Malen sends tactical message to Koeman: 'I am a true striker'

Marash Kumbulla has expressed openness to remaining at Roma under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, though his long-term future at the club remains undecided. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the defender said: "Ancora non lo so. Intanto sono a Roma, poi vedremo se potrò giocare le mie carte o se invece cercheremo una soluzione condivisa con la società. Se resterò, bene, non ho mai avuto problemi di alcun tipo. Altrimenti spero di andare in un club dove poter restare più anni, dove ci sia un progetto insomma." He added that Serie A and La Liga are the leagues best suited to his style. Kumbulla believes his defensive attributes could suit Gasperini's high-intensity approach. "Ho delle caratteristiche che potrebbero essere adatte al gioco di Gasperini," he explained, noting his previous experience under Juric at Verona, whose methods shared similarities with the former Real Madrid coach. The 25-year-old praised Gasperini as "uno dei migliori allenatori d'Italia e d'Europa," and expressed how meaningful it would be to work under him again, reflecting on his earlier time together that included winning the UEFA Europa Conference League at home in Tirana—"una delle notti più belle della mia vita."

Roma's players will report to Trigoria on 13 July for the official start of the 2026–27 season, and next week will also see the press conference presentation of new sporting director Tony D'Amico. D'Amico will be introduced to the Roma fanbase and will have the opportunity to discuss the club's market strategy with journalists. The timing of the presentation means Gasperini will have no new signings available at the start of pre-season training. D'Amico is expected to address several key issues during his appearance, including inbound transfer targets, outgoing departures, and contract renewal negotiations with existing squad members.

Roma captain Bryan Cristante has spoken about his relationship with head coach Gasperini, describing the manager's approach as demanding yet engaging. In an interview with SportWeek, Cristante explained: "With the manager you play attacking football, you run, you attack, you score and you get many goals. It is hard work, but it is entertaining. Whether you are English or Chinese, you immediately understand what he wants from you." Cristante also discussed the significance of the Derby della Capitale, Roma's fixture against Lazio. "When I arrived in Rome they told me: 'Remember the derby'. It is a different match from the others, it goes beyond three points," he said. The captain reflected more broadly on young Italian players gaining experience abroad, believing such moves are beneficial: "The more we send out, the more we will benefit from it, the national team included. Playing there opens your mind, you mature faster." On football in general, Cristante struck a philosophical note, saying: "It is beautiful, but it is a world of mad people, so I have followed my own straight line: that is what brought me here and I work hard every day." The full interview will be published tomorrow.

Nicolò Tresoldi, Bruges striker, has signalled his willingness to join Roma, where he would bolster the attack alongside Donyell Malen. Roma are in negotiations with Bruges to lower their asking price, targeting a deal around €25 million. Manu Koné remains a target for Premier League clubs, with Liverpool rekindling their interest after an earlier probe and Manchester United weighing a concrete bid. The French midfielder favours a move to England, but Roma regard him as central to their project. Only an offer near €50 million would convince the club to negotiate. Roma have also announced the consensual termination of Federico Guidi's contract as Primavera coach. The club thanked Guidi for his work developing youth academy players; during his tenure he won a Coppa Italia Primavera, an Italian Primavera Super Cup, and reached the 2024 Scudetto final. Commentary on Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation suggests renewal is imminent, with pundit Aspri stating: "I have certainty on Dybala and Celik and also on Lorenzo Pellegrini: I'm putting this card on the table today, there are no problems on this agreement, it just needs fine-tuning. Within today this contract must be announced." Former player Pruzzo offered contrasting views, suggesting Roma would not be overly concerned should Pellegrini leave.

Roma are accelerating their transfer activity ahead of the start of their preseason retreat tomorrow. The club continues to pursue reinforcements tailored to Gian Piero Gasperini's system, with Alexandre Greenwood no longer an option. Alejandro Garnacho remains the priority target for Roma's offensive department, with the club studying a deal structured similarly to the Donyell Malen transfer. Gasperini is untroubled by Garnacho's situation at Manchester United—his contract enters its final year—a lesson learned from Roma's pursuit of Lookman. Roma are also evaluating offers for Diego Moreira from Strasbourg, with the shared ownership structure involving Chelsea potentially working in their favour. Martinelli is unlikely to join, as the Arsenal forward shows no inclination to leave London. On the outbound front, Matías Soulé has attracted substantial Premier League interest, with multiple English clubs making enquiries about the Argentine winger. Roma are holding firm at their €35 million valuation. Manu Koné, the French midfielder, has also drawn attention from elite English sides; after Manchester United's early interest, Liverpool have reignited their pursuit. Roma's recruitment operation is in full swing as the summer window gathers pace.

Roma's pre-season gathering at Trigoria begins tomorrow, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini arriving in the morning to oversee operations. Players who featured in the World Cup—Çelik, Malen, Salah-Eddine, El Aynaoui, and N'Dicka—will receive extended leave, while Paulo Dybala is expected to be present. The official squad list will be announced tomorrow morning rather than in advance, delayed until Dybala's contract renewal is formally confirmed. All players are scheduled to report before midday for medical examinations, followed by a training session in the afternoon as the new season officially gets under way. Ryan Friedkin is anticipated to arrive in Rome in the coming days. D'Amico will be present for the start of pre-season, but Lorenzo Pellegrini remains absent after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension.