Pellegrini contract extension moving closer as Roma close in on attacking reinforcements

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.

Paulo Dybala has emerged as Roma's bright spot in an otherwise quiet transfer window, impressing during pre-season work at Trigoria over the opening two weeks. The Argentine scored three goals across early tests against the Primavera and Trastevere, operating consistently on the right flank alongside Wesley. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has paired the pair to devastating effect, with the Brazilian exploiting Dybala's inward runs to attack space in overlapping positions. Roma underlined Dybala's strategic and symbolic importance when they stationed him on the balcony of via degli Uffici del Vicario on the night of 21–22 July to greet almost 10,000 supporters gathered for the club's birthday celebrations. While Gasperini works with Dybala and Matías Soulé on the pitch, the sporting directorate pursues reinforcements on the left wing—a priority after failed moves for Greenwood and Summerville. Director of Sport Tony D'Amico is monitoring several international profiles, including Antonio Nusa and Said El Mala of Cologne, though the German club's €50 million valuation for the 19-year-old gives Roma pause given his single season of Bundesliga experience. Recent additions to the shortlist include Oscar Bobb of Manchester City and Brazilian Luiz Henrique.

Roma have added Christopher Nkunku to their transfer shortlist as the club's summer recruitment remains stalled heading into August. The Giallorossi have seen moves for Greenwood and Summerville fall through, leaving Gasperini still awaiting his first reinforcement. A left-winger remains the priority, with Antonio Nusa the dream target, but Leipzig's €60 million valuation and reluctance to sell present a significant obstacle. Recruitment chief D'Amico continues to widen the pool of candidates, with El Mala of Cologne another profile under consideration. Nkunku, who struggled through a season at Milan, re-enters Roma's thinking after being monitored in January. The French forward is considered a player to Gasperini's liking, and a change of scenery could appeal given the circumstances at his current club. The arrival of new Milan manager Amorim may also influence potential transfer movement. Roma's need to accelerate their summer business is becoming urgent as the August window approaches and the squad remains short of the attacking reinforcements the coaching staff require.

Roma's plans to strengthen the attack are dependent on outgoings first. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants a new partner to support Donyell Malen, but the club must lighten its forward line and free up wage space before investing. Artem Dovbyk is the primary target for departure, with his sale crucial for Roma to raise funds and create salary room. The Ukrainian striker has attracted interest from Genoa and Fiorentina, while Bologna are monitoring a potential swap involving Santiago Castro, and Villarreal are also keeping watch from abroad. In addition to Dovbyk's permanent exit, Roma's sporting director Tony D'Amico plans to move young Robinio Vaz out on loan to guarantee him regular playing time. The capital club's strategy is now clearly defined: reduce the wage bill, generate the necessary resources, and then pursue the attacking reinforcement requested by Gasperini. The restructuring of the squad reflects Roma's intention to reshape the forward department while maintaining financial discipline.

Roma are exploring multiple attacking options as they seek reinforcements for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini following their rejection of Leeds United's Summerville. Sauer, the Feyenoord winger previously targeted in January, has returned to Roma's radar alongside Akturkoglu of Fenerbahçe. The club is also pursuing Reyes from Club America; Mexican sources report Roma have submitted a formal offer, with the club demanding 8 million euros for the player. Roma's recruitment strategy is now firmly focused on acquiring a winger before addressing the need for a back-up to Donyell Malen. Nusa remains the primary target, though alternatives are being evaluated. Among secondary options, Castro currently leads Tresoldi in the pecking order for consideration. The transfer window remains quiet as the club methodically works through its shortlist to find the right fit for Gasperini's tactical requirements.

Roma have submitted an official offer to Club America for Mexico defender Israel Reyes, according to TUDN journalist Gibran Araje. The 2000-born centre-back has been on the club's radar for several weeks and could become the Giallorossi's first signing of the season, valued at approximately €8 million. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is conducting transfer business quietly as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini awaits reinforcements before Roma's trip to Wales. The coach's primary priorities remain an left winger and a deputy to Donyell Malen in attack, yet the Reyes pursuit suggests the defensive reshuffle may accelerate unexpectedly. The two clubs are in constant contact to finalise terms on the defender's move. Reyes had initially attracted Roma's attention at their Trigoria training ground in recent weeks before media focus shifted temporarily away from the prospect. The negotiations have now intensified, with both parties working toward a resolution in the coming days.

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.

Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig remains Gian Piero Gasperini's first choice for the left-wing position, but Roma's summer planning continues to clash with negotiating reality. The German club's €60 million valuation is beyond Roma's parameters, with Newcastle also strongly positioned for the player. Nusa, who cuts infield from the left flank, became the priority after failed moves for Greenwood and Summerville. On outgoings, Manchester United continues to pursue midfielder Manu Koné and is prepared to offer €55 million. Roma are also working on a deputy striker to Donyell Malen, anticipating departures of Artem Dovbyk and young prospect Robinio Vaz. Club Brugge rejected Roma's opening bid of €35 million for striker Nicolò Tresoldi, considering the 2004-born forward untouchable following their €40 million sale of Tzolis, though Manchester United has also entered the race. Roma have turned attention to Bologna's Santiago Castro, the Argentine striker valued at approximately €40 million by the Emiliani, who may negotiate if presented with €30–32 million plus bonuses; Castro scored 11 goals last season. Separately, Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract renewal remains unresolved, with the prospect of departure on a free transfer becoming increasingly concrete without a final agreement.

Roma are pursuing four key transfers to complete Gian Piero Gasperini's squad ahead of the new season. The priority signings are Nusa, Castro of Bologna, a right-sided midfielder, and an attacking winger, with combined spending expected to reach approximately €110 million. Nusa remains a top target despite Roma's previous €47 million offer for Summerville having expired. Castro is being negotiated at a base of €30 million plus bonuses to serve as an understudy to Donyell Malen—a role Gasperini insists must be filled by a player of equivalent quality to manage both Champions League and Serie A without hesitation. A right-sided midfielder is valued at around €35 million, with Moreira of Strasbourg among candidates following an initial €50 million asking price that was reduced to approximately €40 million plus add-ons. For the right-sided attacking role, Roma are exploring a loan deal—potentially including a two-year term with a purchase option—for Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa from Real Madrid, similar to the arrangement Real Madrid structured with Como for Nico Paz. The plan involves three permanent purchases and one loan. Gasperini also wants Lorenzo Pellegrini to sign a new contract, with the coach urging the club to accelerate negotiations with the former captain. Roma also need to move quickly on exits: Matías Soulé is available, and further sales may be necessary to meet Financial Fair Play requirements by 30 July, with any proceeds to be reinvested. A sixth centre-back is also targeted, likely on loan.