Ghilardi: transfer talk has no impact on me, I await Pellegrini's return

Gian Piero Gasperini cancelled a scheduled Sky Sport interview on the evening of 6 August to attend a dinner meeting with owner Ryan Friedkin at the Vale Resort in Hensol, Wales, where Roma's squad is on retreat. The gathering evolved into a formal transfer strategy session, with CEO John Galantic present to gather the head coach's assessments on ongoing negotiations covering contract renewals, signings and departures. Gasperini's decision to prioritise the meeting over the broadcast appearance signals Roma's urgency in the transfer market. The club faces mounting pressure: Fiorentina will visit the Stadio Olimpico for the opening day of the new Serie A in 17 days. Sources indicate the coach sought updates on the status of various deals in play across the summer window, reflecting recent developments that have characterised Roma's transfer activity this summer. The timing underscores Gasperini's belief that action must now take precedence over words. With the start of the season imminent, every opportunity for dialogue between coaching staff and ownership becomes crucial to building the squad and moving Roma closer to its objectives.

Manu Koné will rejoin Roma training on Monday after an extended break following the World Cup, Gasperini confirmed. The midfielder has been the subject of sustained Premier League attention during the transfer window, with Manchester United the most active suitor. Roma are willing to listen to offers but have set a €60 million floor on any deal. Manchester United's interest has cooled in recent days, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The club's scouting chief Christopher Vivell backs Koné as the ideal midfielder to strengthen the squad, but manager Erik ten Hag holds a different view. Carrick prefers either a player with established Premier League experience or a superior profile such as Tchouameni. Since the final decision rests with the manager, this divergence has significantly increased the likelihood of Koné remaining at Roma for the 2026-27 season—a prospect that will please Gasperini. The French midfielder, on loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach with an obligation to buy, has emerged as a key figure in Roma's midfield plans and Gasperini is keen to have him available for the full campaign.

Nahuel Molina, a left-back from Atlético Madrid, is on his way to Roma to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the club. The Argentine defender will join Roma on a deal running until 2030 at a salary of €2.5 million per season. Roma are targeting his arrival at Fiumicino tomorrow to accelerate the process, with his Spanish passport en route. The club has already completed terms with both Atlético Madrid and the player. Molina's signing forms part of Roma's ongoing transfer activity this summer. He will train with the squad upon their return to Trigoria, coinciding with the first session involving new recruit Manu Koné, who is wrapping up extended leave following international tournament commitments. Lorenzo Pellegrini, having recovered from injury, is also set to rejoin training at the same time. The arrival underlines the reshaping of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Daniele Ghilardi has reflected on his first season at Roma and his hopes for the 2026–27 campaign in an interview with Vocegiallorossa. The defender, who marked an anniversary of his arrival at the club, acknowledged that breaking into the first team proved difficult initially. "When I arrived, I knew that finding playing time would not be easy, and it was the case," he said. "In the first months I played very little, then, little by little, I earned the manager's trust. I fitted in very well and managed to carve out some minutes, and I hope that this year I can do even better." Ghilardi credited his early spell on the bench as valuable preparation. He cited the intensity of pre-season training and Roma's recent Champions League qualification at Hellas Verona—a stadium where he previously played—as significant milestones. The 23-year-old expressed his ambition to compete in Europe's elite competition, having dreamed of such an opportunity since his early days at Lucca. Regarding the recent arrival of Koulierakis in defence, Ghilardi welcomed the increased competition within the squad. "Competition is something that does good," he said, "because it helps everyone improve. Everyone always gives their maximum, because obviously we train to play." Ghilardi also addressed the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini from the squad this season. "If he came back, it would be a pleasure for me," he said, acknowledging Pellegrini's support during his settling-in period. He expressed his determination to earn an Italy international call-up and reiterated that transfer rumours have not affected his focus.

Konstantinos Koulierakis has joined Roma's pre-season training camp in Wales following his medical examination and official confirmation. The Greek defender, Roma's second summer signing, arrived at the squad's UK base to begin work under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. His arrival was documented on the club's social media channels. Outside the resort hosting the Giallorossi, Koulierakis was stopped by supporters for photographs. Among them was Juha, the well-known Finnish Roma supporter who follows the club worldwide, with one of the new arrival's first pictures taken alongside the Roma Club Finland scarf. Koulierakis will complete Roma's defensive unit, which already comprises Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso, Ziolkowski and Ghilardi.

Koulierakis joined Roma's squad in Wales on 2 August, arriving at Vale Resort in Hensol after completing his medical and signing yesterday. The Greek centre-back posed for photographs with Roma supporters at the training ground before linking up with Gasperini and the squad for his first team session. He arrived on a permanent deal worth €16 million plus €1.5 million in bonuses, with Wolfsburg retaining a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Koulierakis joins an established defensive unit comprising Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Ziółkowski and Ghilardi, though the last-named could depart the capital. This morning Dybala and the wider group completed a gym session, with a video review and field training scheduled for the afternoon. Gasperini welcomes Koulierakis as Roma's second new acquisition of the summer, following Castro, who made his debut in yesterday's 0–0 draw with Cardiff. The defender will bolster Roma's backline as pre-season preparations continue in Wales.

Nahuel Molina, a left-back from Atlético Madrid, is on his way to Roma to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the club. The Argentine defender will join Roma on a deal running until 2030 at a salary of €2.5 million per season. Roma are targeting his arrival at Fiumicino tomorrow to accelerate the process, with his Spanish passport en route. The club has already completed terms with both Atlético Madrid and the player. Molina's signing forms part of Roma's ongoing transfer activity this summer. He will train with the squad upon their return to Trigoria, coinciding with the first session involving new recruit Manu Koné, who is wrapping up extended leave following international tournament commitments. Lorenzo Pellegrini, having recovered from injury, is also set to rejoin training at the same time. The arrival underlines the reshaping of Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Gian Piero Gasperini has become the driving force behind Roma's transfer strategy and squad planning, with director D'Amico and ownership The Friedkin Group now following his tactical blueprint. At 68, Gasperini has adopted a markedly different public approach than his previous style—eschewing confrontation for behind-the-scenes pressure in operational meetings at Trigoria. Where José Mourinho relied on provocative gestures, Gasperini works directly and methodically to impose his vision. The clearest example is Gasperini's influence over contract renewals. Though The Friedkin Group initially resisted extending Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gasperini's growing credibility—bolstered by Roma's Champions League qualification—allowed him to secure one-year renewals for both players. He achieved this through relentless advocacy in closed-door talks, pushing his case whenever the opportunity arose. The renewals came only after sustained pressure, with ownership finally conceding limited terms rather than outright refusals. Gasperini's next test, and the true measure of his market influence, centres on recruiting a left-sided winger capable of playing with his right foot. The success or failure of this signing will define how far his authority now extends at Roma.

Roma have moved away from pursuing RB Leipzig's Jens Nusa and now have Malick Fofana of Lyon as their primary target for the left winger role. The Norwegian Nusa, valued at €60 million, has complicated negotiations, particularly after declaring: "I have never expressed the desire to leave Leipzig." By contrast, Fofana, a Belgian with attributes that appeal to head coach Gasperini, has risen to the top of Roma's shopping list. However, Roma intend to proceed cautiously with a potential €45 million investment owing to concerns over an ankle injury that kept Fofana sidelined for much of last season, though early medical reports are encouraging. With the defence now sorted—including the closure of a deal for Molina—Roma's focus has shifted entirely to attacking reinforcements. Sporting director D'Amico is prioritising the wide positions. Real Madrid's Endrick is also available on loan, and Roma are keen to include a buy-clause similar to that negotiated for Nico Paz. The Brazilian prospect could feature across the front line regardless of a potential departure by Matías Soulé. Elsewhere, momentum continues building towards a contract renewal for Lorenzo Pellegrini.