Radio Roma round-up: Koné's value debated as transfer talk intensifies

Real Madrid's attacking squad is packed with talent — Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo, Mastantuono, García, Endrick and Brahim Díaz — leaving manager José Mourinho with an embarrassment of riches. The club is exploring options to manage the surplus without losing financial or sporting value, and Endrick has emerged as a candidate for departure. The Brazilian, born 2005, cost Real Madrid almost €50 million but remains a work in progress, making him a potential loan or temporary sale candidate. Roma has registered early interest in the 2005-born forward as a target for their attack. Endrick is competing with García for a future at the club, with only one likely to stay. At present, García — already present under Mourinho — holds the advantage after receiving initial signals of approval from the coach. Endrick scored 7 goals in 19 appearances for Lyon, demonstrating his potential both for the present and future. His position is complicated by his timing: having extended his break after the Copa América, he will return to Madrid for pre-season between 26 and 27 July, later than García. García's confirmation could accelerate Endrick's exit, a development Roma is monitoring with hope.

AS Roma are advancing exploratory talks to bring Real Madrid's Endrick to the Stadio Olimpico. The Brazilian attacker, born in 2006, is a highly promising talent who can play as a central striker or in wider attacking roles—qualities that align with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's vision for the forward line. Roma's leadership, guided by Tony D'Amico, is studying the right formula to make the transfer work. The club's preferred approach is to propose a loan deal for the 2026–27 season, a structure Real Madrid have already shown willingness to support. The Spanish giants allowed Endrick to spend the second half of the previous campaign on loan with Ligue 1 side Lyon, and Roma hope to replicate that arrangement. A move to Serie A and European competition would provide the youngster with a prestigious platform to continue his development at the highest level while giving Roma access to emerging attacking talent.

Roma are actively exploring replacements for Manu Koné should the French midfielder depart, with Ederson among their targets. However, the club faces an immediate obstacle: Maurizio Sarri, Atalanta's new head coach, has imposed a firm block on the Brazilian's exit. At a press conference, Sarri stated: "Ederson will return to the squad. My fear was with what mindset the lad could remain here with us. In fact, Ederson has shown maturity and a strong desire to stay: he will be a pillar of this Atalanta." Ederson reportedly has a strong relationship with both Roma technical director D'Amico and coach Gian Piero Gasperini, making him an appealing option in midfield. Roma's transfer activity is intensifying as they seek to strengthen the forward line, with Summerville identified as their primary attacking target. D'Amico is also managing departures: Koné has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, and Roma have set a firm asking price of €60 million for any potential sale. If that figure materialises, the midfielder's exit could accelerate moves to secure a replacement. Sarri's public stance on Ederson, however, has effectively ended those discussions at source, leaving Roma to explore alternative options. Timber, available from Marseille, is being monitored as a potential alternative.

Roma radio pundits debated the club's managerial direction and Manu Koné's market value in a daily commentary roundup. Carina on Radio Radio said Ferdinand, described as a serious figure with Manchester contacts, did not invent claims about a managerial agreement: "I don't think he made anything up." Carina suggested Roma may already have an agreement with Koné and are now negotiating with his current club, noting that Koné's departure is highly probable. He deemed the €59 million valuation appropriate but suggested it could rise further by comparison to similar deals. Orsi on Radio Radio countered that €53 million represents fair value for Koné: "For 53 million, I'd sell Koné—that's a good price." Pruzzo on Radio Radio stressed that Roma's technical direction matters less than the quality of incoming additions, predicting Manchester will pay whatever necessary and arguing the midfield needs rebuilding regardless of Koné's future. Ciotti and Fidanza on Radio Romanista praised midfielder Paredes' leadership and composure under Gasperini, comparing his personality to Svilar and Mancini. Fidanza highlighted Paredes' composure in the recent derby and noted his ability to operate at the tactical limit without accumulating yellow cards, contrasting him with players such as Hermoso who lose focus more readily.

Roma are pursuing a contract extension for goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini as part of a broader squad retention effort following the recent renewal of Paulo Dybala and ongoing negotiations with Zeki Çelik and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The club intends to prolong Gollini's deal by a further year, extending it from its current expiry date of June 2027 to June 2028, according to Il Tempo. Gollini, who responded to Gasperini's call-up for the national team gathering, is set to continue as backup to Mile Svilar for the next two seasons. Despite limited playing time last season, appearing only in Roma's Europa League group-stage match against Panathinaikos, Gollini remains valued as a reliable and important resource for the squad. The goalkeeper's retention forms part of Roma's preparations for a demanding campaign ahead, with the club committed to competing in both Serie A and the Champions League. The consolidation of Gollini's status reflects Roma's strategy to maintain squad depth and experience in a season expected to be lengthy and challenging.

