Gasperini draws up summer wishlist: Pulisic and Nkunku in focus as Koné heads toward Arsenal

Manchester United are actively pursuing Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with reports suggesting the French midfielder could leave Trigoria. The Red Devils, who have already signed Andrey Santos and Tielemans this window, are searching for another central midfielder. Rio Ferdinand fuelled speculation by claiming an agreement had been reached between the two clubs, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano clarified that while contacts remain live, Manchester United have not yet submitted an official offer. The relationship between Roma and Manchester United is described as excellent, though Gian Piero Gasperini and the club's hierarchy are reluctant to part with Koné following the team's achievement of qualifying for the Champions League. Roma consider the French midfielder an integral part of their midfield plans. Romano's intervention suggests the situation remains fluid. Though initial reports of a done deal proved premature, the club's interest is genuine and the possibility of a formal bid cannot be ruled out. Koné's exit would represent a significant blow to Roma's ambitions, particularly given the prominence he has assumed under Gasperini's tactical system.

Manchester United have opened active dialogue with Manu Koné's representatives over a potential move for the Roma midfielder, though no formal bid has been submitted to the club. The Red Devils have intensified their interest in the French centrefielder following their failure to land Ederson, and have been in regular contact with Koné's agents in recent days. Koné fits United's profile as a dynamic midfielder capable of covering ground and breaking lines in their 4-2-3-1 system. Koné has attracted attention from multiple elite sides during the transfer window, including Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, after standout performances at the World Cup. Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender, announced on his YouTube channel that United had reached an agreement to sign Koné for £45 million (€53 million), citing Fabrizio Romano as his source. However, Romano subsequently clarified that while contact between United's hierarchy and Koné's camp remains solid, no offer has yet reached Roma's boardroom. The midfielder remains one of several names on United's shortlist as they search for midfield reinforcement.

Roma have identified Donyell Malen as their primary target to strengthen the left attacking midfield position, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen on the move. The club has set a virtual deadline of Monday–Tuesday next week for a decision after two meetings between sporting director D'Amico and Malen's representatives. A crucial detail has emerged: Malen's contract contains a release clause worth €45 million that expires in 10 days. Wages remain the sticking point in negotiations. Diego Moreira continues as Roma's alternative for the left flank. Moreira has already agreed personal terms with Roma on a €2 million salary and the club has submitted a €30 million offer to Strasbourg, plus 10 per cent of any future sale. This represents a more straightforward route if the Malen situation cannot be resolved before the release clause deadline. Elsewhere, contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante have been finalised, providing stability to Roma's squad. Manchester United have also entered the race to sign Manu Koné, though Roma remain focused on their attacking midfield targets.

Roma returned to action following a visit from around a hundred supporters at Piazzale Dino Viola, with high spirits evident among the squad. Players including Wesley, Gianluca Mancini, Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski shared their excitement across social media, reflecting the positive mood surrounding the club's preparations. The gathering demonstrated strong engagement between the Roma fanbase and the playing staff during the training camp at Trigoria. The visible enthusiasm from the giallorossi players underscored the club's momentum as preparation continues.

Roma's 2026–27 season got underway at the Trigoria training ground as players arrived for pre-season, drawing around 100 supporters to Piazzale Dino Viola on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon. The first arrivals included Ghilardi, Angeliño, and Soulé, with supporters greeting the squad enthusiastically throughout the morning. Coach Gasperini arrived without signing autographs or posing for photos but opened his car window to acknowledge the fans. Pisilli drew particular acclaim from the gathering, while Wesley, described as one of the squad's brightest stars, spent time engaging with the crowd despite the heavy gathering around his vehicle. Other squad members including Gollini, Mancini, Dovbyk, Svilar, Hermoso, Vaz, Rensch, Ziółkowski, and Cristante all passed through during the session. Some players, including Dybala, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano, arrived discreetly. One supporter praised Dybala's commitment, saying: "He gave proof of a great gesture of love towards the city and fans, accepting the salary reduction." The atmosphere captured the renewed optimism surrounding the club as preparation for the new campaign began.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a centre-back as a priority addition to Roma's squad, according to his list of targets presented to ownership. The search is not limited to attacking reinforcements; Gasperini wants an experienced central defender aged 28 or above to serve as a deputy to Mario Hermoso, giving the Spanish defender rest when needed. He has ruled out pursuing young prospects requiring development, such as Jan Ziółkowski, in favour of an established player. Roma enquired about Leo Ostigard in recent weeks, though the Norwegian would only arrive if Evan N'Dicka departs the club—a scenario ruled out with N'Dicka currently viewed as non-transferable. The defensive overhaul is not urgent, with attacking reinforcements taking priority in the coming window. However, the backline will be reinforced before the season progresses further.

