Roma hunting bids as Saudi Arabia eyes Soulé

Manchester United are actively pursuing Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with reports suggesting the French midfielder could leave Trigoria. The Red Devils, who have already signed Andrey Santos and Tielemans this window, are searching for another central midfielder. Rio Ferdinand fuelled speculation by claiming an agreement had been reached between the two clubs, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano clarified that while contacts remain live, Manchester United have not yet submitted an official offer. The relationship between Roma and Manchester United is described as excellent, though Gian Piero Gasperini and the club's hierarchy are reluctant to part with Koné following the team's achievement of qualifying for the Champions League. Roma consider the French midfielder an integral part of their midfield plans. Romano's intervention suggests the situation remains fluid. Though initial reports of a done deal proved premature, the club's interest is genuine and the possibility of a formal bid cannot be ruled out. Koné's exit would represent a significant blow to Roma's ambitions, particularly given the prominence he has assumed under Gasperini's tactical system.

Manchester United have opened active dialogue with Manu Koné's representatives over a potential move for the Roma midfielder, though no formal bid has been submitted to the club. The Red Devils have intensified their interest in the French centrefielder following their failure to land Ederson, and have been in regular contact with Koné's agents in recent days. Koné fits United's profile as a dynamic midfielder capable of covering ground and breaking lines in their 4-2-3-1 system. Koné has attracted attention from multiple elite sides during the transfer window, including Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, after standout performances at the World Cup. Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender, announced on his YouTube channel that United had reached an agreement to sign Koné for £45 million (€53 million), citing Fabrizio Romano as his source. However, Romano subsequently clarified that while contact between United's hierarchy and Koné's camp remains solid, no offer has yet reached Roma's boardroom. The midfielder remains one of several names on United's shortlist as they search for midfield reinforcement.

Roma have identified Donyell Malen as their primary target to strengthen the left attacking midfield position, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini keen on the move. The club has set a virtual deadline of Monday–Tuesday next week for a decision after two meetings between sporting director D'Amico and Malen's representatives. A crucial detail has emerged: Malen's contract contains a release clause worth €45 million that expires in 10 days. Wages remain the sticking point in negotiations. Diego Moreira continues as Roma's alternative for the left flank. Moreira has already agreed personal terms with Roma on a €2 million salary and the club has submitted a €30 million offer to Strasbourg, plus 10 per cent of any future sale. This represents a more straightforward route if the Malen situation cannot be resolved before the release clause deadline. Elsewhere, contract renewals for Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante have been finalised, providing stability to Roma's squad. Manchester United have also entered the race to sign Manu Koné, though Roma remain focused on their attacking midfield targets.

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 started serious preparation for the 2026–27 season on Monday with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini naming a 17-man squad for initial training at Trigoria. Paulo Dybala featured in the group and marked his contract renewal with a short interview on Roma's official channels. Wesley returned to training immediately following the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup, training alongside teammates in the new kit that showcases the restored classic crest. Gasperini was accompanied by sporting director Tony D'Amico. The initial squad includes four goalkeepers—Svilar, Gollini, De Marzi, and Vasquez—and seven defenders: Angeliño, Ghilardi, Hermoso, Mancini, Rensch, Wesley, and Ziolkowski. Çelik will join on 18 August after completing his holiday following his contract renewal, while N'Dicka is due to arrive on 22 August. Only Pisilli and Cristante are currently available in midfield, with El Aynaoui expected on 30 August and Koné's arrival date to be confirmed pending the end of the World Cup. The attacking line features Dybala, Dovbyk, Soulé, and Vaz, with Dybala the only forward certain to remain at the club long-term. The squad is staying overnight at Fulvio Bernardini training centre and will undergo a double session today—training at 08:00 and 18:00. Roma have also opened ticket sales for their first official pre-season match at Cannes on 26 July at Pierre de Coubertin stadium, with visiting supporters' tickets priced at €15 each through AS Cannes' official website.