Dovbyk eyes revival as backup option under Gasperini after difficult spell

Manu Koné is available for transfer this summer, with Manchester United leading the pursuit of the Roma midfielder. The Premier League club have placed him on their shortlist of midfielders to buy and have already opened contact with his representatives, according to L'Equipe. Arsenal showed interest weeks earlier but have been overtaken in the race by the Red Devils. Koné impressed at the World Cup with France and now faces a decision on his future. Roma have not yet received any formal offers at their training ground, Trigoria, despite the growing interest from England. The 23-year-old midfielder remains on the club's list of players available for sale, meaning his departure cannot be ruled out.

Roma and Inter are both tracking Verona right-back Rafik Belghali as a potential signing, according to reports from France. The 2002-born Algerian defender has impressed in his first Serie A season and recently scored for his national team at a World Cup match against Austria. Belghali could be a candidate to replace Zeki Çelik at Roma, following the defender's unexpected departure to Juventus after a contract renewal fell through.

Roma enjoyed a rest day as Crysencio Summerville's move to the club progressed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the downtime to meet with D'Amico, Scala, and his backroom staff for lunch at Santa Severa, while transfer activity continued in the background. The Curva Sud ultras issued a message ahead of 22 July, stating: "Roma is ours, let us prove it once more." The statement underscored the supporter base's commitment to the club during an active transfer window period. No team action was scheduled, leaving players to recover ahead of forthcoming fixtures.

Roma have tabled an offer of approximately €47 million plus bonuses for Summerville, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini finally moves to secure the left-winger he has wanted since last season. The protracted transfer saga may soon reach a conclusion, with director D'Amico working to fulfil the manager's priorities. Summerville's recent Instagram activity has fuelled speculation, with the player posting photos from his holiday training sessions and the caption "Forever grateful". If the deal is completed at the quoted figure, Summerville would become Roma's most expensive signing in the club's history. Roma's current record stands at €41.1 million, the combined fixed and variable fee paid to Girona for Artem Dovbyk, with Tammy Abraham's 2021 transfer from Chelsea standing at €41 million. Meanwhile, Roma face competition from Inter for midfielder Belghali, though no details of that rival interest were outlined.

Roma are set to break their transfer record in pursuit of Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with the Dutch winger's arrival signalling the club's intention to rewrite its spending hierarchy. The club has allocated approximately €50 million plus bonuses for the move, alongside a salary ceiling of roughly €4.5 million per season, making Summerville poised to surpass the existing record. The current record holder is Patrick Schick, who arrived from Sampdoria for €42 million. He is followed by Tammy Abraham (€41 million from Chelsea in summer 2021) and Artem Dovbyk (€41.1 million from Girona). Gabriel Omar Batistuta stands fourth at €36.15 million, once the club's most expensive signing for an extended period. The list also includes Antonio Cassano (€31 million), Leonardo Spinazzola (€29.5 million), and Matías Soulé (€28.6 million). Vincenzo Montella, who arrived from Sampdoria in 1999, completes the top ten at €25.82 million. Marash Kumbulla (€26.5 million from Verona) and Steven Nzonzi (€26.65 million from Seville) round out the ten most expensive acquisitions. Both signings have yielded mixed results, with Kumbulla currently deemed surplus to requirements under Gasperini and available for departure, potentially returning to Spain.

Roma defeated the Primavera side 6–0 in an internal friendly at Trigoria under the watchful eye of director Tony D'Amico, with Paulo Dybala orchestrating the performance. The match was played in four slots under Gasperini's new-look system. Roma struggled initially in the opening 20 minutes, with Artem Dovbyk spurning a clear chance in front of goal. Once Gasperini reshuffled the lineup around the quarter-hour mark, Dybala took control. Matías Soulé opened the scoring by heading in a Dybala cross, before Soulé himself added a second from a Dybala assist at the 44-minute mark. In the second half, Dybala converted a penalty won by Cherubini and added a fifth with a left-footed half-volley from Soulé's assist, demonstrating the twin's telepathic understanding. Bryan Cristante also scored from a distance, with Dovbyk adding the sixth late on. Angeliño featured for just one half, while Wesley played on the right flank in place of the injured Çelik. Hermoso led the defensive line with authority and precision. Gasperini granted the squad a day's rest following the exercise, with training resuming tomorrow at 18:00.

Donyell Malen has commented on an uncanny physical likeness between himself and Samuel, a Roma supporter who has been asked for photos, videos and autographs since the Dutch winger arrived in the capital. Responding to a video posted by Radio Romanista on Instagram, Malen said: "Twin brother!" — drawing attention to the remarkable similarity that has captured fans' attention. The number 14 is currently enjoying his post-World Cup break and awaits his return to action under Gasperini at Roma. The comparison has become a talking point among supporters, with some jokingly warning against confusing the two around the city.

Roma's push to sign Summerville from West Ham dominated Roman radio debate, with negotiations reportedly moving toward a deal worth 40–45 million euros. Francesco Balzani reported that talks between Roma and West Ham are progressing well, with a potential agreement expected between that evening and the following day. He cautioned that while Aston Villa poses a theoretical threat, no formal approach had been made at that stage, and timing is crucial: closing the deal quickly eliminates risk, but delay invites competition. Opinion split sharply on the player's merits and tactical fit. Piero Torri expressed enthusiasm for a three-man attacking unit of Summerville on the left, Paulo Dybala on the right, and Donyell Malen centrally, saying: "Summerville a sinistra, Dybala a destra e Malen al centro: con questo tridente non devi mai alzare il pallone, ma per il resto comincio a sentire un certo piacere molto simile all'orgasmo." Others, including former striker Roberto Pruzzo, voiced scepticism, arguing Summerville lacks the decisive quality required and suggesting Roma should pursue alternatives. Claudio Ranieri's unsuccessful pursuit of Mason Greenwood last summer weighed heavily on radio commentary; multiple voices urged caution about repeating that failed chapter. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's measured stance at his press conference—neither dismissing market challenges nor criticising the club's financial strategy—drew careful analysis from Antonio Felici, who noted the manager's tactical alignment with the board on wage discipline.

Summerville has accepted Roma's offer after lowering his financial demands. The Dutch forward, who had hoped to remain in the Premier League but received offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, was convinced by the project under head coach Gasperini and by personal intervention from teammate Donyell Malen. Malen, who plays for Roma, contacted Summerville frequently in recent days and had previously spoken with him during the World Cup camp. Malen highlighted his own rapid improvement in Serie A under Gasperini, telling Summerville: "In Serie A and with Gasp you can score many goals. And then there's me...", while praising the club, city, and fanbase. Gasperini himself held multiple conversations with Summerville, who aims to follow the path of Atalanta's Lookman in Italy. Like the Nigerian, Summerville arrives from the Premier League with modest goal tallies. Lookman transformed into a top-level player at Bergamo, attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Inter before moving to Atlético Madrid. Roma hopes Summerville can achieve similar development under their new manager.