Gasperini targets two wide forwards as Roma pursue offensive overhaul

Roma are studying an official offer for Konstantinos Koulierakis, a promising Greek centre-back at Wolfsburg, according to Alfredo Pedullà. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has identified the 2003-born defender as a priority target, with the club's leadership now analysing the financial details needed to structure a formal proposal to the German club. Koulierakis is a key player for Wolfsburg and features regularly for the Greek national team, attracting attention from Premier League and La Liga clubs. The 21-year-old possesses the physical attributes and tactical profile that align with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's system, combining aerial dominance, strength in anticipated challenges, and the aggressive man-marking approach the Italian coach demands. Roma are keen to move quickly and beat rival suitors to secure a prospect already experienced at the highest level, ensuring depth in a central defensive line essential for navigating the season's domestic and European fixtures. Gasperini's squad continues to evolve across multiple areas, with work progressing on the attack and wide positions alongside this defensive reinforcement. Roma view Koulierakis as a high-calibre addition capable of providing rotation at the heart of defence while possessing the maturity to make an immediate impact.

Roma are on the verge of signing Greek central defender Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for approximately 15 million euros on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old, who played in the Bundesliga last season, will arrive as cover for Mario Hermoso, one of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's key targets in the transfer market. Koulierakis began his career at Paok Salonicco before joining Wolfsburg last summer for around 12 million euros. A left-footed defender standing 1.88 metres tall, he impressed quickly at Paok in the 2022–23 season and earned recognition from the Greek national team, for whom he has made 22 appearances since his first call-up in 2022. Inter enquired about him in January, while Juventus tracked him previously. His defensive strengths include anticipation and aerial play. Koulierakis featured in a friendly against Greece in June and has already established himself as a regular in the national setup. The move to Rome will add depth to Gasperini's backline as the club strengthens its defensive options ahead of the new season.

Santiago Castro has chosen to wear the number 9 shirt at Roma, a symbolic decision that reflects the Argentine striker's ambition and willingness to shoulder the responsibility of a jersey historically reserved for the club's greatest centre-forwards. The 2004-born forward will have his nameplate read "S. CASTRO" on the back of his shirt, completing the personalisation details ahead of the official announcement of his transfer. Castro's selection of the number 9 underlines his character and leadership qualities as he prepares for his new chapter at the Stadio Olimpico under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The choice carries significant weight in Roma's history, as the shirt has been donned by many of the club's most celebrated strikers. With both the number and nameplate confirmed, Roma's official store is ready to begin custom shirt orders for supporters. The transfer details remain to be formally confirmed by the club, though the personalisation choices suggest the deal is progressing toward completion.

Roma are pursuing Real Betis winger Ezzalzouli as they continue their search for attacking depth. The Moroccan international recorded ten goals and nine assists in 29 Liga appearances last season. Betis are demanding €45 million, while Roma have tabled an offer of €35 million—a gap that Gian Piero Gasperini's recruitment team believes is not insurmountable. Ezzalzouli, a national team colleague of Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, has been on Gasperini's radar since last year. Developments could emerge in the coming days as Roma seek to bridge the valuation divide. The club cannot afford to stall in the transfer window following recent activity and remain active across multiple targets. Separately, Roma are also pursuing Nusa, the Norwegian winger and the club's primary left-wing target. RB Leipzig are holding firm at a €60 million asking price and have shown no willingness to lower their demand despite Leipzig's recent sale of Diomande for €100 million. Contact with Nusa's representatives has been positive, but an agreement with the Red Bull group club remains essential. Roma will continue their efforts until Sunday before shifting focus to alternative options.

Manu Koné's future at Roma remains uncertain as Manchester United intensifies contact with the midfielder's representatives, though no formal offer has arrived at the club yet. Chelsea and Arsenal are also keen on the 24-year-old, prompting Roma to begin scouting alternatives. Diarra of Sunderland has emerged as a potential successor should Koné depart. The departure of Koné would force Roma into the transfer market to bolster midfield depth. Without him, the squad would rely solely on Cristante, El Aynaoui, and Pisilli in that area. The club has set Koné's valuation at approximately 60 million euros and the Friedkin Group has no intention of accepting below their asking price. With Premier League interest intensifying, Roma's search for an alternative midfielder has begun in earnest. The club's recruitment strategy hinges on whether any interested club meets their valuation for the French midfielder.

Gian Piero Gasperini will reconvene the Roma squad on Wednesday afternoon at the Fulvio Bernardini training ground following a two-day rest period after the friendly against Cannes. The squad has completed a series of summer warm-up fixtures: two joint training sessions with the Primavera, a test with Trastevere, and the friendly with Cannes. Paulo Dybala has impressed during the pre-season programme, scoring a brace against the Primavera, one goal against Trastevere, and two more in the 3–3 draw with Cannes, while working on his understanding with Donyell Malen, who recently returned to Trigoria. Roma will continue their preparation in Wales from 31 July, where they face Cardiff (1 August), Newport (4 August), and Brighton (8 August) in further friendlies before a prestige test against Borussia Dortmund in Germany on 15 August. The Serie A campaign begins on 24 August at the Olimpico against Fiorentina. Dybala, fresh from a contract renewal, enters his fifth season at Roma after sealing Champions League qualification in the final stretch of last season. El Aynaoui is expected to rejoin the squad on 30 July, while Manu Koné remains on holiday and will link up with the group in August subject to the transfer market.