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.

AS Roma opened summer training at Trigoria on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his squad, with dozens of supporters present to greet the team. Players reported around 12:00 and completed their first session at 18:00. Notably absent from the squad call were World Cup representatives Koné (still in competition), N'Dicka, El Aynaoui, Malen, and Çelik—who is close to renewing his contract—as well as Pellegrini, sidelined by injury but nearing a contract extension. Paulo Dybala's renewal has been officially confirmed through 30 June 2027. The forward said: "This story continues, as everyone wanted—the club, me, and the fans. I'm happy to play another season here, another year in this city. Being able to defend Roma's shirt is a privilege for me. Roma means many things to me: honour, responsibility, beauty. There are also many personal reasons that brought me to be here today. When the music we've all been waiting for plays—the Champions League—we'll look at each other, us on the pitch and you in the stands, and we'll be proud of what we're doing." Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno the Friedkins will arrive in the coming hours and stressed the importance of their presence. "From today there will be important accelerations. We hope to do good business in the market and give answers to the enthusiasm of a city that has already made many subscriptions," he said. Pellegrini is set to sign until 2028 with a 2029 option, earning €2.5 million per season plus bonuses; the deal is in final stages before signature.

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his initial squad of 17 players for Roma's pre-season training camp at Trigoria as the 2026–27 season officially begins. The Giallorossi are preparing for the new Serie A campaign and a return to Champions League football. Several key players are absent from the initial group. Zeki Çelik is unavailable after his contract expired on 30 June; the Turkish defender is completing his break following the World Cup with his national team, though a contract renewal remains under discussion. Lorenzo Pellegrini is similarly without a deal at present. A staggered return has been arranged for other recent internationals: Evan N'Dicka and Donyell Malen, both recently eliminated from the World Cup, will join the squad later, as will El Aynaoui. Manu Koné's arrival date is yet to be confirmed as he continues with France at the World Cup. Several players returning from loan spells will also train with the first team while their future transfers are resolved. For all involved, the pre-season retreat represents an opportunity to impress Gasperini and stake their claim for the campaign ahead.

Bryan Cristante has agreed a new contract extension with Roma until 2028, while Gianluca Mancini will sign through to 2029 as the club reaffirms him as a cornerstone of the project despite recent speculation. Zeki Celik has already signed his new deal, pending official announcement. Discussions continue with Lorenzo Pellegrini as both parties work to settle the terms of his renewal. On the transfer market, Crysencio Summerville remains the headline target, tracked by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini since January. Roma are evaluating a move worth €45 million, with a response expected between Monday and Tuesday. The future of midfielder Manu Koné has drawn significant interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Red Devils now appearing to hold a clear advantage. Rio Ferdinand stated that Manchester United have already reached an agreement for Koné, citing a fee close to €53 million. Off the pitch, Roma have appointed Leonardo Carletti as the new match analyst, replacing Simone Beccaccioli. Carletti brings experience from the Italian Football Federation's U17 women, U20 and U21 teams, as well as from Latvia's senior national team. His arrival forms part of a wider technical restructuring overseen by Gasperini, which has also included the return of Riccardo Del Vescovo as head of health and safety, the recruitment of Jacopo Sbravati, and the work of fitness coach Alessandro Pilati.

AS Roma has secured Zeki Çelik's contract renewal, with the full-back's new deal already signed and an official announcement expected soon. The club is simultaneously progressing talks with three other key figures: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante all have ongoing negotiations over fresh terms. Cristante will extend his contract until 2028, while Mancini's new deal will run until 2029. Both players have reached verbal agreements with the club and are expected to sign imminently. Mancini remains considered untouchable by Roma's hierarchy despite earlier speculation linking him with Inter; the club registered no concrete approaches for the defender and continues to view him as central to the project. Pellegrini's situation is also progressing, with the midfielder and Roma in active dialogue to finalise his new contract terms. These renewals follow Paulo Dybala's confirmation of a deal through 2027, part of a broader push by the Friedkin Group to secure the club's core squad.

Zeki Çelik has completed his contract renewal at Roma, with document exchanges finalised. The Turkish defender will rejoin the squad on 18 July following post-tournament leave. Alongside Çelik, Roma have already secured Paulo Dybala's renewal, while Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are set to stay, pending only their signatures on final agreements. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is working to retain key players from the expiring contracts list rather than pursue significant new signings at Trigoria. The more pressing challenge involves Lorenzo Pellegrini. Although Gasperini would welcome the midfielder's continued presence and Pellegrini himself wishes to remain at Roma, approval from ownership—the Friedkin Group—remains outstanding. A gap persists in negotiations over his future, complicating what would otherwise be a period of contract resolutions for the club.