Juventus target Svilar as goalkeeper hunt intensifies

Rio Ferdinand announced on his YouTube channel that Manchester United has reached an agreement to sign Roma midfielder Manu Koné for £45 million (€53 million). Ferdinand, citing confirmation from journalist Fabrizio Romano, described the French midfielder as an excellent fit for Manchester United's 4-2-3-1 system under manager Carrick. Koné has emerged as one of Roma's most sought-after players following his performances at the World Cup. The 24-year-old has attracted interest from multiple clubs, including Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, but Manchester United have positioned themselves as the frontrunners in recent days. The transfer would represent a significant departure from Roma's midfield. Ferdinand stated: "Fabrizio Romano confirmed it to me, Manchester has reached an agreement for Koné and will pay him 45 million pounds (53 million euros). An excellent player for Carrick's 4-2-3-1." The announcement by the former Manchester United defender adds weight to speculation surrounding the midfielder's future at the Giallorossi.

Roma must sign two players to complement Paulo Dybala and unlock Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical approach, according to analysis of the club's transfer window. A message was reportedly sent in Portuguese to a rival manager requesting Endrick, but it remains unread. Summerville has attracted interest but carries a high asking price; Moreira, by contrast, has generated optimism at the club. Robinio Vaz suffered an injury on his first day of training and is expected to be sidelined for a month. Lorenzo Pellegrini faces a fresh setback related to an injury from April, and his contract renewal talks are proceeding cautiously because he is unlikely to train with the squad while recovering. The timing contrasts with expectations for a smooth renewal process, though the club has previously moved slowly on renewals, signings, and departures alike. Manu Koné's position strengthens Roma's hand in any potential negotiation with Manchester United, as the midfielder holds a three-year contract and Roma controls the dialogue. One commentator stated: "You now need to find a couple of players that suit the manager's style of play. There's a necessity to bring in two players alongside Dybala who can change the tactical setup." Regarding potential signings, analysis suggests Summerville is a capable player but has been elevated in perception simply because an Italian club is pursuing him; he is described as more fundamentally sound than previous targets like Greenwood, though Roma should abandon pursuit of Garnacho due to unjustifiable technical and economic complications.

Manu Koné is a target for Manchester United this transfer window, with the English club reportedly prepared to pay £45 million (€53 million) to sign the Roma midfielder. Rio Ferdinand announced the development on his YouTube channel, stating that Manchester has reached an agreement with Koné, though no formal deal has been confirmed by either club. Chelsea has also shown interest in the French midfielder, who could leave Rome as the Giallorossi navigate financial fair play constraints. Koné's potential departure comes as Roma reassess their squad following their qualification for the Champions League. The midfielder was eliminated from the World Cup competition yesterday and now faces a third-place playoff, but his focus has shifted to his future. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini recently acknowledged the club's need to balance playing ambitions with financial realities, saying: "I think that these conditions of financial fair play vary from squad to squad, they are not precise. It is undeniable that Roma knew they had this necessity to balance their accounts. I hoped and continue to hope that arrival in the Champions League is sufficient, but it is clear that accounts are fundamental for clubs and there will be more clarity in the coming weeks." Manchester United have made enquiries to Koné's representatives in recent days, signalling serious interest in the acquisition.

Roma are pursuing a contract extension for goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini as part of a broader squad retention effort following the recent renewal of Paulo Dybala and ongoing negotiations with Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The club intends to prolong Gollini's deal by a further year, extending it from its current expiry date of June 2027 to June 2028, according to Il Tempo. Gollini, who responded to Gasperini's call-up for the national team gathering, is set to continue as backup to Mile Svilar for the next two seasons. Despite limited playing time last season, appearing only in Roma's Europa League group-stage match against Panathinaikos, Gollini remains valued as a reliable and important resource for the squad. The goalkeeper's retention forms part of Roma's preparations for a demanding campaign ahead, with the club committed to competing in both Serie A and the Champions League. The consolidation of Gollini's status reflects Roma's strategy to maintain squad depth and experience in a season expected to be lengthy and challenging.

Roma's 2026–27 season got underway at the Trigoria training ground as players arrived for pre-season, drawing around 100 supporters to Piazzale Dino Viola on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon. The first arrivals included Ghilardi, Angeliño, and Soulé, with supporters greeting the squad enthusiastically throughout the morning. Coach Gasperini arrived without signing autographs or posing for photos but opened his car window to acknowledge the fans. Pisilli drew particular acclaim from the gathering, while Wesley, described as one of the squad's brightest stars, spent time engaging with the crowd despite the heavy gathering around his vehicle. Other squad members including Gollini, Mancini, Dovbyk, Svilar, Hermoso, Vaz, Rensch, Ziółkowski, and Cristante all passed through during the session. Some players, including Dybala, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano, arrived discreetly. One supporter praised Dybala's commitment, saying: "He gave proof of a great gesture of love towards the city and fans, accepting the salary reduction." The atmosphere captured the renewed optimism surrounding the club as preparation for the new campaign began.

Roma started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.