Gasperini's impatience behind Sky silence as market meeting runs long

Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a new contract with Roma, turning down offers from Juventus and Besiktas to remain with the club. The midfielder, born in 1996 and formally out of contract from 1 July, will be welcomed back by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini on his return from Roma's pre-season training camp in Wales and England, where a friendly against Brighton is scheduled for 8 August. Pellegrini has used recent weeks to recover from injury, a period that Sky Sport reports helped all parties involved reach the best decision. The club is expected to announce the renewal on 7 August. The deal is structured as a one-year agreement. The midfielder's decision to commit to Roma underlines his importance to Gasperini's plans for the 2026-27 season. Pellegrini, who wears the number 7, was free to negotiate with any club after his previous terms expired but chose to stay at the Giallorossi rather than pursue moves elsewhere.

Roma will not sell midfielder Manu Koné for less than €60 million, the club has made clear as the French player returns from post-World Cup leave following Roma's training camp in Wales. Manchester United, the main interested party, has stepped back from pursuing the 2001-born midfielder in recent days. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United manager Carrick has decided against the move, unconvinced by Koné's profile and instead preferring either a player with proven Premier League experience or one with significant international pedigree, such as Real Madrid's Tchouameni. Koné joined Roma on loan with an obligation to buy for €18 million from Borussia Mönchengladbach in August 2024 and has since become a key figure in the club's midfield. Roma's valuation reflects the midfielder's importance to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad as the 2026–27 season approaches. The club's refusal to entertain bids below €60 million signals their determination to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico unless a suitor meets their asking price.

Gian Piero Gasperini requested four players to strengthen Roma's squad for the 2026–27 season, and the club has moved to meet part of that demand. Molina has arrived, and the Lorenzo Pellegrini situation has been resolved. However, Gasperini wants more. With less than twenty days until Roma's competitive return against Fiorentina, the head coach is pushing for immediate action to ensure the team is ready for the campaign ahead. His notable absence from a Sky appearance on the evening before this report fuelled speculation about ongoing negotiations. Transfer director D'Amico, now based in Milan, is prioritising Nusa from Leipzig, who is valued at 60 million euros. The Norwegian has not yet expressed a desire to leave, complicating the pursuit. Fofana stands as an alternative, with Leão further down the list. Roma are also seeking a left-sided winger, with Cacciamani preferred—though Torino's asking price of approximately 20 million euros may force the club to explore other options. The most ambitious target is Endrick from Real Madrid, described as the jewel of the summer window: young, gifted, and destined for stardom, though convincing the Spanish club will require negotiation over the deal's structure. Gasperini awaits his full complement of reinforcements. The clock is ticking as Fiorentina's visit nears, and the Olimpico stands ready—if the squad can be assembled in time.