Roma among four Champions League qualifiers yet to make new summer signings

Santiago Castro is close to completing his move to Roma in a deal worth 35 million euros including add-ons. The 20-year-old Argentine striker, born in 2004, will become Gian Piero Gasperini's new centre-forward after leaving Bologna. Castro joined Vélez from his Buenos Aires neighbourhood club at age 7 and remained there until 2024, when Bologna called. At the Stadio San Paolo, he impressed against Roma in Europe League quarter-finals, scoring a goal and providing an assist across the double-header; he was captivated by the Olimpico atmosphere. He scored 11 goals last season for Bologna and has been pushing for the transfer, with official confirmation expected imminently. Castro carries deep personal meaning in his football. He has 24 tattoos, with the most significant being an 'R' on his wrist — the initial of his brother Ramiro — which he kisses after each goal as a dedication. Beyond his on-field attributes, he married Augustina Gonzalez in June, holding a civil ceremony in Bologna before celebrating in Argentina with teammate Matías Soulé, with whom he trained and shares personal coach Guido Viggiano. Castro credits psychologist Gustavo as part of his support system, a practice he adopted after former Bologna defender De Silvestri encouraged him: "It's a good thing, because from the outside our lives seem gilded, perfect, secure; but we also have needs, doubts, need support. Once De Silvestri said: 'Don't be ashamed to talk to a psychologist.' I used to think I could do everything alone. But you need other components if you want to last long and at high levels."

Santiago Castro's move to Roma, worth approximately €35 million, is pushing Artem Dovbyk further from Gian Piero Gasperini's plans at the capital club. Bologna are already scouting replacements for Castro and have identified Dovbyk as a target, potentially offering him a loan deal back to Serie A. Roma hope to conclude Castro's signing by the end of the day following final negotiations. Dovbyk, the former Liga top scorer, no longer features in Gasperini's project and would have even less opportunity following Castro's arrival. The Ukrainian forward has not yet approved a move to Emilia-Romagna, where he would need to relocate. Fiorentina have also registered interest with an initial enquiry and could accelerate their approach should Bryan Kean depart Florence. Bologna's list of potential replacements includes Espì from Levante alongside Dovbyk.

Santiago Castro is on the verge of joining Roma in a deal worth €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses, with personal terms already agreed. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had wanted the Argentine forward during his time at Atalanta. The move will be finalised once remaining details with Bologna are resolved. Separately, Artem Dovbyk could move to Bologna on loan; the Ukrainian striker has not yet given his approval for the transfer to Emilia-Romagna. Director D'Amico is juggling multiple summer priorities as Roma prepare for a friendly against Cannes at 17:30 in France. On the wing, the club continues to pursue Nusa but has also revived interest in Alajbegovic, facing competition from Chelsea for the latter. Roma's transfer activity reflects Gasperini's tactical demands following his recent appointment as head coach.

Roma have accelerated their pursuit of Santiago Castro with a deal edging closer following fresh progress in negotiations. An agreement with the player has already been reached, and the former Velez forward is pushing for the transfer and eager to wear the giallorossi shirt. Bologna's initial asking price was 40 million euros, but Roma have tabled an offer of 30 million plus 5 million in bonuses to seal the transfer. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has already given his approval for the signing—Castro was a request of his while at Bergamo, and he wanted to bring him to Rome in January before Donyell Malen arrived instead. With Castro now in sight, the two could finally reunite in the capital. Gasperini is poised to have the new acquisition available for Roma's training camp in Wales, which begins Friday. The transfer is in its decisive hours, with a deal expected to be completed soon.

Roma travel to face Cannes at Stade Pierre de Coubertin today at 17:30 in their first competitive pre-season friendly of the summer. The match comes after a reduced-time test against Trastevere at Trigoria and precedes Roma's departure for a training camp in Wales on 1 August, where they will face Cardiff in another friendly. Gasperini's side will be without Pisilli and Vaz, who are sidelined by muscle injuries. The head coach will deploy Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, a partnership that impressed during the Trigoria friendly. Evan N'Dicka will feature in a three-man defence alongside Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini. Bryan Cristante will anchor midfield alongside a young player filling in as El Aynaoui and Manu Koné remain on post-World Cup leave. The clash against Cannes, also owned by the Friedkin Group and recently promoted to France's third tier, offers a controlled environment for Roma to build match fitness. Ryan's availability remains uncertain following his return to the United States.

Roma are poised to complete their first transfer of the summer window with the arrival of Santiago Castro from Bologna. The Argentine centre-forward, born in 2004 and turning 22 on 18 September, will serve as backup to Donyell Malen and operate alongside him in attack when needed. Castro arrived in Serie A in January 2024 and has recorded 16 goals and assists across 79 appearances for Bologna, averaging one goal every three full matches played, though many of his outings have come as a substitute. Bologna initially valued Castro at €40 million, but Roma have negotiated the fee downward. The clubs are now close to agreement on a deal worth €35 million including bonuses, with Roma's opening bid having been €30 million. Frequent dialogue between the two sides suggests an agreement could be reached soon, potentially allowing Bologna time to secure a replacement for their departing striker. Roma are keen to deliver the new arrival to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the team's pre-season retreat in Wales, which begins on Friday.