Roma optimistic over Çelik renewal as rival clubs circle

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.

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.

Mason Greenwood is Roma's primary transfer target, with head coach Gasperini having worked on the deal for weeks and convinced the English winger of the club's project. While several other attacking options have emerged—including Garnacho, Summerville, Adingra, and Tel—these are viewed as opportunities rather than priorities. Roma's plan remains unchanged: a significant portion of the attack budget is reserved for Greenwood, whom Gasperini considers the right investment despite the importance of spending wisely. Negotiations with Marseille are ongoing, and a wage agreement with Greenwood's representatives must be finalised following the player's latest salary demands. Gasperini has repeatedly stated the principle guiding Roma's strategy: spending large sums matters less than spending them correctly. Greenwood embodies this philosophy—an important but justified investment that aligns with the club's vision. Once the Greenwood situation is resolved, Roma will address other attacking targets, including wide players and a backup for Malen. The English forward remains the singular priority for the Giallorossi.

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.

Kostas Tsimikas's spell at Roma has ended without the impact promised when Liverpool loaned him to the club on 31 August 2025. The left-back arrived as backup to Angeliño but failed to deliver despite encouraging early signs, making just 1050 minutes across 18 Serie A appearances and 7 Europa League matches. His season average rating of 5.63 reflects a run marred by costly errors—including a meekly struck free kick at Como that became social media fodder—and finishing with only one assist to his name, earned in a Europa League match at Nice on 24 September when he set up Gianluca Mancini twice in a performance that proved his sole highlight. Tsimikas debuted in the Derby della Capitale on 21 September, contributing the final 9 minutes of Roma's victory against Lazio, but never again demonstrated the quality shown in France. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was forced to solve the left-back shortage by deploying Wesley in that position, with Zeki Çelik anchoring the opposite flank—a makeshift arrangement that ultimately benefited Roma through Wesley's exceptional form. Roma chose not to activate the permanent option on the Greek international, who has returned to Liverpool. The 41-cap international's failure to flourish, despite arriving as an experienced Premier League performer, underscores how promising signings can falter even when all conditions appear favourable.

Rome's radio stations hosted a panel of journalists and former players to discuss Roma's summer transfer strategy, with mixed views on the club's pursuit of Mason Greenwood. Ugo Trani argued that Roma should move for Moreira instead, saying "the Roma should go for Moreira, he is someone who can make the difference. This year Gasperini must have players who are ready because the matches will be at a higher level." Piero Torri outlined the complications surrounding Greenwood, noting "the Greenwood deal is very complicated, he would be the most expensive player in Roma's history" and warning of rival interest from Fenerbahçe, Atlético Madrid, and Saudi clubs. Roberto Pruzzo urged caution on spending, pointing out Roma paid 25 million euros for Vaz in January, and questioned whether 50 million more for Greenwood represented good value. He suggested Roma should abandon the auction and pursue alternative targets. Lorenzo Pes indicated that Çelik and Dybala will be present at the team's gathering, pending only signatures, and predicted any Greenwood move must come within the week if it is to happen. Pes also noted that a separate deal for Tresoldi depends on Dovbyk's departure, and expressed frustration with the ownership's transfer timeline, saying the issue is not the director of football but the speed at which the ownership acts.

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 are considering Nicolò Tresoldi as a backup option to Donyell Malen and are preparing to move on from Artem Dovbyk. Club Brugge are asking roughly €30M for the 21-year-old, who was born in Cagliari but spent his formative years in Germany before joining the Belgian club for €7.5M in 2025. Last season he scored 23 goals and provided 9 assists across 58 appearances, and has earned 24 caps for Italy's U-21 side, netting 12 times. Roma will only accelerate their pursuit of Tresoldi after offloading Dovbyk, who has attracted interest from Spanish clubs and Genoa. The Ukrainian striker earned praise under former manager Daniele De Rossi but carries a €3.5M annual salary. Roma are considering a loan arrangement to help Dovbyk rebuild his valuation before attempting a permanent sale next summer, though they will prioritise a cash sale if possible. The club has also identified less costly alternatives, including Andrea Pinamonti, valued at €15–20M and expected to leave Sassuolo this summer. Lazio are also monitoring Pinamonti and have tracked Fiorentina's Roberto Piccoli. Roma's recruitment is flexible; the striking role is not an immediate priority given Malen's guaranteed minutes, and they could fill the position opportunistically if Paulo Dybala remains and Mason Greenwood joins.

Rome's radio stations hosted a panel of journalists and former players to discuss Roma's summer transfer strategy, with mixed views on the club's pursuit of Mason Greenwood. Ugo Trani argued that Roma should move for Moreira instead, saying "the Roma should go for Moreira, he is someone who can make the difference. This year Gasperini must have players who are ready because the matches will be at a higher level." Piero Torri outlined the complications surrounding Greenwood, noting "the Greenwood deal is very complicated, he would be the most expensive player in Roma's history" and warning of rival interest from Fenerbahçe, Atlético Madrid, and Saudi clubs. Roberto Pruzzo urged caution on spending, pointing out Roma paid 25 million euros for Vaz in January, and questioned whether 50 million more for Greenwood represented good value. He suggested Roma should abandon the auction and pursue alternative targets. Lorenzo Pes indicated that Çelik and Dybala will be present at the team's gathering, pending only signatures, and predicted any Greenwood move must come within the week if it is to happen. Pes also noted that a separate deal for Tresoldi depends on Dovbyk's departure, and expressed frustration with the ownership's transfer timeline, saying the issue is not the director of football but the speed at which the ownership acts.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini is on the verge of signing a contract extension with Roma until 2029 on a salary of €2.5 million plus bonuses. The negotiations follow successful agreement with Zeki Çelik and near-completion of Paulo Dybala's renewal, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushes the club to secure its senior players. Fresh talks are scheduled in the coming days, with both parties keen to reach a final agreement. The former Roma captain had faced uncertainty over his contract status, but the club and Pellegrini are now aligned on terms. The extension forms part of Roma's strategy under Gasperini to retain experienced squad members. Pellegrini has also rejected an offer from Besiktas, managed by Italiano, signalling his commitment to Roma as negotiations advance toward completion at Trigoria.

Roma will begin their 2026–27 season preparations on Monday at Trigoria, marking the official start of Gian Piero Gasperini's second campaign in charge. The opening session will involve a reduced squad of fifteen players, with several unavailable due to international commitments and the transfer market still taking shape. Marash Kumbulla, returning from a loan spell at Mallorca, is among those included and will compete for a place in the side. Young players from the academy will join the group to complete numbers while international players are away at World Cup commitments. The club continues work on contract renewals for Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, with the Argentine's deal reportedly close to announcement while Pellegrini's talks remain ongoing. No new signings have arrived yet, but sporting director Tony D'Amico is coordinating closely with Gasperini. The expectation is that major transfer activity will occur during the pre-season camp itself, a common pattern at this stage. The focus so far has been securing key players to ensure continuity of the project and building a more competitive squad aligned with the club's ambitions for the season ahead.