Kumbulla eyes Gasperini role after spells at Espanyol and Mallorca

Genoa have lodged a firm bid for Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, with former Roma manager De Rossi leading the push to reunite with the Ukrainian forward in Liguria. Dovbyk has signalled openness to the move, but Roma have imposed strict conditions on any deal: the club will only accept a permanent transfer or a loan with a mandatory or optional buyout clause, rejecting an outright loan with shared wage contributions. Dovbyk earns 3.5 million euros annually, a salary burden Genoa currently struggle to accommodate under their proposed terms. This financial impasse represents the chief obstacle to a deal, though both sides continue to explore solutions. Roma's approach reflects their broader strategy to manage player exits carefully while maintaining financial stability and alignment with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's project. The negotiations remain active, with all parties monitoring developments in search of a formula that satisfies each party's requirements.

Roma are targeting Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho as one of their primary transfer priorities, alongside Diego Moreira. The 22-year-old Argentine is frozen out at Chelsea and the London club are actively seeking his departure, but only on a permanent deal for a fee between 40–50 million euros — a figure that includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause owed to Manchester United. Roma's sporting director D'Amico initially favoured a loan with option to buy, but the fee presents a significant obstacle. To circumvent the challenge, the club plan to structure the move similarly to their recent acquisition of Donyell Malen: inserting performance-based conditions that would trigger an obligation to buy. These could include goals scored or Roma's qualification for the Champions League. The approach proved successful with Malen's arrival weeks earlier. Roma face competition from English, Spanish, and Arab clubs for Garnacho's signature. The striker remains one of the hottest names in the current transfer market and has generated considerable excitement among the Giallorossi fanbase, both for his reputation and the attacking role he fills.

Marash Kumbulla has returned to Roma following two seasons in La Liga with Espanyol and Mallorca, with his future at the club set to be clarified in the coming days during pre-season training at Trigoria. The Albanian defender spoke to Corriere dello Sport about his prospects under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, saying: "I don't know yet. For now I'm in Rome, then we'll see if I can play my cards or if, instead, we'll look for a shared solution with the club. In that case I hope to go to a club where I can stay for several years, where there's a project." Kumbulla expressed openness to remaining in Serie A or La Liga, having benefited from his development abroad. He acknowledged facing numerous elite attackers in Spain, singling out Sorloth as particularly difficult. The 26-year-old also reflected on his time under José Mourinho at Roma, describing it as enriching and recalling "one of the most beautiful nights of my life" when the club won the Coppa Italia in his home country of Albania, specifically in Tirana. Regarding his fit under Gasperini's system, Kumbulla said: "I have characteristics that could be suited to Gasperini's football. So yes, I could use my qualities but, I repeat, we still need to talk. Without doubt he is one of the best coaches in Italy and Europe." He also noted maintaining contact with former teammates, including recent congratulations to Stephan El Shaarawy on his wedding.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a centre-back as a priority addition to Roma's squad, according to his list of targets presented to ownership. The search is not limited to attacking reinforcements; Gasperini wants an experienced central defender aged 28 or above to serve as a deputy to Mario Hermoso, giving the Spanish defender rest when needed. He has ruled out pursuing young prospects requiring development, such as Jan Ziółkowski, in favour of an established player. Roma enquired about Leo Ostigard in recent weeks, though the Norwegian would only arrive if Evan N'Dicka departs the club—a scenario ruled out with N'Dicka currently viewed as non-transferable. The defensive overhaul is not urgent, with attacking reinforcements taking priority in the coming window. However, the backline will be reinforced before the season progresses further.

Roma are pursuing Alejandro Garnacho as their primary attacking reinforcement following Mason Greenwood's move to Fenerbahce. The club has made initial contact with Chelsea and plans another meeting after the weekend, but the Blues are not open to a loan arrangement and value only a permanent sale. Garnacho has signalled openness to joining Roma. Alternative targets include Ndoye and Lang, while Nicolò Tresoldi of Bruges is under consideration as a deputy for Malen—a deal that could proceed independently of any Artem Dovbyk departure. Meanwhile, Manchester United have shifted their focus to Roma's Manu Koné after withdrawing from the pursuit of Atalanta's Ederson due to physical concerns. United have requested information on Koné, whom Roma value at approximately €50 million. Internally, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has asked for a deputy to Mario Hermoso in central defence, with Genoa's Ostigard among the profiles being scouted. Roma are also exploring Eintracht Frankfurt's Uzun, a 20-year-old whose agents also represent Tresoldi. Contract renewal negotiations with Lorenzo Pellegrini remain unresolved, with a fresh meeting planned in the coming days to close gaps on wages and contract length. Renewals for Zeki Çelik and Paulo Dybala are complete.

Ed Shipley, a senior aide to the Friedkin Group, is expected to arrive at Roma's Trigoria training ground in the coming days. His arrival comes as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares for the squad's July 13 gathering and seeks reinforcements before the start of the season. Roma is ready to submit an initial offer to Marseille for Mason Greenwood worth €40 million plus bonuses, though the proposal falls roughly €10 million short of the French club's asking price. The club has reportedly reached personal terms with the English winger but faces pressure to move quickly to prevent rival interest. Gasperini's transfer wishlist extends beyond Greenwood. The coach has also identified targets including another wide attacker, a wide midfielder, a backup to Hermoso in defence, and an additional midfielder. The overhaul reflects broader changes at the club; Bruno Conti has departed, prompting Roma to restructure its youth academy setup. The coming weeks will be critical as Roma aims to strengthen its squad and prepare for the new campaign under Gasperini's direction.