D'Amico to replace Massara as Roma plot four summer signings

Jonathan Rowe, Bologna's striker, has praised Santiago Castro's move to Roma and offered warm words about Artem Dovbyk, who has made the reverse journey from the Giallorossi to Bologna this summer. Rowe told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm happy for him. I wish him to grow further at Roma because he's an excellent player and a friend. It will be very strange to face him, we hope he does well except against us." On Dovbyk, who departed Roma for Bologna, Rowe said: "For me he's a top player. He has physicality, technique, he sees the goal. He has everything to do well and to get his revenge. I'm very happy he's with us." The comments reflect the close relationship between the two Serie A sides, with Castro and Dovbyk swapping clubs in the current transfer window.

Torino have opened talks with Evan Ferguson regarding a potential move to Serie A, according to reports. The Giallorossi forward, currently on loan at Roma, is being targeted by the Turin club as they seek attacking reinforcement ahead of the 2026–27 season. Torino's injury worries — particularly with Zapata dealing with a knee problem, Adams in the squad, and Njie potentially departing — have prompted the club to explore fresh options in the final third. Ferguson scored five goals during his time in a Roma shirt but endured a complicated campaign hampered by injuries, which necessitated surgical intervention. The 22-year-old arrived at the Stadio Olimpico on loan from Brighton with a €40 million option to buy last summer. His injury struggles and limited opportunities have now caught the attention of Torino, who believe a fresh start in Turin could benefit both player and club. Initial contact between Torino and Ferguson's representatives has been made to assess the feasibility and terms of a potential transfer.

Roma have revived their interest in Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe as they continue to strengthen their squad for the 2026–27 season, but the English talent has firmly closed the door on a move. Following the closure of the Molina operation, Roma identified Rowe as a potential left-sided winger to meet Gasperini's requirements. However, the path to a deal appears blocked: Bologna have already rejected an offer of approximately €30 million from Everton and regard Rowe as non-transferable. Roma have engaged with Rowe's representatives, though the chances of securing him remain low. Rowe himself has made his position clear in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, stating: "I am a Bologna player. This is a great club, with clear ideas and a new project that I am focused on one hundred per cent on. I feel part of this world, I do not think of anything else and nothing else interests me." The transfer approach comes after the pista Nusa cooled owing to cost considerations. Roma's pursuit of alternatives underscores Gasperini's continued search for a right-footed left winger to complete his attacking arsenal. Rowe also offered a warm message for Santiago Castro, who recently arrived at Roma from Bologna: "I am happy for him. I wish him to grow even more at Roma because he is an excellent player and a friend. It will be very strange to face him, we hope he does well… except against us."

Zeki Çelik has defended his recent free-transfer move to Juventus, telling Sky Sport he made the right decision for his career. The Turkish defender, who departed Roma on a free transfer this summer, said: "I made the best choice for my career. I have known Massara for some time and when he contacted me I said yes immediately and I am happy to be here, I am pleased to prove myself on the pitch." Çelik spent several years at Roma, where he credited the club with his development both as a player and as a person. He said: "There I grew and improved a lot both physically and mentally and as a human being. For this reason I want to thank all my coaches, teammates, staff members and all the fans who have always supported me." His departure marks the end of his spell in giallorossi colours after arriving from Lille in July 2022. Roma have moved quickly to replace Çelik, closing a deal for Nahuel Molina, who was expected to arrive in Italy on 8 August.

Gasperini held a meeting lasting over four hours with Roma's new CEO Galantic and sporting director D'Amico late into the night to discuss how to complete the squad during the final phase of the transfer window. The conversation centred on both incomings and departures through to September. Gasperini made clear his frustration at the failure to sign a right-footed winger, an area identified as the club's primary need. Compared to last season's starting XI, the only change so far has been the swap of Çelik for Molina. Despite the arrivals of Koulierakis, Castro and Molina, Gasperini conveyed a sense that Roma remains incomplete. He sought reassurances from ownership and expects to be heard. Beyond incoming transfers, he was surprised by another matter during the meeting: Roma is willing to sell one of its key players if an irresistible offer arrives. Manu Koné and Matías Soulé are among the most sought after at this stage of the window, with Soulé courted by Milan, who have offered Rafael Leão as part of their approach.

