. He also suggested that Gasperini's decision to retain Lorenzo Pellegrini signals the coach's commitment to the midfielder. Meanwhile, radio host Nando Orsi argued that Roma has been tolerant with Dybala given his limited playing time and output, and suggested that Pellegrini, at 30 years old, should consider his options carefully. The discussion centers on whether Roma can move quickly enough to complete Gasperini's target signings and retain key players before the preseason camp begins on 13 July. Questions surround potential acquisitions and whether the squad will be sufficiently strengthened for the centenary campaign.