El Aynaoui and Koné set for World Cup round-of-16 matches Saturday; potential Roma derby in quarters

Head coach Gasperini is urging the Friedkin Group to accelerate Roma's transfer activity ahead of the squad's return on 13 July. With only 13 players currently available and the club's pre-season camp fast approaching, the coach wants new signings in place as soon as possible. Gasperini has identified Mason Greenwood and Moreira as his top priorities to strengthen the squad immediately. Greenwood remains the primary target to elevate Roma's competitive level, though competition is intense. Fenerbahce continues to pursue the English winger, though Champions League qualification remains uncertain for the Istanbul club. Atlético Madrid has also shown interest but must first resolve the Julian Álvarez situation with manager Simeone. Al Hilal has made an offer, but Greenwood prefers to remain in Europe. For Moreira, Roma maintains contact with Strasbourg, where the midfielder's valuation sits around €40 million and negotiations are ongoing. Chelsea's potential involvement could complicate that deal. Additionally, Roma has scouted alternatives including Garnacho, though Real Sociedad manager Xabi Alonso intends to evaluate him further. The club is also monitoring Kumbedi for the wing position, while striker Dovbyk will not move to Genoa. Roma's senior players Pellegrini, Dybala, and Çelik must finalize contract renewals before the July 20 return of international players.

Paulo Dybala has reached an agreement to extend his Roma contract for one additional year. The forward's renewal caps a busy transfer window for the club. Greenwood transfer developments were also reported, though details remain unclear. In club news, Conti—a Roma legend—sent a letter to the organization, with specifics of the message not disclosed in available reporting.

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.

Roma midfielder El Aynaoui, who turned 25 on 2 July while competing with Morocco at the World Cup, has attracted the attention of multiple Premier League clubs. According to reports, intermediaries for the Roma player have held discussions with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Sunderland. El Aynaoui has impressed during Morocco's strong tournament run, though previous weeks had also linked him with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona, with his father Younes reportedly revealing the player's preference for Barcelona. At Roma, El Aynaoui faced difficulties establishing himself as a regular starter in his first season under head coach Gasperini. Despite being considered an important squad member, the 2001-born Moroccan failed to secure a stable place in the midfield during the last domestic campaign. The emerging interest from European top clubs suggests his performances on the international stage have not gone unnoticed, even as he struggles for consistent playing time at club level.

AS Roma's Moroccan player El Aynaoui is celebrating his birthday while competing at a World Cup in the United States. The club marked the occasion with a social media message wishing him well. El Aynaoui has emerged as one of the standout performers for Morocco at the tournament, earning widespread recognition for his work rate, quality, and commitment on the pitch. Meanwhile, Roma's World Cup contingent has been significantly reduced. Several players including Celik, Malen, and Ndicka have already been eliminated from the competition. Only Koné and El Aynaoui remain representing Roma at the tournament. Koné has struggled to find regular playing time and has not performed at his best, contrasting sharply with El Aynaoui's impactful contributions, which have made him a focal point of Morocco's campaign. Roma also provided an injury update on Wesley, noting that his recovery continues with ball-based exercises as the club prepares for the resumption of activities. The message sent to El Aynaoui—"Happy birthday, Neil"—was described as simple but heartfelt, reflecting the club's recognition of his performances on the international stage.

An analysis examines Donyell Malen's performance impact at Roma and what statistical data suggests about the club's European prospects. The piece uses a Latin metaphor—'It is good that a ship relies on two anchors'—to frame discussions around Roma's squad balance and tactical approach. The article appears to assess whether Malen's contributions align with expectations and how performance metrics may influence Roma's trajectory in continental competition. Details remain unclear on specific findings and the full scope of the analysis.

AS Roma has confirmed interest in Alejandro Garnacho as the January transfer window opens. The Argentine winger is under consideration to bolster Roma's flanks alongside Donyell Malen. Garnacho remains the top target on Roma's shortlist, though the outcome of any potential move depends on Chelsea's stance. The club is actively seeking reinforcements in wide positions early in the transfer window as manager Gian Piero Gasperini shapes his squad.

Genoa have made enquiries about signing Roma forward Artem Dovbyk, who is available to leave the club. The Serie A side have asked about a loan deal, but Roma are seeking a permanent transfer. Betis had previously shown interest before the end of June and were quoted a price of €25 million by Roma, but no deal materialized. Dovbyk has been ruled out for an extended period with injury — head coach Gian Piero Gasperini indicated the Ukrainian striker will not return until late April at the earliest. The forward's departure could open the door for Roma to pursue a backup option for Donyell Malen. A player named Tresoldi has been mentioned as a potential target, though details remain unclear on any formal negotiations at this stage. Dovbyk's move could also resolve Roma's need for an additional forward option. Should the striker depart, the club is expected to accelerate recruitment efforts in that position.