Pellegrini contract renewal edges closer as Roma seal captain on fresh terms

Antonio Nusa has played down weeks of transfer rumours linking him to Roma, insisting he has never asked to leave RB Leipzig. The Norwegian striker, who Roma have been tracking as a priority summer target, returned from World Cup holiday and spoke to Sky Sport DE to clarify his position. "I have never expressed the will to leave Leipzig, there are rumours and there always will be. The media can write what they want. I simply relaxed a bit on holiday and now I am here at Leipzig — those are the facts," Nusa said. Roma have maintained a strong interest in the 22-year-old as they seek to strengthen their attacking options, but the cost of any deal remains prohibitively high for the Giallorossi. The club are now studying alternatives, with Endrick and Fofana also under consideration as potential targets to improve their squad depth and quality.

Roma director Gianluca D'Amico has secured Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confident the Argentine winger is perfectly suited to his 3-4-2-1 formation. Initial concerns about how Molina would adapt to playing as a right-sided defender rather than his familiar centre-back role at Atlético Madrid, where he won the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar, have been allayed by Gasperini's assessment of his tactical profile. Molina's experience and reliability are expected to address Roma's defensive flanks, particularly when deployed as a wing-back rather than in a traditional full-back capacity. D'Amico arranged the signing during a recent trip to Madrid and is now pushing forward with a second wide player acquisition. Roma are in advanced talks to sign Cacciamani from Torino for less than €15 million. The club aims to secure two external defenders at a combined cost well below the price of a single marquee signing, as Roma reshape their squad options on both flanks for the new season.

Angeliño has officially left AS Roma after a difficult season, returning to Spanish club Deportivo La Coruña. The left-back shared a farewell message on Instagram, reflecting on his time in the Giallorossi colours and thanking the club, staff, and supporters. The Spanish defender expressed his gratitude for the experience at the Olimpico: "It was an honour to wear this shirt and defend the Giallorossi colours. From day one I felt part of a great and welcoming family, and playing every match at the Olimpico is a privilege I will always remember with affection. Leaving Rome is never easy and a part of me will always stay here." He extended his appreciation to the wider Roma organization and the fanbase, stating: "Thanks to the club, the coaching staff and all the people who work for this club, but especially thanks to the fans for making me feel one of you. The memory of the warmth of the Olimpico will remain indelible." Angeliño's departure concludes a challenging campaign at Roma. The Friedkin Group–owned club will now focus on alternative options at left-back as preparations continue for the 2026-27 season.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a one-year contract extension with AS Roma at €2.5 million per season, rejecting longer-term offers in a move that binds his future to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The midfielder accepted the reduced deal on an instinctive decision, despite initial negotiations that explored three-year and two-year options. Gasperini pushed strongly for the renewal. Pellegrini's choice to accept a single year without options came after rejections of more lucrative longer-term proposals. The academy product had been in talks for several weeks as Roma sought to secure their captain beyond the current campaign. The decision to accept a considerably lower figure than his previous contract terms reflects his commitment to the club, though sources indicate he did not consult closely with friends and family before agreeing. The two parties are finalising minor details, with an official announcement expected in the coming hours.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is on the verge of agreeing a contract extension with Roma after positive talks in recent days have revived negotiations. According to Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement until 2027 has been reached, with the final step being the paperwork and signatures in the coming days. Pellegrini, currently training with a personal coach to maintain fitness, has always had Roma as his primary option throughout discussions. Talk had slowed in recent weeks, but the arrival of Ryan Friedkin in Wales has accelerated the club's activity. The midfielder from Cinecittà was previously the club's number 7. All documentation now needs to be reviewed and finalised before the deal is formally completed. The renewal comes as Roma await further signings in attack and on the right flank, with Molina expected to arrive.

Daniele Ghilardi has reflected on his first season at Roma and his hopes for the 2026–27 campaign in an interview with Vocegiallorossa. The defender, who marked an anniversary of his arrival at the club, acknowledged that breaking into the first team proved difficult initially. "When I arrived, I knew that finding playing time would not be easy, and it was the case," he said. "In the first months I played very little, then, little by little, I earned the manager's trust. I fitted in very well and managed to carve out some minutes, and I hope that this year I can do even better." Ghilardi credited his early spell on the bench as valuable preparation. He cited the intensity of pre-season training and Roma's recent Champions League qualification at Hellas Verona—a stadium where he previously played—as significant milestones. The 23-year-old expressed his ambition to compete in Europe's elite competition, having dreamed of such an opportunity since his early days at Lucca. Regarding the recent arrival of Koulierakis in defence, Ghilardi welcomed the increased competition within the squad. "Competition is something that does good," he said, "because it helps everyone improve. Everyone always gives their maximum, because obviously we train to play." Ghilardi also addressed the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini from the squad this season. "If he came back, it would be a pleasure for me," he said, acknowledging Pellegrini's support during his settling-in period. He expressed his determination to earn an Italy international call-up and reiterated that transfer rumours have not affected his focus.