Gasperini backs Malen to play as centre-forward, not on the wing

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined his expectations for the summer transfer window after a period of stalled activity. Speaking to Rai Radio 1, the Roma head coach described June as paralysed across all clubs due to World Cup commitments, but predicted real movement from the current week onwards as pre-season preparations commence. Gasperini acknowledged that some arrivals will continue to be staggered as players return from international tournament duty. He expressed confidence in the market's momentum, noting that all clubs appear well-armed for the competitive season ahead. The timing aligns with Roma's preparation schedule, which typically gains pace once June's international commitments conclude. Gasperini said: "The transfer market in June has been a bit of a standstill for everyone due to the World Cup. I think from this week the real market will begin somewhat for everyone with the start of preparation, even if someone will arrive a bit sporadically because of World Cup commitments. Now the market begins and all the squads seem to me well-armed."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has commented on Manu Koné's performances and prospects at Roma, with the midfielder currently impressing for France at the World Cup in a semifinal berth. Gasperini acknowledged Koné's strong first-half showing for Roma before a quieter second half, but praised his ability to secure a regular starting position for the French national team, describing it as proof of his quality. Gasperini addressed the midfielder's future in the context of Roma's financial fair play obligations. He explained that FFP conditions vary from club to club and are not uniform, noting that Roma faces a clear need to balance its accounts. The head coach expressed hope that Champions League qualification would be sufficient to ease the financial situation, while emphasising that squad stability depends on the club's ability to manage its finances effectively. Gasperini stated: "These conditions of financial fair play vary from squad to squad; they are not precise. It is undeniable that Roma knew it had this need to balance its accounts. I hope that arriving in the Champions League is enough, but it is clear that finances are fundamental for clubs and there will be more clarity in the coming weeks."

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Rai Radio Uno on the opening day of Roma's pre-season training at Trigoria, setting the tone for the summer ahead. The new coach emphasised that despite an enthusiastic finish to last season, the transfer window has been largely frozen and will only truly activate this week as preparation begins across Serie A. Gasperini said: "The market in June was a bit of paralysis for everyone due to the World Cup. I think from this week the real market will begin a bit for everyone with the start of preparation, even if someone will arrive in fits and starts for World Cup commitments. Now the market begins and all the teams seem well armed to me." On Roma's ambitions, Gasperini stressed patience. "In July many teams want to strengthen themselves, then afterwards we'll have to see what happens in the market. Inter are always the favourites, then there are others like Milan and Juve who stayed out of the Champions League and will want to improve. Roma must continue its path and try to stay high and remain in the competition that allows you to strengthen yourself properly every year; if it manages to do so for several years then it can also aspire to aim for the title." He also addressed Paulo Dybala's renewal, suggesting major developments were imminent: "I believe that starting from this afternoon, so far we've been at the starting blocks, we've enjoyed the summer a bit. From today there will be important accelerations."

Gian Piero Gasperini's second Roma campaign officially begins today, marking the first season built entirely in partnership with new sporting director Tony D'Amico. The squad will arrive at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre around midday for medical examinations, fitness tests, and initial field sessions. Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik are not included in the initial roster. Dybala is expected at today's gathering once his contract renewal is formally announced, while Pellegrini will require a few more days. Çelik's future is fully agreed, though the defender will only join after completing his World Cup commitment. Young academy prospects—Cherubini, Pagano, Reale, and Mannini—will train at Trigoria initially. Other key players including El Aynaoui, Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Donyell Malen, and Salah-Eddine will integrate once their international duties finish. Roma's summer programme runs entirely at Trigoria before the first competitive test on 26 July at Cannes against the Friedkin family-owned French club, kicking off at 17:30 at Stade Pierre de Coubertin. The squad returns to Italy before heading to Wales on 31 July, where Gasperini's staff will oversee high-intensity training through 8 August. Director D'Amico is actively pursuing upgrades to the forward line. Roma's focus centres on two targets: Diego Moreira, a winger owned by Strasbourg (a Chelsea satellite club), and Argentine talent Alejandro Garnacho, reflecting a transfer strategy along the Roma–Chelsea axis.

Roma's January window activity hinges on deals with Premier League clubs both for incoming and outgoing players. The club has made initial contact with Alejandro Garnacho's representatives, with the Chelsea-owned Argentine showing early willingness to join Roma, where he would reunite with fellow national team player Paulo Dybala. Garnacho is currently not training at Chelsea and is effectively separated from the club. Roma must reach an agreement with Chelsea, who value him at €40 million; discussions between the clubs are expected in the coming days, with Roma potentially proposing a loan with obligation to buy. The Friedkin Group is also pursuing information on Moreira, a Chelsea-linked target, having received clearance to proceed after inquiries. Xabi Alonso, Moreira's current manager, is prioritising Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano to strengthen his left flank. On the outgoing front, Manchester United are tracking Manu Koné, who is showcasing his talents at the World Cup, with a valuation of at least €55–60 million demanded. Matías Soulé remains a target for Sunderland and Premier League sides, valued at €30–35 million, having shelved negotiations with Saudi Arabian clubs. Should Koné depart, Roma are monitoring Danilo of Botafogo as a replacement midfielder. In the forward ranks, Tresoldi is the preferred option to serve as backup to Donyell Malen, though Atlético Madrid are also interested.

Roma's pre-season training camp opened on Monday at Fulvio Bernardini, fifty days after securing third place and Champions League qualification under Gian Piero Gasperini. The opening phase sees only thirteen outfield players available, with several first-team regulars absent due to international commitments at the World Cup—including N'Dicka, Salah-Eddine, El Azzouzi, Malen, and Koné, who await a semifinal—while Celik and Pellegrini remain without new contracts. Gasperini has assembled four goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Zelezny, Pierluigi Gollini, and Devis Vasquez, recently returned from loan. Players were required to report by 12:00 on Monday, though Gollini and Wesley arrived earlier. The day began with medical checks and fitness testing, followed by field work from 17:00 onwards. Gasperini's signature approach—high intensity, the ball immediately in play, and double daily sessions—begins immediately. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin is expected at the training ground for talks with Gasperini and sporting director Tony D'Amico to accelerate transfer plans and arrange friendly fixtures. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal is expected to be officially announced on Monday. Matías Soulé, the target of English clubs, faces intense speculation. Roma's first friendly is set for Thursday against Sorianese, followed by matches against Primavera and Roma City before the squad departs for a training camp in Galicia.