Pellegrini contract deadlock broken: new terms agreed

Roma have agreed a deal to sign Santiago Castro from Bologna after the Argentine forward gave his approval to the move two days ago following discussions with Gasperini. The transfer will be completed on a permanent basis for 30 million euros in fixed fees plus 5 million in performance bonuses, with Castro expected to arrive at Ciampino airport between this evening and tomorrow. Once he lands, the 2004-born attacker will join the squad for their departure to Wales, where the club's pre-season training camp continues its second phase. The move marks Roma's primary summer signing, contingent on final bureaucratic details being resolved. Gasperini, who worked with Castro at Atalanta, is keen to have the player at his disposal as soon as possible. Roma's director of sport D'Amico targeted completion of the formalities on 26 July to expedite Castro's integration into the squad. Discussions between the clubs had focused on bonus structures and sell-on percentage clauses to be added to Bologna's initial asking price of 35 million euros before the agreement was finalised. Castro will depart Italy alongside the rest of the Roma contingent heading to Wales for the continuation of summer preparations ahead of the new season.

Roma and Bologna are closing in on a loan deal for Artem Dovbyk, with the Ukrainian striker set to move to the Emilia-Romagna club after falling out of favour under Gasperini. The transfer hinges on Roma finalising its agreement with Bologna for Santiago Castro, an operation valued at approximately 35 million euros that Roma hoped to conclude on 26 July. Once Castro's deal is ratified, negotiations over Dovbyk's departure will enter a decisive phase; Bologna is proposing a loan arrangement through 2027, and all parties involved remain confident of reaching an agreement. Dovbyk has already spoken with Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco and is seriously considering the move, though has not yet given his final consent. The call between Tedesco and the Ukrainian striker went well, and efforts are ongoing to complete the operation. Dovbyk, a former La Liga top scorer, no longer fits Gasperini's plans; Castro's arrival would leave him with even less playing time. Fiorentina has also made enquiries about the striker and could accelerate their interest should the move to Bologna fall through. Bologna's challenge lies in managing Dovbyk's high salary, but the club is working to find a sustainable financial solution that all sides can accept.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been proposed to Roma, but the deal remains unlikely to progress. The English attacker, who recently returned to Old Trafford following a loan spell at Barcelona, was evaluated by Roma's management. However, the club has encountered significant financial barriers that make a move improbable at present. The primary obstacle is cost: Rashford's €12 million annual salary far exceeds Roma's wage parameters, and the overall transfer fee is considered prohibitively expensive. Intermediaries have held preliminary talks, with D'Amico attempting to establish the scope of a potential deal, but no concrete progress has materialised. Manchester United has also yet to clarify its long-term plans for the winger, further complicating matters. Roma will continue pursuing alternative targets as this avenue appears unlikely to develop. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's priority remains signing a left-flank reinforcement, with Nusa identified as the preferred profile. The club is considerably closer to completing a separate acquisition: negotiations over Bologna forward Castro are advancing on terms of €30 million plus €5 million in performance bonuses, with an announcement expected imminently.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has agreed fresh terms with AS Roma after the club overcame a key sticking point in negotiations. Pellegrini had sought a three-year deal, but Roma offered a two-year contract with an option for a third year—a proposal the midfielder accepted. As part of the agreement, Pellegrini took a significant wage cut, dropping from 4 million plus bonuses to 2.5 million per season. The renewal represents a boost for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the second phase of Roma's summer training camp. Pellegrini's contract resolution clears the path for the club to focus on other transfer priorities. Santiago Castro is arriving as Roma's first summer signing, while sporting director D'Amico continues to pursue a left-footed right winger. Nusa remains the club's preferred target, though RB Leipzig's asking price of 60 million euros remains a significant obstacle.

Santiago Castro is on the verge of joining Roma in a deal worth 30 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses, with the agreement between the club and player already in place. Final details with Bologna are being resolved, and the Argentine forward could arrive in the capital tomorrow. Gasperini requested Castro, having wanted him during his time at Atalanta. The move forms part of a broader transfer sequence: Artem Dovbyk is being offered to Bologna on loan, though the Ukrainian striker has not yet given his approval for the move to Emilia-Romagna. Meanwhile, Roma's recruitment continues on multiple fronts. Lorenzo Pellegrini is close to signing a new contract—a two-year deal with an option for a third year, according to reports. On the wing, Roma remain active on Nusa but have revived interest in Alajbegovic, competing with Chelsea for his signature. Manchester United is pressing hard for Manu Koné; the club received fresh contact with the French midfielder's agent yesterday, though Roma are awaiting the Red Devils' first formal offer. A move for Marcus Rashford has been ruled out due to prohibitive costs, and the English forward himself has not opened the door to an Italian move.

Lorenzo Pellegrini remains in limbo nearly a month after his contract expired on 30 June, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen to retain him but negotiations still unresolved ahead of the new season. Gasperini has sought Pellegrini's confirmation alongside Paulo Dybala and Zeki Çelik; Dybala has already signed new terms and Çelik has departed, but Pellegrini's future remains uncertain. The midfielder is currently recovering from a previous season injury and unavailable for training, which has extended talks. Gasperini said: "I hope for the renewal, but at this moment the player could not train. He must recover from injury, for this reason the timescales are a little longer. In the meantime I hope he can recover as soon as possible, then reach an agreement." A banner from the Roma supporters' group appeared at the training ground reading: "Making a mistake can happen... Repeating it means carelessness! Let's hold on to Lorenzo!" Bryan Cristante added his support after Roma's friendly with Trastevere at Trigoria, saying he had been in contact with Pellegrini and was waiting for him with open arms. The sticking point centres on contract duration: Pellegrini is requesting a three-year deal but would reportedly accept two years. The squad will soon relocate from Trigoria to Wales for their summer training camp.