Juventus explore Ghilardi move as Roma push forward in transfer window

Roma have confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window. Santiago Castro has joined from Bologna as a Roma player and will wear the number 9 shirt, vacated by Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian striker completes the reverse move to Bologna, where he will attempt a fresh start under Tedesco. The swap represents Roma's opening business of the transfer market, with the club's sporting director D'Amico continuing recruitment work. Castro takes up a key offensive role in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, while Dovbyk seeks to rediscover his form in Serie A after his time in the Italian capital.

Santiago Castro has joined Roma from Bologna on a permanent transfer for €35 million, with the Argentine striker expressing his eagerness to contribute under Gian Piero Gasperini. Castro told Roma's official channels: "It was a short negotiation, I wanted to come from the first moment. I spoke with the sporting director, they told me what they expect from me, I felt the confidence and I know what I can do to help the squad. Since I heard from them I chose straight away to come here." On Gasperini, he added: "I like him. He does very well in Italy for years, I'm here to give a hand, I can do what he wants." Roma have swiftly moved to strengthen their defence with the signing of Konstantinos Koulierakis, a 2003-born centre-back from Wolfsburg, on a permanent deal worth approximately €15 million. The left-footed Greek defender will undergo medical tests and sign his contract in the coming days, competing with Hermoso for the left-centre role in Gasperini's three-man defence. Meanwhile, Angeliño departs on loan to Deportivo La Coruña with a €2 million buyout clause, returning to the Spanish club where he developed through the youth system. Roma have tabled an official €25 million offer to Feyenoord for right-back Givairo Read, with sporting director Tony D'Amico opening direct negotiations to find a resolution. Nottingham Forest remain interested but have had two bids rejected. The coming days are expected to be decisive in the pursuit of a replacement for Çelik on the right flank.

Santiago Castro is officially a Roma player, becoming Gasperini's first January signing and inheriting the number 9 shirt worn previously by fellow Argentines Balbo and Batistuta. The Argentine striker pledged his commitment at his presentation, stating he is ready to give everything for the club. Koulierakis will arrive in Rome between today and tomorrow for medical tests and contract signature before the squad departs for their training base in Hensol, Wales. Roma remain in pursuit of a new winger, with sporting director D'Amico having submitted a €25 million offer to Feyenoord for Read. The Dutch club's player has already agreed personal terms, leaving Feyenoord to decide on the bid.

Juventus have entered talks to sign Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi, reportedly willing to offer Federico Gatti as a makeweight in negotiations. The move comes as Roma prepare to bring in Konstantinos Koulierakis to strengthen their defence, a signing that could push either Ziółkowski or Ghilardi away from the Stadio Olimpico. Ghilardi's maiden season in giallorossi colours was inconsistent, beginning with a subdued spell before improving in the second half of the campaign. However, he remained a secondary option in Gian Piero Gasperini's rotation, with the trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka, and Mario Hermoso forming the defensive core that proved decisive in securing Champions League qualification. The 2003-born centre-back's exit would free space in Gasperini's squad as Koulierakis arrives to bolster the backline.

Roma have completed the signing of Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg on a deal worth €15M plus add-ons. The Greek centre-back, who joined Wolfsburg from PAOK in 2024, has made 66 appearances for the German club, recording 4 goals and 3 assists. He has earned 22 caps for Greece and arrives to provide competition for Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in Roma's defensive ranks. The club have moved swiftly to bolster their backline and are now pursuing Givairo Read of Feyenoord as a primary target on the right flank, with Ivan Fresneda listed as an alternative. Roma are prepared to table a €25M offer for Read, who has scored 5 goals and provided 11 assists in 54 appearances for Feyenoord. Nottingham Forest have already submitted two proposals for the Dutchman, both of which were rejected by the Dutch club. Read has also attracted interest from Inter throughout the summer window. In squad movements, Angeliño is departing on loan to Deportivo La Coruna with a €2.5M option to buy. Centre-back recruitment was not considered a pressing need, though Roma continue to assess their options including Jan Ziółkowski and Daniele Ghilardi. The club remain active in pursuit of wing talent but have faced competition from rival suitors in the market.

Roma drew 3–3 with Cannes in a pre-season friendly at the Pierre de Coubertin stadium, Gian Piero Gasperini's third test match ahead of the squad's departure for a training camp in Wales. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, opening the scoring with a free-kick before adding a second from a solo run on the right after the hour mark. Donyell Malen doubled Roma's advantage at 44 minutes, capitalizing on Dybala's pressure and an opponent's defensive error to give the Giallorossi a commanding 3–0 lead. The match was disrupted when Wesley received a red card for a second yellow in an unusual incident for a friendly, a dismissal that shifted the game's complexion. From the 69th minute onwards, Cannes mounted a comeback with a brace from Lopez and a penalty goal from Ogadd in the final second to equalize. Gasperini used the fixture to trial positional changes, frequently inverting Wesley and Devyne Rensch on the flanks alongside Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé in attacking roles. The opening period at Pierre de Coubertin saw slow rhythms and French defensive organisation, though Roma grew increasingly dominant. Young players featured prominently, with mixed performances; Artem Dovbyk and Daniele Ghilardi made less convincing impacts. Ryan Friedkin watched from the stands.