Roma eye Kessié as Gasperini targets midfield reinforcement, but faces stiff competition
Transfer News·7 July 2026·6h ago

Roma eye Kessié as Gasperini targets midfield reinforcement, but faces stiff competition

Source: Roma News

Roma are monitoring Franck Kessié, the free agent midfielder available after leaving Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini eyes a reunion with a player he developed at Atalanta. Gasperini launched and developed Kessié during the 2016–17 season at Atalanta, the year of the Ivorian's definitive breakthrough at elite level. The midfielder impressed at the World Cup, scoring against Germany in the group stage, and has explicitly indicated his preference to return to Italian football.

Roma face significant competition for his signature. Juventus are moving decisively in the race for Kessié and are considered among the most concrete candidates for his future, according to reports. Atalanta themselves are also in the picture, reportedly entertaining the prospect of bringing the midfielder back to Bergamo where his high-level career began. The central obstacle for all Serie A clubs, including Roma, lies in salary demands. Although Kessié's free-agent status eliminates transfer fees, his wage expectations present a substantial hurdle for Italian clubs' finances. For the move to become a real negotiation, Kessié would need to significantly lower his salary demands from his previous contract. Roma are treating this as a potential market opportunity and will monitor developments should the financial parameters become more accessible.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Il mercato estivo entra nel vivo e i riflettori della Serie A tornano a posarsi su una vecchia e gradita conoscenza del nostro campionato: Franck Kessié. L’ex Milan, fresco di svincolo dopo la conclusione della sua esperienza in Arabia Saudita con l’Al-Ahli, è tornato al centro dei desideri di…

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News

More Transfer News

Roma €5 million short in pursuit of Mason Greenwood as Marseille hold firm on €50 million valuation
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
just now

Roma €5 million short in pursuit of Mason Greenwood as Marseille hold firm on €50 million valuation

Roma are closing in on a deal to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille, with the Englishman having reached a 'silent pact' with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini over a transfer. The attacker has already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi and is keen on the move, returning to training with Marseille while negotiations continue. Roma have prepared an offer of €45 million and are ironing out final details before presenting it formally to the French club, but Marseille's demand currently stands at €50 million, creating a €5 million gap. The transfer remains unresolved as Roma look to complete the signing before their training camp. Greenwood has been handed a key role in Roma's project under Gasperini, making the deal a priority for the club. Roma's offer of €45 million falls short of Marseille's asking price, though the amount Roma are prepared to spend is unusually high for their typical transfer strategy. To bridge the gap, Roma are expected to unlock additional finances through a player sale, which would allow them to reach Marseille's €50 million valuation and secure the ex-Manchester United player's arrival.

Get Italian Football NewsRead original →
Çelik deal stalls as Roma seeks to seal renewal
Squad NewsTransfer News AI
just now

Çelik deal stalls as Roma seeks to seal renewal

Roma has presented a formal contract renewal proposal to Zeki Çelik's representatives and reached a preliminary agreement, but the deal remains unsigned as bureaucratic formalities have delayed progress. The Turkish defender's situation stands in contrast to Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose renewals are finalised and set to be announced by the club in the coming days. With Çelik currently without a contract, rival clubs have begun making direct contact with the player during this period of standstill. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Roma and Çelik share full understanding and contacts remain positive, though the transaction cannot yet be considered complete. The Giallorossi are keen to accelerate the process and aim to definitively secure the defender and resolve all renewal matters within the coming days to prevent unwanted competition from other suitors. The club's urgency reflects concern that extended delays could invite interference from interested parties.

Roma optimistic over Çelik renewal as rival clubs circle
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma optimistic over Çelik renewal as rival clubs circle

Roma are pushing to resolve Zeki Çelik's contract renewal in the coming days, with optimism filtering through that a deal will be struck, though the matter remains unsigned. The club sent a formal proposal to the Turkish defender's agent in recent days and received a positive response, but administrative formalities are delaying completion. The situation has attracted attention from other clubs, who have begun making direct contact with Çelik, currently without a club. Meanwhile, Roma have already settled terms with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with official announcements expected shortly. However, Çelik's negotiations have proven more protracted. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, there is mutual understanding between Roma and the player and optimism surrounds the renewal's closure, but it cannot yet be considered done. The Giallorossi are determined to accelerate the process and aim to wrap up the renewal chapter within days.

Feedback