Radio Rome Debate: Dybala Should Sign Contract Renewal Without Delay

Roma radio commentators have offered contrasting views on the club's transfer strategy and Gian Piero Gasperini's first press conference as head coach. Filippo Biafora said Summerville remains a target but that the winger's representatives have scaled back their wage demands from early June levels. "The situation is not exaggerated, we're working on it: let's see if we get a yes from the player," Biafora said. "There's interest from Aston Villa, which adds urgency. I think Roma needs to work and find common ground with the player in order to speak with West Ham. If everything were settled, why hasn't Roma already paid West Ham?" Biafora stressed that Roma is pursuing multiple fronts simultaneously: "I think Roma is working on more than just Summerville, and we didn't discover that ourselves." Ugo Trani noted the club faces several personnel issues—Zeki Çelik's departure, Mason Greenwood's exit, and Lorenzo Pellegrini's unsigned contract status—which he expects Gasperini to address. Trani also flagged expectations that Roma will appoint a sporting director above Florian Thauvin D'Amico to speak on behalf of ownership. Roberto Pruzzo criticised players issuing emotional farewell letters and suggested Roma should seek a different profile than Dodó as Çelik's replacement, arguing the Brazilian defender is limited to fullback duties and cannot function as a back three component.

Radio commentators have weighed in on Roma's transfer strategy and internal disputes, with particular focus on Zeki Çelik's public letter and the club's pursuit of winger Summerville. Carina on Radio Radio argued that Çelik overstepped by playing both sides but stressed the real problem lies with the coaching staff receiving only one of three requested signings by squad assembly day. On Pellegrini, Carina remarked: "He would pay to play for Roma"—suggesting the captain's loyalty at a time when rival clubs including Juventus and Besiktas have made more lucrative offers. Pruzzo on Radio Radio said: "In my view, Çelik's letter makes the situation worse." He suggested bringing in Dodo would plug a gap but preferred alternative full-back options, citing Çelik's proven capability. Biafora at Mana Mana Sport confirmed Roma's interest in Summerville but noted his entourage's initial demands were steep. The West Ham winger's asking price has softened from early June levels, though Aston Villa's competing interest adds urgency. Biafora stressed Roma must first agree terms with Summerville before negotiating with West Ham, questioning why the transfer has stalled: "If everything was okay, why hasn't Roma already paid West Ham?" He indicated the club is working multiple fronts and that Koné is unlikely to remain at Roma next season, requiring a replacement midfielder.

Walter Sabatini, former Roma executive, expressed delight at Riccardo Massara's appointment at Juventus in an interview with SportWeek, calling it a move that has 'regenerated' him. Sabatini described Massara and Spalletti as 'the perfect pairing to win again' and highlighted Massara's education as his finest quality, noting that such professionalism is necessary at a club like Juventus but 'loses in places like Roma'. Sabatini recalled his relationship with Massara, recounting how he instructed him to find a foreign manager in summer 2013 and Massara delivered Rudi Garcia to the hotel door the next day. When asked about Gasperini and his current Roma project, Sabatini said: 'I'd prefer not to speak about him this time.' He reflected on past transfer pursuits, including Mohamed Salah—describing negotiations in London as 'very tough'—and expressed regret at not bringing Marcelo Bielsa to Roma, admitting he 'lacked courage' when the coach wanted to paint the walls of Trigoria giallorosso. On Francesco Totti, Sabatini observed that his exceptional talent was so overwhelming that it prevented him from contemplating life after his playing career ended.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Roma's departure of Zeki Çelik to Juventus in a press conference at Trigoria, saying: "I thank him for what he did last year, but tactically I am convinced we will strengthen ourselves in that area, perhaps better." The head coach also signalled that Roma must complete a significant sale to meet Financial Fair Play regulations. "We will do everything to solve this problem once and for all, to be freer in our investments and choices," Gasperini said. "An important departure? It is possible." Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante both signed new contracts, committing until 2029 and 2028 respectively. Both players were represented by agent Giuseppe Riso and the renewals underline Gasperini and the club hierarchy's confidence in the pair as dressing-room leaders. In attacking reinforcements, Gasperini confirmed Roma require two new players for the attacking midfield role: "We now have Dybala and Soulé up front, that's all. I expect two players in that position." Roma submitted a first official bid for Crysencio Summerville worth around €46 million, aiming to move swiftly ahead of rival suitors. Summerville has reportedly opened to joining Roma. Lorenzo Pellegrini sparked optimism about his future at the club after earlier speculation about a move to Turin; the midfielder posted a photograph of the Grande Raccordo Anulare (Rome's ring road) on social media, suggesting he will stay.

AS Roma will begin their summer pre-season campaign tomorrow morning at Trigoria with a closed-door friendly against the Primavera team. The match takes place at Campo Testaccio at 09:00 and is open to the press, marking the conclusion of the first week of training under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Paulo Dybala and the first-team squad will face off against the Primavera side, managed by Scala. Gasperini announced the fixture during his press conference and drew a laugh from journalists when discussing access to the training ground. He said: "You can come in but I won't let you play. Though if you want you can come in shorts," offering a lighthearted invitation to the media to observe proceedings. The friendly serves as an early examination of Roma's condition and fitness levels as the club prepares for the new campaign. The Primavera's involvement underscores the Giallorossi's commitment to integrating youth talent during the pre-season phase.

Roma's first friendly of the season takes place tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Fulvio Bernardini training centre, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side facing the Primavera team coached by Mattia Scala. The fixture serves as an early-season workout for the capital club, who have yet to complete any summer signings. Gasperini will have the chance to assess his squad's condition and test potential attacking combinations. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to feature behind centre-forward Artem Dovbyk in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The squad selected reflects the current roster without any new arrivals to integrate. Roma's line-up: Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Hermoso; Wesley, Cristante, Pisilli, Angeliño; Dybala, Soulé; Dovbyk. Live text coverage will be available on romanews.eu.