Garnacho agrees Roma move: negotiations underway with Chelsea as deadline looms

Paulo Dybala has agreed a contract renewal with AS Roma, the club announced around 2 p.m. on Friday. The Argentina forward has extended his deal for a further year with an option for additional renewal based on appearances. The news came as supporters gathered outside the Fulvio Bernardini training ground to express their gratitude. Dybala took a pay cut to remain at the Giallorossi, a decision supporters recognised as a significant commitment to the club. One fan praised the move: "We're happy. He decided to stay, despite cutting his salary a bit. This is a demonstration of love towards Roma, the city and the fans." Another said: "What matters most is the contract renewal. Maybe another day we'll come back and catch him!" The renewal caps a productive period for the club, with Dybala having been a consistent performer in the Roma attack since his arrival.

Ryan Friedkin, vice-president of The Friedkin Group, arrived at Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training centre on Tuesday morning to oversee the squad and push forward the club's transfer strategy. The visit came a day after the club resumed pre-season work, welcomed by supporters at their headquarters in Trigoria. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had signalled the importance of the owners' presence in a radio interview with Rai Radio 1. "The presence of the owners will be fundamental, because the market is made of decisions and immediate responses," Gasperini said. "We all hope to make a good market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already done so many season-ticket sales." The emphasis on swift decision-making underlines Roma's intent to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.

Rome radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's transfer priorities, with Carina expressing a preference for winger Moreira over Garnacho and backing a significant investment in the player. Speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, Carina said: "Between Garnacho and Moreira, the latter convinces me more. Garnacho had a strong start at Manchester United but has struggled in the last two years. Moreira gives me the impression of being another Wesley, someone who can play equally on the right or left. He's a player I would invest 30 to 35 million euros in. Yesterday I heard a Gasperini who seems ready to make his voice heard." Former Roma striker Pruzzo also addressed the midfield on Radio Radio Mattino, signalling the need for reinforcement. He stated: "In the market there is the possibility of finding a player with Koné's characteristics. At midfield Roma must do something, because Cristante's tempo is what it is." The comments suggest internal concern over the current squad's rhythm and creativity in the centre of the park. Orsi, also speaking on Radio Radio Mattino, countered the Garnacho option by backing squad continuity. He preferred retaining Soulé, saying: "It's a player you can cultivate and, aside from physical problems, I think he can improve a lot. It makes no sense to invest in a young player you offload the following year."