Dybala credits Mourinho for Roma arrival, praises El Aynaoui's World Cup form

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, where he crossed paths with Fabio Capello, Roma's last Serie A title-winning manager. The encounter sparked an exchange between the two, with Capello remarking on Roma's coaching lineage: "After twenty years the story repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello, Gasperini." Gasperini responded by asking if Capello still carried Roma in his heart, affirming the club's enduring pull. Gasperini outlined his ambitions for the season ahead. "After reaching the Champions League, we want to be protagonists once again," he said. The coach acknowledged the influence of the World Cup in drawing attention from players and agents, but stressed that serious transfer activity would intensify once pre-season training began. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with the club's sporting director D'Amico and ownership regarding squad development. On contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, Gasperini stated: "The club will handle the official announcements, but we are all happy, including the players—it is a matter of days." Reflecting on last season's podium finish, he noted a strong start and consistent proximity to Champions League places, with only a minor dip in February and March before a strong final stretch. He stressed the squad's solid foundation and competitive group, with the goal of improving further to deliver success for Roma and its supporters.

Mason Greenwood's transfer to Roma remains unresolved, with the gap between the club's wage offer and the player's demands blocking a move. Initial contact between Roma and Greenwood's representatives began months ago, and the player had shown openness to the switch before D'Amico opened direct negotiations with Marseille. However, a lucrative offer from Fenerbahçe—reportedly around 7 million euros net annually plus a generous agent commission—has hardened Greenwood's position on salary. Roma has set a strict wage ceiling of 4.5 million euros net and will not exceed it, creating a fundamental impasse. Greenwood's father-agent is now using competing interest to push for higher terms, a negotiating point Roma considers non-negotiable. Gasperini remains confident in the club's direction, stating: "After the Champions, we want to remain protagonists. The ownership wants to improve." The Friedkin Group has signalled willingness to fund significant investments to strengthen the squad, backing the head coach's ambitions. Beyond Greenwood, Roma is close to finalising other deals. News on Çelik and Dybala is expected soon, with agreements already in place. Pellegrini's deal is nearly complete, with only 500,000 euros separating the player and the club from signing. Margiotta's appointment as new youth sector director is confirmed after his departure from Verona.

Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence that Roma's transfer business will progress soon, appearing relaxed in a Sky Sport interview despite ongoing negotiations over a key target. The club remains engaged in protracted talks to bring Mason Greenwood to the Giallorossi, though his father and agent Andrew has sought to elevate salary demands after receiving interest from multiple clubs. Roma's American owners have made clear they will not engage in auction bidding wars and have reassured Gasperini that the squad will be strengthened. When asked about Greenwood, Gasperini quipped: "He is not a Roma player," with a smile. The Greenwood deal remains a slow chess match, with negotiations between Gasperini and the player already yielding a verbal agreement on personal terms. However, Andrew Greenwood's recent move to increase wage demands has complicated matters—a common tactic among agents aware of multiple bidding interests. Roma will not set a formal deadline but made clear they will not wait another month for a resolution. Once full agreement with the player is reached, an offer will be sent to the French club. The Friedkin Group's message is unambiguous: they will not participate in escalating bidding contests. Former manager Claudio Ranieri offered encouragement to Gasperini, telling him: "I'm telling you straight: you're building a squad you cannot fail with. From what I read, you're going to make a great team."

AS Roma is close to completing contract renewals for its core squad following the club's return to the Champions League after seven years. Three players — Paulo Dybala, Zeki Çelik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini — are currently out of contract, with agreements already reached with Dybala and Çelik in recent days; both deals are now in the drafting stage. Pellegrini remains the main outstanding issue, with negotiations ongoing and a potential decisive meeting expected as soon as today. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Sport: "The players are happy, the club will handle the announcements." The squad must be finalised before Monday, when the team gathers at Trigoria. Pellegrini is seeking a three-year contract to resist approaches from abroad, while Roma is holding out for a two-year deal. Despite the gap, both sides are expected to reach an agreement, possibly with added options as a compromise. The defensive pair Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also due for renewal; Mancini is likely to sign a new three-year contract to ward off interest from Inter, while Cristante could accept two years. Stephan El Shaarawy was recently released from the club following Verona's final match of the season.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, where he crossed paths with Fabio Capello, Roma's last Serie A title-winning manager. The encounter sparked an exchange between the two, with Capello remarking on Roma's coaching lineage: "After twenty years the story repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello, Gasperini." Gasperini responded by asking if Capello still carried Roma in his heart, affirming the club's enduring pull. Gasperini outlined his ambitions for the season ahead. "After reaching the Champions League, we want to be protagonists once again," he said. The coach acknowledged the influence of the World Cup in drawing attention from players and agents, but stressed that serious transfer activity would intensify once pre-season training began. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with the club's sporting director D'Amico and ownership regarding squad development. On contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, Gasperini stated: "The club will handle the official announcements, but we are all happy, including the players—it is a matter of days." Reflecting on last season's podium finish, he noted a strong start and consistent proximity to Champions League places, with only a minor dip in February and March before a strong final stretch. He stressed the squad's solid foundation and competitive group, with the goal of improving further to deliver success for Roma and its supporters.

