Gasperini: Transfer market will heat up from next week

Gian Piero Gasperini said Roma's contract renewals are imminent, describing the situation as "a matter of days" in an interview at a Champions League event. The head coach confirmed he remains in constant contact with the Friedkin Group ownership and expects significant movement in the coming week as the new season approaches and the transfer window gains momentum. "Certainly we hear from each other very much, but there is also continuous dialogue with the Ownership," Gasperini said. "Now that we are getting closer to the start of the season, to the market... the World Cup shifted attention away from everything, for the players and for the agents themselves. From next week I think we will get into the thick of things." Gasperini highlighted Roma's solid foundation after securing Champions League football. "I believe Roma has demonstrated it has a good base, a solid and competitive group," he said. "The Ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible. We will try to work, especially D'Amico who is very committed on all fronts, to give satisfaction to the fans." Reflecting on last season's campaign, Gasperini noted the team struggled only briefly despite a difficult spell in March. "After the defeat to Inter it became difficult, but this squad in 38 matches found itself in difficulty for two games if we talk about the Champions zone," he said, pointing to a strong finish that secured their return to European football's elite club competition.

Italy's refereeing authority has appointed Orsato as its new referee designator, replacing Rocchi for the upcoming season. Roma have confirmed the pre-season fixture dates and times for both the men's and women's teams. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Sky Sport in the evening to discuss the club's transfer strategy, contract renewals, and Champions League preparations. The appointment marks a significant change in Italian football's administrative structure ahead of the new campaign. Roma's pre-season schedule has been released to supporters, allowing fans to plan attendance for both squads. Gasperini's media appearance reflected the club's commitment to transparency during the transfer window and ahead of European competition. Additional developments from Pietralata concerned sanctions related to a former resident, though specifics of this matter were not detailed.

Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Roma's pre-season will begin next week and outlined the club's ambitions following Champions League qualification. Speaking at a Sky Sport 2026–27 schedule presentation, the head coach stated: "After the qualification in Champions we want to be protagonists also in the next season." Gasperini revealed he is in constant contact with sporting director Tony D'Amico and the ownership, with the transfer market set to intensify in the coming days. On contract renewals, he offered reassurance: "They will be announced by the club, but we are all happy to continue together. It is a matter of days." Paulo Dybala will remain at Roma after a total agreement was reached on his contract renewal, with all bonus details finalised. The club is expected to announce the extension shortly. Franck Kessié is also on Roma's radar, with Gasperini having managed the midfielder at Atalanta and appreciating his physical and dynamic qualities. However, Kessié's wage demands remain prohibitively high despite his availability on a free transfer, making the move unlikely unless he significantly reduces his salary expectations. Analysts have questioned the feasibility of a move for Mason Greenwood, with concerns focused on both the transfer fee to Marseille and Greenwood's own financial demands. Roberto Pruzzo noted that if Roma do proceed with signing Greenwood as an alternative to current striker Artem Dovbyk, the club should prioritise establishing clear targets rather than speculative moves ahead of what is expected to be a two-year title push.

Roma are expected to table an official offer for Mason Greenwood this week, with the Marseille winger having assured head coach Gian Piero Gasperini of his commitment to join. Gasperini held a direct conversation with Greenwood and his father-agent, presenting his tactical vision and asking the forward pointedly: "Are you ready to run?" Greenwood responded affirmatively in Italian: "Yes I'm ready, I'll come to score many goals too." In parallel, Gasperini has moved to strengthen his attacking options. The coach has pursued Nicolò Tresoldi of Bruges over recent months and obtained the striker's agreement to join. Roma could secure Tresoldi on a loan deal with a purchase option, though his arrival depends on Artem Dovbyk's departure first. Should either Manu Koné or Neil El Aynaoui leave—both are attracting Premier League interest—Roma will pursue Jerdy Timber from Marseille as a replacement midfielder or defender. Rafa Leao has also been offered to Roma. The Milan winger is seeking a fresh challenge after seven seasons with the Rossoneri and is available on loan with a high redemption clause attached. Rome's new kit is already on sale outside Italy.

Manchester United has expressed strong interest in signing Roma midfielder El Aynaoui, according to recent reports. The English club has made contact with Roma's management, but the Italian club has signalled that €30 million may not be enough to secure the player's departure. Roma views El Aynaoui as a key asset and has no intention of offering a discount on any transfer fee. El Aynaoui's market value has risen considerably following his impressive performances at the World Cup with Morocco, where he became a regular starter from the opening match. Beyond Manchester United, other European clubs including Barcelona, Everton, and Liverpool have also shown interest. Roma's position is firm: the club does not wish to sell the midfielder after just one season, viewing him as an integral part of their project moving forward. El Aynaoui himself is keen to demonstrate his abilities in his second year under the guidance of head coach Gasperini, having established himself as a cornerstone of Roma's midfield. The player's World Cup success and Roma's reluctance to part with him have combined to strengthen his negotiating position, putting pressure on interested suitors to match the club's valuation if they wish to proceed.

Neil El Aynaoui continues to draw interest from major European clubs following a strong World Cup performance. Roma has responded by taking a firm stance to protect the player amid widespread transfer speculation. The defender's form at international level has made him a target for several top European sides. Details remain unclear regarding the specific clubs involved or the exact nature of Roma's resistance to potential offers.

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.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants to bring Italian-German striker Nicolò Tresoldi to Roma as backup to Donyell Malen, but the transfer remains complicated. Club Brugge, who hold Tresoldi's registration, value the 2004-born attacker at approximately €25 million. No direct contact has yet taken place between Roma and the Belgian club, with the cost of the operation standing as the main obstacle to any agreement. Tresoldi himself is reportedly keen on a move to Roma as his next career step, but Club Brugge has shown little flexibility in negotiations. Gasperini views Tresoldi as an ideal reinforcement for his tactical system. However, Roma's transfer focus has recently shifted toward Mason Greenwood, who was presented to Marseille's pre-season training camp today. Tresoldi, born in Cagliari, finished the previous season impressively with 23 goals and 9 assists across 53 appearances, including 3 goals in Champions League competition. While the club and Gasperini continue to explore the possibility, the significant valuation and Club Brugge's reluctance to negotiate make progress uncertain in the near term.

Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Club Brugge forward Nicolò Tresoldi as his top target to provide backup for Donyell Malen. The Cagliari-born Germany U21 international registered 23 goals and nine assists in 53 appearances across all competitions during his debut season in Belgium. Sassuolo's Andrea Pinamonti and Nantes' Matthis Abline are also under consideration. Roma's pursuit hinges on offloading Artem Dovbyk, who is expected to move to Genoa. The club favours bringing Tresoldi in initially on loan, with Club Brugge valuing the 21-year-old at €25 million. Despite representing Germany at youth level, Tresoldi remains eligible to play for Italy. Bringing in a striker of his calibre would ease the workload on Malen, who could operate in wider positions to accommodate another forward through the middle.