Roma close in on Wolfsburg defender Koulierakis

Artem Dovbyk has departed AS Roma to join Bologna on a new challenge after a difficult season marked by injury and surgery. The Ukrainian striker said yes immediately when Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco asked if he wanted to play for the club. "They explained the project and the ambition of this club, which wants to achieve much more this season. I am here to give my best," Dovbyk said. Dovbyk, who arrived at Roma from Girona, has now moved on as the Giallorossi pursue other targets, including Castro. The 28-year-old striker told Bologna's official channels that he was convinced by sporting director and manager Tedesco. He praised the squad's unity and individual quality. "It is a very friendly group, it seems like a family. Everyone fights for each other and there are many players of great individual quality," he said. "I know this club has helped many strikers grow in the past and I want to try to give everything for this team, score and help it." On his personal goals, Dovbyk expressed his hunger to play and regain peak condition. "I have hunger and I want to play. I want to rediscover my ideal condition and help the collective. I know the history of Ukrainian players in Italy and I know I am the first to wear Bologna's shirt. I am honoured and I want to achieve great goals here," he said.

Konstantinos Koulierakis will undergo medical tests in Rome tomorrow after all regulatory approvals were secured, becoming Roma's second summer signing. The Greek defender joins from Wolfsburg on a deal worth 16.5 million euros plus 1.5 million in add-ons, with the German club retaining 20 per cent of any future resale. He has already signed his contract. Meanwhile, Roma have begun the second phase of their summer preparation in Cardiff, Wales, under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The squad will remain at their Hensol base—approximately 20 kilometres from Cardiff—until 8 August, training at the WRU National Centre of Excellence and facing three friendly matches against Cardiff City, Newport County, and Brighton. Niccolò Pisilli has recovered from a calf problem and was included in the touring party, along with Robinio Vaz, who recently returned to group training. Roma are also pursuing Givairo Read, the Dutch right-back from Feyenoord. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has submitted a 25 million euro offer to open negotiations, though Read remains a target for several Premier League clubs. Read said: "If the opportunity presents itself to join a club I like, I'll be ready. I feel good physically and mentally right now. My goal is to stay in shape and prove my value on the pitch."

Konstantinos Koulierakis will arrive at Roma tomorrow to undergo medical tests before joining the club on a permanent deal from Wolfsburg. The Greek defender, born 2003, will then travel to Wales to link up with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for the second phase of pre-season preparation. The transfer is worth 17 million euros plus 1.5 million in bonuses, with an additional 20 per cent clause on any future sale included in the agreement. Koulierakis becomes Roma's second summer signing, following Santiago Castro. The move brings a reinforcement to the defence where he will compete with Mario Hermoso for a starting place while raising the overall quality of the squad. The defender was notably absent from Wolfsburg's friendly against Telstar today, and had also sat out the previous week's match against Lyon, signalling the imminent completion of his departure from the Bundesliga club.