Dybala's Roma Future in Doubt as Renewal Stalls; Two Conditions Could Keep Him

Mile Svilar has dismissed speculation linking him with Juventus, stating his sole focus remains AS Roma. The goalkeeper addressed reports that Juve had tabled a 40 million euro offer for him at the end of June, saying: "I don't know anything about this story, at least as far as I'm concerned. I can't tell you anything because I wasn't consulted and for me, you should know by now, there is only Roma. I'm focused on giving my best for this shirt, this club and these fans." Svilar, who has established himself as one of Serie A's standout goalkeepers in recent seasons, discussed Roma's ambitions for the campaign ahead. When asked about expectations, he said: "We're working, our legs are heavy. We still have a month before the league starts, so everything seems premature. Playing in the Champions League is something beautiful. In the league it will be difficult to confirm third place, especially because during the week with that type of European commitments we'll need to always be at our best. Teams to fear? No, I don't fear anyone. I can't wait to play against whoever." Svilar highlighted the solidity of Roma's defence, crediting the presence of Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka. Regarding Lorenzo Pellegrini's injury status, he remained coy: "I can't say anything, then with Lorenzo it's clear we're in touch. We've spoken, let's see what happens in the coming days."

Santiago Castro has arrived in Rome ahead of his move to AS Roma, with roughly 200 giallorossi supporters greeting the Argentine striker at Termini station. The 2004-born forward, who spent two and a half seasons at Bologna, is set to become Roma's first signing of the 2026–27 season barring any last-minute surprises. Roma will pay €30 million plus €3 million in add-ons to secure Castro's services. The transfer involves a player exchange: Artem Dovbyk is poised to move in the opposite direction and join Bologna. Castro will undergo medical examinations on the following day to complete the formalities of his switch to the Stadio Olimpico club.

Castro has arrived in Rome as the Giallorossi's first signing of the transfer window. The player was greeted by around 250 supporters at Termini station on Tuesday, where he will undergo medical examinations and sign his contract. Castro's arrival marks a significant addition to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as Roma continues its summer recruitment. The signing comes as the club also pursues other targets, including a wide player, while managing the ongoing transfer activity involving current squad members. The forward is set to complete the formalities with medical clearance and contract signature on Tuesday, officially becoming part of the Giallorossi roster.

Santiago Castro has completed his move to Roma from Bologna for €35 million including bonuses on a five-year contract. The Argentine striker will arrive at Termini station around 23:45 this evening before undergoing medical examinations tomorrow and signing his deal. His arrival triggers Artem Dovbyk's departure to Bologna on a loan with a purchase option, with the Ukrainian's €3.5 million salary covered by the Emilian club. Dovbyk will travel to Bologna tomorrow for his medical. Castro's signing marks Roma's primary attacking reinforcement ahead of the new season, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon. Gasperini has prioritised two strong forward options, and club sources confirm Roma rejected a loan approach for Robinio Vaz before Bologna proposed Dovbyk as an alternative. Roma's hierarchy has also made Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal a priority. Following recent signings of Dybala, Mancini, and Cristante, the club aims to extend Pellegrini's deal before the squad departs for a pre-season training camp in Wales. Pellegrini's new contract is projected to run until 2028 with an optional further season, offering €2.5 million annually plus bonuses. Rome's mayor Gualtieri confirmed progress on the new Stadio della Roma at Pietralata. At an institutional meeting on Friday involving Regional President Rocca and ministers Abodi and Salvini, Gualtieri stated: "Today we make another leap forward in the procedures for stadium construction. An entire area regeneration with a stadium at its centre that will have the world's largest Curva and will be a joy for all sports fans. The services conference will be concluded by September." Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo praised Castro as "a great player, strong" with quality to play centre-forward or provide assists.

Roma drew 3-3 with Cannes at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in a pre-season friendly under Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring with a free-kick before Donyell Malen doubled the lead, but Roma were reduced to ten men when Wesley received a second yellow card. After the interval, Dybala added a second goal to make it 3-0, but Cannes mounted a comeback through Lopes, who scored twice including one from the penalty spot, and Oggad to level the match in the closing stages. This was Roma's third summer friendly and demonstrated both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability during the preparation period. The match showcased contributions from two key squad members in Dybala and Malen, though the late collapse and numerical disadvantage highlighted areas for improvement as Gasperini continues his pre-season work.

Gian Piero Gasperini has embraced Santiago Castro as a first-team option rather than a backup, challenging the perception that the Argentine arrival from Bologna is merely a reserve striker. Castro joins fellow attacking options including Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz, who was signed for €25 million seven months ago but was never treated as a reliable rotation option under Gasperini's management. Gasperini's track record shows he rotates his attacking options freely rather than maintaining rigid hierarchies. With Castro now at his disposal, Roma have multiple tactical avenues to explore as they rebuild following a third-place finish that secured their return to the Champions League after seven failed attempts. The coach can rest Malen periodically, deploy a three-forward system, or use the Argentine as part of a dual-striker setup alongside the Dutchman. Roma's most convincing performance last season came on 25 January against Milan at the Olimpico, when they played 3-4-1-2 with Dybala alongside Malen and Matías Soulé as attacking midfielder. That experiment convinced Gasperini to revisit the formula, this time with Castro and Malen as the forward pairing, potentially supported by a midfielder operating as a trequartista behind them.

Santiago Castro has become Roma's first signing of the transfer window. The Argentine striker will undergo medical tests on Tuesday and sign his contract with the giallorossi. He joins from Bologna for €35 million plus 10 per cent of future resale proceeds, making him the fifth most expensive acquisition in the club's history. Castro will earn €2.2 million per season, double his Bologna salary; Fiorentina reportedly offered more, but the player prioritised Roma. Gasperini now has three forward options, with Castro potentially forming a 3-4-1-2 partnership alongside Donyell Malen rather than operating purely as a deputy. The 2004-born forward's arrival signals the manager's tactical flexibility in attack. Separately, Artem Dovbyk has joined Bologna on loan with a purchase option, departing Rome after his initial spell.

Roma have signed Santiago Castro from Bologna for €35 million plus bonuses, with the Emilia-Romagna club retaining 10% of any future sale. The 20-year-old Argentine striker enters the club's all-time transfer rankings at fifth place, surpassing Antonio Cassano's €31 million fee from Bari in 2001–02. Only Gabriel Batistuta (€36.15 million from Fiorentina in 2000–01) ranks ahead in a crowded top five. The podium is occupied by Tammy Abraham (€41 million from Chelsea), Artem Dovbyk (€41.1 million from Girona), and Luka Schick (€42 million from Sampdoria). Castro will operate as more than a backup to Donyell Malen, representing the opening salvo of a potentially expansive January window under the Friedkin Group's ownership. The club has set ambitious targets across the market; figures in the frame include Nusa, for whom RB Leipzig are reportedly seeking over €55 million, as well as Adingra, Leao (reportedly close to a Turkish club move), Alajbegovic, and Martinelli.

Roma drew 3-3 with Cannes at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in a pre-season friendly under Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring with a free-kick before Donyell Malen doubled the lead, but Roma were reduced to ten men when Wesley received a second yellow card. After the interval, Dybala added a second goal to make it 3-0, but Cannes mounted a comeback through Lopes, who scored twice including one from the penalty spot, and Oggad to level the match in the closing stages. This was Roma's third summer friendly and demonstrated both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability during the preparation period. The match showcased contributions from two key squad members in Dybala and Malen, though the late collapse and numerical disadvantage highlighted areas for improvement as Gasperini continues his pre-season work.