Malen could switch roles at World Cup as Koeman weighs tactical shift with Depay

Manu Koné is available for transfer this summer, with Manchester United leading the pursuit of the Roma midfielder. The Premier League club have placed him on their shortlist of midfielders to buy and have already opened contact with his representatives, according to L'Equipe. Arsenal showed interest weeks earlier but have been overtaken in the race by the Red Devils. Koné impressed at the World Cup with France and now faces a decision on his future. Roma have not yet received any formal offers at their training ground, Trigoria, despite the growing interest from England. The 23-year-old midfielder remains on the club's list of players available for sale, meaning his departure cannot be ruled out.

Roma and Inter are both tracking Verona right-back Rafik Belghali as a potential signing, according to reports from France. The 2002-born Algerian defender has impressed in his first Serie A season and recently scored for his national team at a World Cup match against Austria. Belghali could be a candidate to replace Zeki Çelik at Roma, following the defender's unexpected departure to Juventus after a contract renewal fell through.

Roma enjoyed a rest day as Crysencio Summerville's move to the club progressed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini used the downtime to meet with D'Amico, Scala, and his backroom staff for lunch at Santa Severa, while transfer activity continued in the background. The Curva Sud ultras issued a message ahead of 22 July, stating: "Roma is ours, let us prove it once more." The statement underscored the supporter base's commitment to the club during an active transfer window period. No team action was scheduled, leaving players to recover ahead of forthcoming fixtures.

Donyell Malen has commented on an uncanny physical likeness between himself and Samuel, a Roma supporter who has been asked for photos, videos and autographs since the Dutch winger arrived in the capital. Responding to a video posted by Radio Romanista on Instagram, Malen said: "Twin brother!" — drawing attention to the remarkable similarity that has captured fans' attention. The number 14 is currently enjoying his post-World Cup break and awaits his return to action under Gasperini at Roma. The comparison has become a talking point among supporters, with some jokingly warning against confusing the two around the city.

Artem Dovbyk has begun the 2026–27 season at Roma following a lengthy injury layoff that sidelined him from February onwards. The Ukrainian striker was among the squad members who reported for pre-season training at Trigoria, where he appeared in a friendly against the Primavera and scored twice, with a third goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Although he was booed by some supporters reflecting his difficult two seasons at the club, Dovbyk now has an opportunity to rehabilitate his Roma career under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Dovbyk arrived in summer 2024 from Girona for a total fee of around €36 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in Roma's history. His first season yielded a respectable 17 goals across all competitions in 45 appearances, but the 2025–26 campaign proved far more disappointing, yielding only three Serie A goals in 14 appearances and one assist in European competition before his injury. At 189 cm tall, Dovbyk possesses a distinctly different physical profile from primary striker Donyell Malen and could operate as a relief option or even alongside the Dutch forward in certain tactical moments. His substantial wages make a departure difficult to arrange, but if he remains, Gasperini can deploy him as a reserve to provide cover and potentially relieve pressure on the player.

Roma's push to sign Summerville from West Ham dominated Roman radio debate, with negotiations reportedly moving toward a deal worth 40–45 million euros. Francesco Balzani reported that talks between Roma and West Ham are progressing well, with a potential agreement expected between that evening and the following day. He cautioned that while Aston Villa poses a theoretical threat, no formal approach had been made at that stage, and timing is crucial: closing the deal quickly eliminates risk, but delay invites competition. Opinion split sharply on the player's merits and tactical fit. Piero Torri expressed enthusiasm for a three-man attacking unit of Summerville on the left, Paulo Dybala on the right, and Donyell Malen centrally, saying: "Summerville a sinistra, Dybala a destra e Malen al centro: con questo tridente non devi mai alzare il pallone, ma per il resto comincio a sentire un certo piacere molto simile all'orgasmo." Others, including former striker Roberto Pruzzo, voiced scepticism, arguing Summerville lacks the decisive quality required and suggesting Roma should pursue alternatives. Claudio Ranieri's unsuccessful pursuit of Mason Greenwood last summer weighed heavily on radio commentary; multiple voices urged caution about repeating that failed chapter. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's measured stance at his press conference—neither dismissing market challenges nor criticising the club's financial strategy—drew careful analysis from Antonio Felici, who noted the manager's tactical alignment with the board on wage discipline.