Pruzzo: Roma need certainties, not gambles

Paulo Dybala has agreed a contract renewal to stay at Roma for at least another year following weeks of negotiations. The final detail—contractual clauses linked to bonuses—has been resolved, with only official announcement pending. Mason Greenwood remains Roma's primary attacking target, but the deal faces complications. Greenwood's father Andrew has increased his son's wage demands from €5 million to €6 million per year. Roma and the Friedkin Group have made their position clear: no salary increases will be accepted. The club is working to narrow the gap with Marseille's asking price of at least €45 million for the English forward. Greenwood has several days to accept Roma's proposal; if he declines, the club will pursue alternative targets. Atlético Madrid has withdrawn from the race for Greenwood, with Lee Kang-In's transfer from PSG to the Spanish club close to official announcement for €40 million.

Gian Piero Gasperini said Roma's contract renewals are imminent, describing the situation as "a matter of days" in an interview at a Champions League event. The head coach confirmed he remains in constant contact with the Friedkin Group ownership and expects significant movement in the coming week as the new season approaches and the transfer window gains momentum. "Certainly we hear from each other very much, but there is also continuous dialogue with the Ownership," Gasperini said. "Now that we are getting closer to the start of the season, to the market... the World Cup shifted attention away from everything, for the players and for the agents themselves. From next week I think we will get into the thick of things." Gasperini highlighted Roma's solid foundation after securing Champions League football. "I believe Roma has demonstrated it has a good base, a solid and competitive group," he said. "The Ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible. We will try to work, especially D'Amico who is very committed on all fronts, to give satisfaction to the fans." Reflecting on last season's campaign, Gasperini noted the team struggled only briefly despite a difficult spell in March. "After the defeat to Inter it became difficult, but this squad in 38 matches found itself in difficulty for two games if we talk about the Champions zone," he said, pointing to a strong finish that secured their return to European football's elite club competition.

Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Roma's pre-season will begin next week and outlined the club's ambitions following Champions League qualification. Speaking at a Sky Sport 2026–27 schedule presentation, the head coach stated: "After the qualification in Champions we want to be protagonists also in the next season." Gasperini revealed he is in constant contact with sporting director Tony D'Amico and the ownership, with the transfer market set to intensify in the coming days. On contract renewals, he offered reassurance: "They will be announced by the club, but we are all happy to continue together. It is a matter of days." Paulo Dybala will remain at Roma after a total agreement was reached on his contract renewal, with all bonus details finalised. The club is expected to announce the extension shortly. Franck Kessié is also on Roma's radar, with Gasperini having managed the midfielder at Atalanta and appreciating his physical and dynamic qualities. However, Kessié's wage demands remain prohibitively high despite his availability on a free transfer, making the move unlikely unless he significantly reduces his salary expectations. Analysts have questioned the feasibility of a move for Mason Greenwood, with concerns focused on both the transfer fee to Marseille and Greenwood's own financial demands. Roberto Pruzzo noted that if Roma do proceed with signing Greenwood as an alternative to current striker Artem Dovbyk, the club should prioritise establishing clear targets rather than speculative moves ahead of what is expected to be a two-year title push.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's summer plans while in Milan for Sky Sport's season launch event, alongside director Tony D'Amico. The head coach confirmed pre-season training begins Monday next week and outlined the club's immediate priorities. Gasperini said: "We are still on holiday, we start next Monday. These have been mixed holidays, with a lot of work and many thoughts about next season. Certainly after achieving Champions League, we want to be protagonists and do well. But it is still early." On the transfer window, Gasperini stressed that momentum will accelerate imminently. "From next week I think we will get into full swing," he stated, noting that global fixtures have delayed movement in the market. He confirmed Roma's priority is signing wingers and expressed satisfaction with the squad's core, stating: "I believe Roma has shown it has a good base, a solid and competitive group. The ownership's objective is to improve as much as possible." Gasperini also highlighted the talent being tracked, referencing an upcoming international clash involving Koné and El Aynaoui. Regarding the upcoming Champions League campaign, he warned of the competition's intensity: "It is an extremely tough competition. You find teams there that have truly dominated ours. We should arrive competitive and equipped because there is a risk of making poor showings." When asked about Malen, Gasperini dismissed suggestions the winger would be unsettled, saying: "Malen will be very happy at Roma."

Mason Greenwood is Roma's primary transfer target, with head coach Gasperini having worked on the deal for weeks and convinced the English winger of the club's project. While several other attacking options have emerged—including Garnacho, Summerville, Adingra, and Tel—these are viewed as opportunities rather than priorities. Roma's plan remains unchanged: a significant portion of the attack budget is reserved for Greenwood, whom Gasperini considers the right investment despite the importance of spending wisely. Negotiations with Marseille are ongoing, and a wage agreement with Greenwood's representatives must be finalised following the player's latest salary demands. Gasperini has repeatedly stated the principle guiding Roma's strategy: spending large sums matters less than spending them correctly. Greenwood embodies this philosophy—an important but justified investment that aligns with the club's vision. Once the Greenwood situation is resolved, Roma will address other attacking targets, including wide players and a backup for Malen. The English forward remains the singular priority for the Giallorossi.

Roma have rejected an approach from Andrea Pinamonti's agent regarding a move to the club. The striker was offered as a potential deputy to Donyell Malen, with head coach Gasperini seeking a functional replacement capable of rotating with the Dutch winger without compromising attacking output and goal threat. Roma's primary search centres on identifying a backup forward, though the club must first offload Artem Dovbyk before proceeding. Matteo Tresoldi had emerged as the stronger target, but the deal has cooled due to cost and profile concerns. Pinamonti's proposal from his representative did not gain traction; Roma deemed him non-essential to their immediate transfer plans. The door has not been entirely closed, however, and market circumstances could revive interest in the 25-year-old in coming weeks. Rigoria officials have made clear Pinamonti is not a priority at this stage, though all options remain fluid in the transfer window. Roma will continue evaluating alternatives alongside efforts to move Dovbyk before finalising their attacking reinforcements.