Mason Greenwood's transfer to Roma remains unresolved, with the gap between the club's wage offer and the player's demands blocking a move. Initial contact between Roma and Greenwood's representatives began months ago, and the player had shown openness to the switch before D'Amico opened direct negotiations with Marseille. However, a lucrative offer from Fenerbahçe—reportedly around 7 million euros net annually plus a generous agent commission—has hardened Greenwood's position on salary. Roma has set a strict wage ceiling of 4.5 million euros net and will not exceed it, creating a fundamental impasse. Greenwood's father-agent is now using competing interest to push for higher terms, a negotiating point Roma considers non-negotiable. Gasperini remains confident in the club's direction, stating: "After the Champions, we want to remain protagonists. The ownership wants to improve." The Friedkin Group has signalled willingness to fund significant investments to strengthen the squad, backing the head coach's ambitions. Beyond Greenwood, Roma is close to finalising other deals. News on Çelik and Dybala is expected soon, with agreements already in place. Pellegrini's deal is nearly complete, with only 500,000 euros separating the player and the club from signing. Margiotta's appointment as new youth sector director is confirmed after his departure from Verona.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's summer plans while in Milan for Sky Sport's season launch event, alongside director Tony D'Amico. The head coach confirmed pre-season training begins Monday next week and outlined the club's immediate priorities. Gasperini said: "We are still on holiday, we start next Monday. These have been mixed holidays, with a lot of work and many thoughts about next season. Certainly after achieving Champions League, we want to be protagonists and do well. But it is still early." On the transfer window, Gasperini stressed that momentum will accelerate imminently. "From next week I think we will get into full swing," he stated, noting that global fixtures have delayed movement in the market. He confirmed Roma's priority is signing wingers and expressed satisfaction with the squad's core, stating: "I believe Roma has shown it has a good base, a solid and competitive group. The ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible." Gasperini also highlighted the talent being tracked, referencing an upcoming international clash involving Koné and El Aynaoui. Regarding the upcoming Champions League campaign, he warned of the competition's intensity: "It is an extremely tough competition. You find teams there that have truly dominated ours. We should arrive competitive and equipped because there is a risk of making poor showings." When asked about Malen, Gasperini dismissed suggestions the winger would be unsettled, saying: "Malen will be very happy at Roma."

Roma are expected to table an official offer for Mason Greenwood this week, with the Marseille winger having assured head coach Gian Piero Gasperini of his commitment to join. Gasperini held a direct conversation with Greenwood and his father-agent, presenting his tactical vision and asking the forward pointedly: "Are you ready to run?" Greenwood responded affirmatively in Italian: "Yes I'm ready, I'll come to score many goals too." In parallel, Gasperini has moved to strengthen his attacking options. The coach has pursued Nicolò Tresoldi of Bruges over recent months and obtained the striker's agreement to join. Roma could secure Tresoldi on a loan deal with a purchase option, though his arrival depends on Artem Dovbyk's departure first. Should either Manu Koné or Neil El Aynaoui leave—both are attracting Premier League interest—Roma will pursue Jerdy Timber from Marseille as a replacement midfielder or defender. Rafa Leao has also been offered to Roma. The Milan winger is seeking a fresh challenge after seven seasons with the Rossoneri and is available on loan with a high redemption clause attached. Rome's new kit is already on sale outside Italy.

Manchester United has expressed strong interest in signing Roma midfielder El Aynaoui, according to recent reports. The English club has made contact with Roma's management, but the Italian club has signalled that €30 million may not be enough to secure the player's departure. Roma views El Aynaoui as a key asset and has no intention of offering a discount on any transfer fee. El Aynaoui's market value has risen considerably following his impressive performances at the World Cup with Morocco, where he became a regular starter from the opening match. Beyond Manchester United, other European clubs including Barcelona, Everton, and Liverpool have also shown interest. Roma's position is firm: the club does not wish to sell the midfielder after just one season, viewing him as an integral part of their project moving forward. El Aynaoui himself is keen to demonstrate his abilities in his second year under the guidance of head coach Gasperini, having established himself as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield. The player's World Cup success and Roma's reluctance to part with him have combined to strengthen his negotiating position, putting pressure on interested suitors to match the club's valuation if they wish to proceed.