Gasperini sets transfer deadline as Roma pursue Summerville

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has praised the signing of Zeki Çelik, who joined the Turin club on a free transfer from AS Roma. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the club's first summer friendly against Basel, Spalletti outlined his view of the right-back's qualities and readiness to integrate into the squad. Çelik left Roma without a fee in what represents a significant loss of defensive depth for the Giallorossi. The 28-year-old's departure comes as Juventus strengthen their ranks during the summer transfer window. Spalletti expressed confidence in the player's character and experience, suggesting minimal adjustment issues ahead. Spalletti said of Çelik: "He is a player of character, reliable. With a warrior's character. I think it was a good idea for Juventus to bring him in. He will certainly have no problems settling in—he is an experienced footballer, a very good lad who everyone in football knows. He will settle easily."

Zeki Çelik's free transfer to Juventus has caught Roma off guard, with the club having believed a contract renewal with the Turkish right-back was agreed. Roma are now exploring defensive reinforcements to fill the gap left by the former Lille player. Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid is among Roma's targets, according to Sky Sport. The Argentine defender is viewed as a reliable profile; head coach Gian Piero Gasperini previously pursued him, and Molina has proven Serie A experience from his time at Udinese. Currently, however, Molina is focused on Argentina's World Cup final against Spain on Sunday and is not engaging in transfer discussions until after that fixture concludes. Another option under consideration is Dodo, who is expected to leave Fiorentina and has also attracted interest from Napoli.

Matías Soulé's future at Roma is unresolved as the winger trains at Trigoria ahead of Sunday's first friendly, with no concrete offers yet on the table. Sunderland, Fulham, and Bournemouth have all made enquiries, while Borussia Dortmund has conducted only exploratory discussions, but none have matched Roma's €40 million asking price, which clubs regard as excessive. Soulé declared on his return to the capital: "I don't know if I'll stay." His agent returned from England without a concrete proposal. Roma's financial need to sell has not persuaded any club to meet the valuation. Only Saudi Arabian teams could satisfy the Friedkin Group's demands, but Soulé has reaffirmed to his entourage that he has no desire to play in Saudi Arabia—a position he has maintained since late June. The club is actively searching for a winger, with Summerville a target, though he plays on the opposite flank. On the right wing, Dybala and Matías Soulé are Roma's current options, meaning any new arrival would further limit Soulé's playing time.

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has praised the signing of Zeki Çelik, who joined the Turin club on a free transfer from AS Roma. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the club's first summer friendly against Basel, Spalletti outlined his view of the right-back's qualities and readiness to integrate into the squad. Çelik left Roma without a fee in what represents a significant loss of defensive depth for the Giallorossi. The 28-year-old's departure comes as Juventus strengthen their ranks during the summer transfer window. Spalletti expressed confidence in the player's character and experience, suggesting minimal adjustment issues ahead. Spalletti said of Çelik: "He is a player of character, reliable. With a warrior's character. I think it was a good idea for Juventus to bring him in. He will certainly have no problems settling in—he is an experienced footballer, a very good lad who everyone in football knows. He will settle easily."

Zeki Çelik's free transfer to Juventus has caught Roma off guard, with the club having believed a contract renewal with the Turkish right-back was agreed. Roma are now exploring defensive reinforcements to fill the gap left by the former Lille player. Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid is among Roma's targets, according to Sky Sport. The Argentine defender is viewed as a reliable profile; head coach Gian Piero Gasperini previously pursued him, and Molina has proven Serie A experience from his time at Udinese. Currently, however, Molina is focused on Argentina's World Cup final against Spain on Sunday and is not engaging in transfer discussions until after that fixture concludes. Another option under consideration is Dodo, who is expected to leave Fiorentina and has also attracted interest from Napoli.

