Koné and El Aynaoui set for World Cup quarter-final clash

Mason Greenwood's move to Roma has hit a significant impasse over salary demands. Initially enthusiastic about joining the Giallorossi and having reached an understanding with the club, the English forward's stance hardened after Fenerbahçe tabled a rival offer reportedly worth approximately 7 million euros net per season plus commissions. Greenwood's father and agent have since pushed Roma to increase their wage proposal, but the club remains firm on a ceiling of 4.5 million euros net annually, creating a substantial gap that threatens to derail the transfer. Meanwhile, Roma's hierarchy has progressed swiftly on contract renewals. Extensions for Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are reportedly close to completion, with only official announcement pending. Lorenzo Pellegrini's renewal remains slightly unresolved, with approximately half a million euros still to be settled, though this is described as a minor obstacle unlikely to prevent final agreement. On the academy front, Roma has confirmed the appointment of Massimo Margiotta as new head of the youth academy following his official departure from Verona.

Roma's season ticket campaign has launched with the renewal phase, drawing more than 2,000 supporters queuing on the first day. The club confirmed a maximum capacity of 40,000 subscriptions for the Stadio Olimpico and introduced a series of phased windows with prioritised timeslots. Phase 1.1 opened at 10:00 today and closes on 20 July at 10:00, allowing existing subscribers to renew their seats at discounted rates with modest price increases. Phase 1.2 follows on 20 July at 12:00, running until 23 July at 13:00, offering renewal of the same seat with adjusted pricing. Phase 2 opens on 23 July at 14:30 and ends on 27 July at 13:00, permitting existing holders to change their sector. Phase 3 begins on 27 July at 15:00 and targets approximately 25,000 supporters on the official waiting list, who receive priority access to unclaimed seats. The final phase (Phase 4) opens to general sale on 29 July at 15:00 for any fan to purchase a season ticket while availability remains. The tiered structure reflects Roma's strategy to balance renewal revenue with competitive seat allocation across their supporter base.

Mason Greenwood's move to Roma is fading as Fenerbahçe accelerates talks with Marseille, who value the English winger at 50 million euros. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and sporting director Tony D'Amico are now pursuing Plan B options for the right flank, where a player could alternate with Paulo Dybala. Dan Ndoye of Nottingham Forest has emerged as the primary target. The Swiss winger, fresh from penalty shootout success with his national team and familiar with Italian football from his time at Bologna, carries a valuation of 45 million euros. Pepe of Porto, a 29-year-old Brazilian with Italian citizenship, has also been discussed at around 25 million euros, but his age falls outside Roma's preferred profile of players aged 23–27. Jamie Leweling of Stuttgart and Antony of Real Betis are surprise alternatives, with valuations near 50 million euros but significantly lower wages—Leweling earns 1 million per season, Antony roughly 3 million. Gasperini appeared upbeat and has received assurances that a player of Greenwood's calibre will arrive regardless of the English forward's fate. On the left flank, Rafa Leão of Milan has positioned himself directly with Gasperini and is expected to leave the Rossoneri. The Portuguese winger's valuation stands at 60 million euros, though a loan with a guaranteed buy clause at set conditions could be the pathway forward—provided Leão reduces his salary demands.

Paulo Dybala has paid tribute to José Mourinho as the decisive figure behind his decision to join Roma, describing the former manager in glowing terms during an interview with YouTuber Davoo. "Mourinho is a genius and a good person," Dybala said. "He always spoke to us with respect, took care of us, loved us, and Roma's people fell in love with him for what he gave. Thanks to him I arrived in the Capital." The Argentine forward also turned his attention to the international stage, singling out El Aynaoui for praise. "He's having a great World Cup, I'm following him closely," Dybala remarked. "At Roma, beyond saying he's a strong player, he's also a good lad." Dybala also identified Barcelona's Lamine Yamal as a potential successor to Lionel Messi, backing the young talent's trajectory. Dybala revisited the painful memory of Roma's Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in Budapest, addressing controversial refereeing decisions. "It's true, the handball was absurd, but there was more to it than just that during the match," he explained. "There were various moments when the referee made strange calls." The interview gave the Roma playmaker an opportunity to reflect candidly on his time at the club, from Mourinho's impact to lingering disappointment from European competition.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's summer plans while in Milan for Sky Sport's season launch event, alongside director Tony D'Amico. The head coach confirmed pre-season training begins Monday next week and outlined the club's immediate priorities. Gasperini said: "We are still on holiday, we start next Monday. These have been mixed holidays, with a lot of work and many thoughts about next season. Certainly after achieving Champions League, we want to be protagonists and do well. But it is still early." On the transfer window, Gasperini stressed that momentum will accelerate imminently. "From next week I think we will get into full swing," he stated, noting that global fixtures have delayed movement in the market. He confirmed Roma's priority is signing wingers and expressed satisfaction with the squad's core, stating: "I believe Roma has shown it has a good base, a solid and competitive group. The ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible." Gasperini also highlighted the talent being tracked, referencing an upcoming international clash involving Koné and El Aynaoui. Regarding the upcoming Champions League campaign, he warned of the competition's intensity: "It is an extremely tough competition. You find teams there that have truly dominated ours. We should arrive competitive and equipped because there is a risk of making poor showings." When asked about Malen, Gasperini dismissed suggestions the winger would be unsettled, saying: "Malen will be very happy at Roma."

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.