Roma are poised to complete the signing of Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid as their third summer acquisition, following Castro and Koulierakis. The Argentine right-back's arrival will close the gap left by Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus and pair him with Wesley on the left flank as Gasperini builds an attacking wide setup centred on dribbling and goalscoring from the wings. Molina represents a significant offensive upgrade on Çelik. The 2022 World Cup winner produced 9 goals and 16 assists across his final four La Liga seasons and posted a 55.6% successful dribbling rate and 41.7% long-ball completion rate in his last campaign. This contrasts sharply with Çelik's output of 1 goal, 2 assists and 0.4 crosses per 90 minutes, along with a 22% dribbling success rate last season. Wesley, meanwhile, has established himself as the undisputed left-back, contributing 5 goals and 0 assists (though expected assists data reads 3.73) with numerous driblings and won duels. Devyne Rensch currently serves as the only backup option across both flanks. Gasperini is pursuing additional depth—reportedly Torino's Cacciamani, a 2007-born prospect and one of Italian football's most promising young talents, or another external alternative. Torino president Cairo has expressed reluctance to sell Cacciamani, but the right financial offer could persuade him, particularly given Cacciamani's prior experience under Abate at Juve Stabia in Serie B.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has completed his medical examination at the Roma Campus on 8 August and signed a contract renewal with the club following a 38-day negotiation period. The midfielder accepted a significant salary reduction, moving from 6 million euros to a base of 2.5 million euros plus performance bonuses under an annual agreement. Pellegrini's decision to remain came despite interest from Juventus and Besiktas, driven by his attachment to Roma and a desire to be part of the club's centenary year, with discussions over a more substantial extension deferred to June. Gasperini pushed forcefully to retain Pellegrini, viewing him as essential both for leadership and on-pitch contribution. The renewal provides a crucial administrative advantage for Roma's UEFA squad registration, given Pellegrini's academy status at the club since 2005. The midfielder had undergone a medical check in Finland in early June following physical concerns that required dedicated rehabilitation work over the summer break.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is set to renew his Roma contract today, with medical checks and signing scheduled for 8 August. The club also expects to confirm the arrival of Nahuel Molina. However, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remains focused on securing an attacking left winger, the marquee piece of the transfer window. The pursuit of Antonio Nusa has grown complicated, prompting director D'Amico to explore alternatives including Fofana of Lyon and Gittens of Chelsea. Roma is simultaneously working to strengthen the left-back position as a deputy to Wesley. Gasperini wants a young prospect with potential, and D'Amico is negotiating with Torino for Alessio Cacciamani, though the Serie A club is demanding €20 million. Fiorentina's Nicolò Fortini is being evaluated as a backup option. The window remains active as Roma attempts to complete its recruitment objectives before the season progresses.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a four-hour meeting with new CEO Galantic and Tony D'Amico at Roma's Welsh training camp, forcing the coach to cancel a scheduled Sky television appearance. The summit focused on urgent transfer priorities with the league season opening against Fiorentina only weeks away. Gasperini reiterated two critical shortages: a right-footed winger — with the Nusa target remaining financially prohibitive — and reinforcement on the left flank, where Wesley is currently the only available senior starter following the departures of Angeliño and Tsimikas, and with Salah-Eddine also set to leave. The club confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini is undergoing medical tests to formalise an annual contract renewal through 2027 at a reduced salary, while Marash Kumbulla has completed a loan move to Rayo Vallecano with a buy option. Goalkeepers Zelezny and Vasquez remain among the squad members whose positions are still to be clarified. Ticket sales for Roma's first home fixture at the Olimpico have opened to long queues, building on strong momentum from 40,000 season-ticket subscriptions, with a quick sell-out anticipated.

Roma completed their pre-season camp in England on 8 August with a final friendly against Brighton, kicking off at 16:00 Italian time. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the match to test his tactical setup and resolve remaining selection questions for the attacking line, with competition between Malen, Castro, Dybala and Soulé, while also assessing midfield options including Cristante and El Aynaoui. Lorenzo Pellegrini underwent medical examinations at Campus Biomedico on the morning of 8 August to formalise a one-year contract extension worth 2.5 million euros plus bonuses. The renewal represents significant stability for Roma's midfield and precedes his return to full training with the squad from the following week. Pellegrini, an academy product and long-serving captain, has been central to the club's plans under Gasperini's leadership as preparations continue for the 2026–27 season.

Roma conclude their pre-season tour of Britain at the Amex Stadium today at 16:00 (15:00 local time) against Brighton, managed by Hürzeler. Gian Piero Gasperini intends to use the fixture as a full dress rehearsal for the season ahead, planning to field his strongest XI with considerable minutes. The squad departed their Vale Resort base in Wales yesterday morning after a final training session, flying from Cardiff airport at approximately 17:40 to Gatwick before travelling by coach to Brighton's south coast venue. Roma and Brighton last met in the Europa League in March 2024 when Daniele De Rossi managed Roma. The giallorossi won the first leg 4–0 at the Olimpico, then lost the return fixture 1–0 at the Amex—a result that proved inconsequential to the tie. Gasperini has indicated he will rotate little from the previous friendlies, expecting his players to build momentum ahead of the season. In attack, an alternating pairing of Castro and Malen is anticipated, continuing to develop confidence in the Argentine striker and give the Dutch forward opportunities after recent illness forced him into individual training. Hermoso is expected to return to the defence. Bryan Cristante spoke to Sky Sport before departing Wales: "The Champions League? There's huge desire because we'd come close a few times over recent seasons, but we've finally managed to return after a really strong campaign. We can't wait to start. The clash with Dybala? That wasn't a dispute between me and him—it concerned other things. A second and it was done. Pellegrini? He updates us, we can't wait to see him back here and we're waiting for him." Roma's next pre-season fixture is against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August.

Roma spent the penultimate day of their United Kingdom pre-season tour in transit to Brighton on 7 August, departing Vale Resort after a final training session in the morning before flying to London at 18:00 and travelling by coach to the south coast. Brighton's official social media channels welcomed the Giallorossi with a video set to Lando Fiorini's 'Forza Roma', the club's anthem. Paulo Dybala and his teammates arrived at the Maldron Hotel in the evening, where they stayed overnight ahead of tomorrow's friendly. The fixture against Brighton takes place at the Amex Stadium at 16:00 Italian time on 8 August, marking the first meeting between the sides since their Europa League encounter two years ago. Roma will return to the capital immediately after the match, with training resuming on Tuesday. The club's pre-season schedule concludes with a final test against Borussia Dortmund on 15 August before the Serie A season opener on 24 August against Fiorentina at the Olimpico.