Gasperini's impatience behind Sky silence as market meeting runs long
Gian Piero Gasperini cancelled a scheduled Sky Sport interview on the evening of 6 August, the third occasion on which he has declined to speak to media during his time at Roma. The cancellation came after a market meeting at the club's training base at Hensol extended beyond the planned timeframe. CEO Galantic remained at the resort; Ryan Friedkin had left that morning but joined the call remotely alongside director of sport D'Amico, who has been travelling between Milan and Rome to oversee ongoing negotiations. Gasperini is growing impatient over the club's failure to secure a left-sided attacking player, a position the head coach views as critical before the season opens in 17 days. Roma continue to pursue Nusa from RB Leipzig, but the German club's asking price remains around €60 million and they show no willingness to negotiate. The club has also explored Fofana, though his fitness raises concerns. Attempts to discuss Martinelli and Leão have stalled: Martinelli's wage demand of €7 million in sterling is considered prohibitive, and Leão's situation is similarly complicated. The ownership has reaffirmed that its strict salary cap policy will not change. Molina is expected to arrive within days and will join Castro and Koulierakis on the list of new arrivals, but without the left winger the squad remains short of Gasperini's requirements. The meeting left Gasperini unsettled, and he chose silence rather than face media questions. He is unlikely to expect significant late signings and may address the press after Roma's friendly against Brighton, their final pre-season match in England before returning to the capital.