Roma's 2026–27 season got underway at the Trigoria training ground as players arrived for pre-season, drawing around 100 supporters to Piazzale Dino Viola on a hot summer day with temperatures reaching 34 degrees in the afternoon. The first arrivals included Ghilardi, Angeliño, and Soulé, with supporters greeting the squad enthusiastically throughout the morning. Coach Gasperini arrived without signing autographs or posing for photos but opened his car window to acknowledge the fans. Pisilli drew particular acclaim from the gathering, while Wesley, described as one of the squad's brightest stars, spent time engaging with the crowd despite the heavy gathering around his vehicle. Other squad members including Gollini, Mancini, Dovbyk, Svilar, Hermoso, Vaz, Rensch, Ziółkowski, and Cristante all passed through during the session. Some players, including Dybala, Kumbulla, Mannini, Reale, and Pagano, arrived discreetly. One supporter praised Dybala's commitment, saying: "He gave proof of a great gesture of love towards the city and fans, accepting the salary reduction." The atmosphere captured the renewed optimism surrounding the club as preparation for the new campaign began.

Roma have opened talks to sign Endrick from Real Madrid on loan as they look to bolster their attacking options. The 21-year-old Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabéu and is available to leave, having recently completed a six-month loan spell at Lyon under Fonseca where he scored 7 goals in 19 matches. Endrick would reunite with fellow Brazilian Wesley at the Giallorossi and is open to the move. Real Madrid are unwilling to sell permanently and prefer to loan the player out with a fee attached, allowing them to assess his future prospects. Roma would be interested on those terms but want to include a redemption clause with a buyback option favouring Real Madrid. The structure suits the capital club financially as they attempt to add depth to their forward line. However, the move faces a potential obstacle: José Mourinho intends to further evaluate Endrick before committing to bringing him in, keen to test whether he fits the team's tactical needs for the coming season.

Roma have emerged as contenders to sign Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, the 20-year-old Brazilian forward, on a loan deal from Real Madrid. The approach, which surfaced around late June, follows Roma's earlier pursuit of other attacking targets including Summerville and Garnacho. Real Madrid are prepared to send Endrick out on a paid loan with the option of an agreement that could include a substantial buyout clause and a buyback clause in the club's favour. Endrick has attracted the interest of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who views him as a versatile second striker capable of operating across the attack and suited to Roma's tactical system, including a potential 3-4-1-2 formation. The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Lyon, where he scored 7 goals in 19 matches, and faces intense competition for minutes at Real Madrid. Salary is not a significant obstacle—Endrick earns 2.5 million euros gross per season. Roma's squad already includes Wesley, Endrick's Brazilian national-team colleague, which could ease his integration. For Gasperini, Endrick could also provide cover for Donyell Malen in the attacking line.

Roma returned to action following a visit from around a hundred supporters at Piazzale Dino Viola, with high spirits evident among the squad. Players including Wesley, Gianluca Mancini, Matías Soulé and Jan Ziółkowski shared their excitement across social media, reflecting the positive mood surrounding the club's preparations. The gathering demonstrated strong engagement between the Roma fanbase and the playing staff during the training camp at Trigoria. The visible enthusiasm from the giallorossi players underscored the club's momentum as preparation continues.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is on the verge of signing a new Roma contract following a productive meeting between sporting director Tony D'Amico and the player's agent Giampiero Pocetta. The fresh talks have strengthened optimism that a deal will be concluded shortly, effectively closing the door on speculation that Juventus might move for the Roma number seven. With contract situations resolved or nearly finalised for Paulo Dybala, Zeki Çelik, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante, Pellegrini's renewal represents the final piece needed to secure continuity in the technical project under the new management. Roma's determination to wrap up negotiations reflects the club's commitment to keeping the midfielder at the core of the squad.

Roma are close to securing Lorenzo Pellegrini on a new contract, the final piece in a comprehensive squad renewal drive under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Director of sport Tony D'Amico held a productive meeting with Pellegrini's agent Giampiero Pocetta, reinforcing optimism that an agreement will be reached soon. The club aims to wrap up the deal in the coming days to silence market speculation, including reported interest from Juventus in the Roma number seven. Pellegrini's renewal represents the last major contract to be settled after Roma secured Paulo Dybala, Zeki Çelik, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante on fresh terms. The negotiations have proceeded in a calm atmosphere, with both parties working with determination to conclude the matter and maintain continuity in the technical project under the current management. Securing Pellegrini will complete the reinforcement of Roma's core group and close off all outstanding contract business.

Roma are pursuing contract renewals with two of their senior players as part of a strategy to build the club's future around proven leaders. Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante are close to agreeing new deals that will extend their time at the club, with negotiations led by Tony D'Amico and backed by Ryan Friedkin. The operation is expected to be completed by the end of July. Mancini will sign through 2029, while Cristante will commit until 2028, allowing both players to reach ten complete seasons in the giallorossi shirt. The renewals carry symbolic weight beyond the contracts themselves, representing Roma's confidence in players who steered the team through difficult periods and guided them back to the Champions League. Cristante's extension is particularly significant given his standing in the club's all-time appearances rankings; if he maintains his current pace, he could challenge the historical top three occupied by legends including Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi. Mancini is positioned to follow close behind. The renewals come after Roma already secured extensions for Paulo Dybala and signed Zeki Çelik. However, Lorenzo Pellegrini's contract situation remains unresolved, with the midfielder awaiting agreement on fresh terms to complete the senior core on which the club intends to build its new cycle.