Gasperini signals Roma ready to move forward on transfers

AS Roma is close to completing contract renewals for its core squad following the club's return to the Champions League after seven years. Three players — Paulo Dybala, Zeki Çelik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini — are currently out of contract, with agreements already reached with Dybala and Çelik in recent days; both deals are now in the drafting stage. Pellegrini remains the main outstanding issue, with negotiations ongoing and a potential decisive meeting expected as soon as today. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Sky Sport: "The players are happy, the club will handle the announcements." The squad must be finalised before Monday, when the team gathers at Trigoria. Pellegrini is seeking a three-year contract to resist approaches from abroad, while Roma is holding out for a two-year deal. Despite the gap, both sides are expected to reach an agreement, possibly with added options as a compromise. The defensive pair Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are also due for renewal; Mancini is likely to sign a new three-year contract to ward off interest from Inter, while Cristante could accept two years. Stephan El Shaarawy was recently released from the club following Verona's final match of the season.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at Sky Sport's schedule presentation, where he crossed paths with Fabio Capello, Roma's last Serie A title-winning manager. The encounter sparked an exchange between the two, with Capello remarking on Roma's coaching lineage: "After twenty years the story repeats itself: Liedholm, Capello, Gasperini." Gasperini responded by asking if Capello still carried Roma in his heart, affirming the club's enduring pull. Gasperini outlined his ambitions for the season ahead. "After reaching the Champions League, we want to be protagonists once again," he said. The coach acknowledged the influence of the World Cup in drawing attention from players and agents, but stressed that serious transfer activity would intensify once pre-season training began. He confirmed ongoing dialogue with the club's sporting director D'Amico and ownership regarding squad development. On contract renewals for Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Zeki Çelik, Gasperini stated: "The club will handle the official announcements, but we are all happy, including the players—it is a matter of days." Reflecting on last season's podium finish, he noted a strong start and consistent proximity to Champions League places, with only a minor dip in February and March before a strong final stretch. He stressed the squad's solid foundation and competitive group, with the goal of improving further to deliver success for Roma and its supporters.

Massimo Margiotta has been appointed Roma's new youth sector director, replacing Bruno Conti in a move spearheaded by sporting director Tony D'Amico. Margiotta arrives from Hellas Verona, where he spent nine years leading their youth setup. His tenure in Verona saw the Primavera side secure promotion to the top youth category at the end of the 2020/21 season and achieve five consecutive consecutive salvations thereafter. The appointment marks a strategic reset for Roma's youth academy following a lean trophy-winning season. Margiotta's mandate extends beyond stabilising the existing youth categories to laying groundwork for an Under 23 side, a long-standing priority for the Friedkin Group ownership. His predecessor Conti's departure was emotional and high-profile, given his status as a club legend. Verona confirmed Margiotta's exit via an official statement, releasing him by mutual agreement after his nine-year spell began in summer 2017. The club noted his role in growing and developing numerous young footballers during his tenure. Margiotta is expected at Trigoria imminently to complete his contract signing.