Gasperini: Roma not yet ready for title challenge; real transfer market begins now

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 clarified his vision for Donyell Malen's role at Roma, insisting the forward must play centrally rather than out wide. Speaking on Rai Radio 1, Gasperini addressed Malen's recent performances with the Netherlands at the World Cup, where the winger played in a wider position. Gasperini acknowledged that international tournaments often catch players mid-season and that fatigue from a demanding campaign can affect performance levels. He noted that individual form frequently mirrors the fortunes of the national team, and highlighted historical uncertainty about how best to deploy Malen. However, Gasperini was emphatic about his own tactical preferences: "Malen indubitably reflects the performance of the Netherlands. In the past there has always been this doubt about how to use him and to place him wider, but never for me! For me he must play in front of goal." The coach's comments signal a clear strategic intention to maximise Malen's impact by positioning him in a central attacking role at Roma, moving away from the wider deployment he experienced internationally.

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."

Gasperini's recent remarks about Manu Koné have sparked analysis across Rome's radio stations, with several commentators interpreting the coach's words as confirmation the midfielder is available for transfer. Francesca Ferrazza said she was alarmed by Gasperini's response on financial fair play, noting the coach appeared to suggest Koné is on the market and that Roma cannot afford significant purchases until completing player sales. She highlighted concern over the settlement agreement being delayed to the end of July, which constrains the club's spending capacity until incoming transfer fees are secured. Lorenzo Pes argued that Gasperini is aware Koné has the most market appeal following the World Cup and believes the midfielder is the most replaceable player in his midfield setup. "The coach is conscious that Koné is on the market, and then Roma will have to be clever at raising the price," Pes said. Piero Torri corrected Gasperini's reference to Champions League money, explaining those funds enter the next financial year, not the current budget closed on 30 June. He calculated that if Koné departs for 60 million euros, Roma would record a 50 million euro gain and definitively resolve the settlement agreement. Roberto Pruzzo urged Roma to prepare for Koné's potential departure and monitor midfield depth, questioning the durability of Bryan Cristante's availability this season and expressing concern about the overall quality of the department. He also noted Paulo Dybala's challenge is to make a decisive impact in matches consistently.

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 begin their pre-season programme under Gian Piero Gasperini on the morning of his second stint at the club. Players are expected at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre at Trigoria by midday, with the squad list to follow. Gasperini arrives alongside Tony D'Amico as Roma aim to build on their Champions League qualification in his first season, targeting further improvement and European competition. The club awaits contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, followed by extensions for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. Dybala has agreed to stay for another season on two million euros plus bonuses, with an option to renew based on appearances in the following year. The Argentina forward, intercepted at Fiumicino airport alongside Matías Soulé, is expected to complete his renewal announcement this morning. However, Pellegrini will miss early training as he continues rehabilitation from a late-season injury. Roma's pre-season includes three friendlies at Trigoria (16–24 July) against Primavera, Roma City, and Trastevere, followed by matches in France against Cannes (26 July), then Wales with Cardiff (1 August), Newport (4 August), and Brighton (8 August). The schedule concludes with a prestigious test against Dortmund on 15 August before the Serie A campaign opens.