Dybala could stay at Roma — Gasperini awaits Friedkin sign-off

Manu Koné reported back to Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training ground today for medical checks and to resume preparation with the squad following the World Cup. The French midfielder's future remains one of the most sensitive issues on Roma's transfer agenda, though the club's stance has not shifted throughout the summer: Koné has never been officially placed on the market and continues to be viewed as an important player for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma have set a high valuation on the 24-year-old. Any sale would require an offer exceeding €50 million, the club believes. Atlético Madrid tabled a bid of approximately €35 million in late June, which was immediately rejected as too low. Manchester United subsequently showed interest, but Paris Saint-Germain never made a concrete attempt. Koné himself has not openly expressed a desire to leave the capital, with his ties to the Roma environment and the prospect of featuring prominently in the Champions League cited as significant factors. Koné is scheduled to hold talks with Gasperini and club management today to review his international campaign and clarify his role in the new season. Roma's message remains clear: Koné is a key player and the club has no need to sell him. Only an offer deemed impossible to refuse would alter that position.

AS Roma have confirmed the signing of Francesco Ballarin from Venezia on a deal through 2029. The 2009-born midfielder, who won the European Under-17 Championship, will bolster the club's Primavera squad and report immediately to coach Mattia Scala. Ballarin's arrival strengthens Roma's youth development pathway. The club confirmed his capture via social media, welcoming him to the giallorossi colours.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 11 August after a two-day break granted by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following the club's pre-season camp in the United Kingdom. Midfielder Manu Koné and defender Nahuel Molina both rejoined the squad after their post-World Cup holidays and trained with the full group on the afternoon of 11 August. Molina, who arrived in Rome on the evening of 10 August, signed a four-year contract with the club before taking part in the session. Lorenzo Pellegrini was absent from training due to a right thigh muscle injury (rectus femoris) that has not fully healed. The number 7, who recently signed a contract renewal, is not expected to be available until after 15 August. Pellegrini's absence marks a significant gap in Roma's midfield as the club continues preparations for the 2026–27 campaign under Gasperini.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

AS Roma has constructed this fantasy XI to celebrate the club's 99-year history of attracting world-class talent. The feature categorises legendary signings by era, beginning with postwar arrivals: Alcide Ghiggia, who joined in 1953 after scoring in Brazil's 1950 World Cup final loss, and Juan Schiaffino, the other Maracanazo hero, who helped Roma lift their first European Cup in 1961 alongside fellow Uruguayan Manfredini. The 1980s elevated Roma's prestige dramatically, starting with Falcao and Vierchowod during the second Serie A title, followed by Cerezo, Boniek, Voeller, and Aldair, who pioneered Roma's succession of elite defenders including Samuel and Chivu. Cafu, who won the World Cup twice as a Roma player and once as captain of Brazil, anchored the right flank; his era also featured Candela, Montella, and Gabriel Batistuta. Later recruits—Maicon, Pjanić, Salah, and Edin Dzeko, who reached the top three all-time goalscorer rankings—maintained the club's magnetism for established stars. Paulo Dybala, still actively representing the club, exemplifies the ongoing mutual affection between world-class talent and Roma's brand.

Rodrigo Mora has agreed to join Roma. Director of football Tony D'Amico has tabled a five-year contract worth two million euros per season, including bonuses, for the Porto playmaker. The agreement with agent Jorge Mendes was reached yesterday after rapid negotiations. Porto's formal approval is awaited in the coming hours. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed D'Amico to complete the deal quickly, expecting two new arrivals by 15 August. Gasperini received reassurances at an emergency meeting with ownership at Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales. Roma plan to close the signing of the new forward first, then turn attention to reinforcing other positions: a right winger to deputise for Paulo Dybala, and a left winger to rotate with Wesley.