Gasperini's words reassure Roma observers; Pruzzo backs Greenwood as goal-scoring addition

Zeki Çelik is poised to sign a new contract with Roma, with an agreement reached between player and club. The Turkish defender will commit on a three-year deal worth just under €3 million per season, with Roma able to benefit from the Decreto Crescita tax incentive. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, though Çelik will not be present at the squad's gathering on 13 July as he receives additional rest following his participation in the World Cup. He is scheduled to return around 20 July. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini requested the contract extension, keen to utilise Çelik's positional versatility. The 27-year-old can operate as a midfielder on the flank or as a right-side centre-back, offering tactical flexibility for Roma's system. The renewal represents continuity in the full-back role and reinforces the club's confidence in Çelik as a key squad member under Gasperini's management.

Leandro Paredes has revealed he attempted to persuade Paulo Dybala to join Boca Juniors, speaking after Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16 in America. The midfielder confirmed that a move to the Argentine club was among the possibilities under discussion and had crossed Dybala's mind during negotiations. Paredes told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken extensively with his compatriot in recent months about the prospect. Dybala, a current Roma player, is in contract renewal talks with the Giallorossi. Paredes said of his teammate: "I spoke a lot with him over these months. It was one of the possibilities on the contract, in his thoughts too. His life is very calm there. So I only wish him the best because he is an exceptional boy." The comments suggest Dybala has chosen to remain in Rome rather than pursue a return to South America at this stage of his career.

Negotiations between Roma and Genoa over Artem Dovbyk have stalled, with the striker unconvinced by the move and hoping to receive alternative offers. Dovbyk, who earns 3.5 million euros per season, is reluctant to commit to Genoa at this stage. Roma's valuation of the forward stands at around 25 million euros, a figure Genoa find difficult to accommodate given their financial constraints. The player's salary alone represents a significant burden for the Rossoblu, adding further complexity to the talks. Betis have also expressed interest in Dovbyk, though the Spanish club has not yet submitted an official bid. The former Girona man faces an uncertain future as his current club seeks a buyer. Roma will begin their pre-season retreat on Monday, with Dovbyk expected to train largely apart from the main group as the situation develops.

Paulo Dybala is set to extend his contract with Roma until 2027 under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Argentine forward plans to revolutionise his training approach during the forthcoming season to achieve the physical consistency that has eluded him, while preserving his technical quality for important Champions League nights. Gasperini's demanding summer work programme is not for everyone, and skipping it risks creating an athletic gap with the rest of the squad—a risk Dybala is determined to avoid. He intends to push hard from the first day of pre-season training at Trigoria to be ready to partner Donyell Malen in Roma's attacking setup. The club is moving to secure other key pillars of the squad, with contract renewals for captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Çelik close to completion. According to reports, significant progress has been made in recent hours on Pellegrini's deal. Sport director Tony D'Amico is expected to hold one final meeting with Pellegrini's representatives to seal the agreement, though optimism is high at Trigoria that the captain's renewal will be confirmed and resolve the club's outstanding contract issues.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's summer plans while in Milan for Sky Sport's season launch event, alongside director Tony D'Amico. The head coach confirmed pre-season training begins Monday next week and outlined the club's immediate priorities. Gasperini said: "We are still on holiday, we start next Monday. These have been mixed holidays, with a lot of work and many thoughts about next season. Certainly after achieving Champions League, we want to be protagonists and do well. But it is still early." On the transfer window, Gasperini stressed that momentum will accelerate imminently. "From next week I think we will get into full swing," he stated, noting that global fixtures have delayed movement in the market. He confirmed Roma's priority is signing wingers and expressed satisfaction with the squad's core, stating: "I believe Roma has shown it has a good base, a solid and competitive group. The ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible." Gasperini also highlighted the talent being tracked, referencing an upcoming international clash involving Koné and El Aynaoui. Regarding the upcoming Champions League campaign, he warned of the competition's intensity: "It is an extremely tough competition. You find teams there that have truly dominated ours. We should arrive competitive and equipped because there is a risk of making poor showings." When asked about Malen, Gasperini dismissed suggestions the winger would be unsettled, saying: "Malen will be very happy at Roma."

Mason Greenwood is Roma's primary transfer target, with head coach Gasperini having worked on the deal for weeks and convinced the English winger of the club's project. While several other attacking options have emerged—including Garnacho, Summerville, Adingra, and Tel—these are viewed as opportunities rather than priorities. Roma's plan remains unchanged: a significant portion of the attack budget is reserved for Greenwood, whom Gasperini considers the right investment despite the importance of spending wisely. Negotiations with Marseille are ongoing, and a wage agreement with Greenwood's representatives must be finalised following the player's latest salary demands. Gasperini has repeatedly stated the principle guiding Roma's strategy: spending large sums matters less than spending them correctly. Greenwood embodies this philosophy—an important but justified investment that aligns with the club's vision. Once the Greenwood situation is resolved, Roma will address other attacking targets, including wide players and a backup for Malen. The English forward remains the singular priority for the Giallorossi.