Juventus secured Zeki Çelik on Thursday night after Roma believed a deal was complete. The Turkish defender, whose contract had expired, was set to sign a new accord with Roma worth €3–3.2M per year, but changed course and accepted Juventus's offer instead. His agent had initially sought €4M, making him one of Roma's highest-paid players. Çelik departs after four seasons at the club, totalling 151 appearances with 2 goals and 10 assists. Roma's coaching staff had wanted continuity and viewed him as crucial to their plans, particularly after his return from World Cup duties. The surprise departure forces Roma to rethink their wing strategy and adjust plans to deploy Wesley on the right flank, with the club now needing to accelerate recruitment at the position. Juventus's recent appointment of Frederic Massara, Roma's former director, adds another layer to the departure. While Roma will need to adjust their formation, the club are not expected to be severely damaged by his exit. Çelik was considered useful and reliable, though Roma believe a more offensively gifted winger will suit their system better. For Juventus, operating under financial constraints, the free-agent signing represents a solid acquisition with Luciano Spalletti seeking experienced players.

Roma's sporting director D'Amico is pursuing two players as he looks to build a left-side chain fit for Champions League football. Xavi Simons remains the primary target for attack following initial approaches in January and June, with Roma tabling an offer of €4 million plus bonuses — a figure the club will not exceed. The Dutch forward's asking price of €6 million has been rejected by the Giallorossi, who are unwilling to breach their wage ceiling. However, Premier League interest complicates matters: Manchester United previously tracked him before being blocked by Rashford's return from loan, while Aston Villa has recently requested information. Gasperini has an additional ally in Donyell Malen, a fellow Dutchman attempting to persuade Summerville, though their friendship alone may not be enough. Diego Moreira forms the second prong of Roma's summer offensive. D'Amico is leveraging his relationship with the Belgian's agent Mendes to accelerate negotiations. Unlike the Summerville situation, personal terms have already been agreed: Moreira has accepted Roma's offer of €2.5 million per season, a significant increase from his current €900,000 annual salary. The progress on the Moreira front contrasts with the stalled Summerville talks, which have proceeded in modest steps since Ryan Friedkin's arrival failed to produce the accelerated negotiations some observers had anticipated.

Roma are preparing a €45 million offer for Crysencio Summerville, the Dutch winger from West Ham. Sporting director D'Amico has tabled the bid after the player's agents met Roma's board in Italy in the past 48 hours. The club aims to complete the deal by the start of next week and beat rival competition. Zeki Çelik has left Roma to join Juventus despite a verbal agreement over a contract renewal with the Giallorossi. The Turkish fullback's deal with Roma expired on 30 June and has now completed medical tests at Juventus's J Medical facility in Turin. Roma are now targeting Olympique Marseille's Quinten Timber as midfield cover, with early contact already established. The 2001-born Dutchman shares a close bond with Roma's Donyell Malen through their shared youth and senior international paths. Besiktas are also in the running. Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal is moving closer to completion following a productive meeting yesterday between sporting director Tony D'Amico and the player's agent Giampiero Pocetta. Roma have already secured renewals for Çelik, Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante. Dybala's extension to 2027, confirmed three days ago, includes a €2.2 million annual base salary plus €100,000 per starting appearance (45+ minutes) up to €2 million, rising to €150,000 from the 21st appearance. Substitute appearances worth 20+ minutes earn €75,000 per match (capped at 20 games), then €100,000 thereafter. Bonus blocks of five combined goals and assists start at €100,000, reaching €1 million for 30 contributions. Team objectives including trophy wins or Champions League qualification trigger additional payments.

Robinio Vaz is attracting interest from multiple Serie A clubs as Roma explore potential loan exits. Cagliari have joined Bologna in pursuing the 2007-born winger, who will be sidelined for 15 days through injury. Head coach Gasperini does not view Vaz as ready to serve as backup to Malen, particularly with Champions League football in the picture, making a temporary departure an attractive option for the player to gain experience and minutes. Director D'Amico is juggling inbound priorities—specifically pursuing Summerville and Moreira—while managing outgoings from Trigoria. Vaz, a former Olympique Marseille player, is seeking greater playing time and confidence heading into the coming season. The central obstacle to any loan arrangement remains the player's salary, which both Bologna and Cagliari consider excessive for a prospect of his age and development stage.