Roma pundits hail Champions League finish as Dybala renewal looms

Roma radio analysts have weighed in on Zeki Çelik's unexpected move to Juventus, with several pointing to the club's slow handling of contract negotiations as the root cause. Çelik, who had promised to stay under Gasperini, departed after Roma failed to secure his renewal in time, allowing Juventus to sign him on an undisclosed agreement. The transfer has created friction between the coach and the front office; Gasperini reportedly told his staff: "I asked for three renewals, including Celik's" and expressed dismay at the unexpected loss. Analysts criticised the club's operational delays. One commentator noted that "the Roma had a slow and incapable sporting director, and instead the player was stolen from under their nose." The delay in finalizing negotiations left Çelik exposed to outside interest, despite his progress as a starter. Gasperini wanted the renewal secured and views the situation as a significant setback. However, some observers acknowledged that verbal agreements hold no weight once another club enters the picture, and that Juventus's interest had been known for weeks. The wage package Çelik will earn at Juventus reportedly would have caused financial strain at Roma. Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo reflected on the shift in modern football: "There's no longer that attachment to the shirt there used to be. He's always been a professional." Analyst Orsi characterised the loss as "a defeat for Gasperini," noting concerns that Lorenzo Pellegrini could follow Çelik to Juventus.

Roman radio personalities have weighed in on Zeki Çelik's departure to Juventus, with widespread criticism of Roma's handling of the left-back's contract situation. Nando Orsi stated: "Çelik is also a defeat for Gasperini. Roma was not able to keep him. It's clear he wasn't that interested. Gasperini and D'Amico didn't have the strength to make the contract with the Turk." Ugo Trani called the loss "a bad blow", while Andrea Di Caro highlighted that the defender played multiple roles and that Gasperini had specifically requested his renewal, arguing that contract negotiations should have been concluded within a week. Piero Torri criticised Çelik's departure announcement, saying "the letter is an insult; silence would have been better," and questioned whether Roma's delay in resolving renewals cost them the player. The broader context reflects growing frustration with Roma's summer transfer activity. Francesco Balzani clarified that negotiations over Luis Summerville remain unresolved despite reports of agreement, stating: "There's willingness to meet halfway but there's no total agreement. They will talk; Roma will need to raise bonuses slightly, the player will need to lower his demands slightly." Roberto Pruzzo, a Roma legend, acknowledged that while Çelik always behaved professionally, modern football lacks the old attachment players once showed. Luigi Salomone noted surprise at the announcement, as contracts were already signed with only the player's signature pending.

Rome's radio stations have analysed Roma's transfer window, with particular focus on midfielder Manu Koné's potential departure. A €53 million fee for Koné was discussed across multiple programmes, with opinions divided on whether the club should sell. Nando Orsi stated: "For 53 million, Koné lo porto a cavacecio: it's a good price", while Alessandro Vocalelli called Koné "the most irreplaceable player at Roma" and said he would not let him leave if possible. Luigi Ferrajolo deemed the €53 million figure "roughly in line with his value" but questioned whether Roma should lose Koné, Svilar, or Wesley instead. Transfer activity elsewhere dominated discussion. Francesco Balzani predicted Moreira would be Roma's first completed signing, with the club having "given the player the right value" and planning a future resale. Summerville remains a target but negotiations have stalled—the player continues to demand over €5 million per season in wages. Piero Torri suggested Moreira and Summerville are not alternatives but complementary signings, with Moreira capable of playing multiple positions. Lorenzo Pes noted that Gasperini wants two attacking wingers and that Moreira's modest wage demand aids negotiations, though Summerville's situation requires further work. Contract extensions were also covered: Bryan Cristante extended his deal by one year, while Gianluca Mancini added two years, though Mancini received a minor salary increase. Pes suggested Gasperini may be avoiding overly long contracts to maintain tactical flexibility.

Emma's 2013 song "L'amore non mi basta" has resurged in popularity across Instagram and TikTok in recent weeks, driven largely by videos featuring Paulo Dybala and his years at Juventus. The track has climbed back up the charts thanks to the social media phenomenon, blending football culture with music in the way that is now commonplace on platforms where footballers serve as subjects for creative edits. Dybala, Roma's number 21, has become the focal point of the trend. Speaking from the stage at Tim Summer Hits in Piazza del Popolo, Emma acknowledged the striker's role in the song's renewed success. She said: "I am honoured. I thank Dybala and all the footballers, I am most honoured." The trend has extended beyond Italy, becoming an anthem in Spain at Atlético Madrid as well, demonstrating the cross-border appeal of the viral moment.

Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media on Thursday at 14:00 at Roma's Fulvio Bernardini training ground, marking his first public comments since the club entered its second week of 2026–27 preparation. The press conference comes as Roma finalises several squad matters. Paulo Dybala's contract renewal has been officially confirmed, while Zeki Çelik departed to join Juventus. The announcement of Gasperini's media engagement provides clarity for supporters amid the ongoing transfer activity and squad reshaping under the new head coach. Gasperini, who took charge in 2025, has been overseeing Roma's opening training sessions at the club's training facility. The Thursday conference will be held in the centre's press room.

Matías Soulé's future at Roma is unresolved as the winger trains at Trigoria ahead of Sunday's first friendly, with no concrete offers yet on the table. Sunderland, Fulham, and Bournemouth have all made enquiries, while Borussia Dortmund has conducted only exploratory discussions, but none have matched Roma's €40 million asking price, which clubs regard as excessive. Soulé declared on his return to the capital: "I don't know if I'll stay." His agent returned from England without a concrete proposal. Roma's financial need to sell has not persuaded any club to meet the valuation. Only Saudi Arabian teams could satisfy the Friedkin Group's demands, but Soulé has reaffirmed to his entourage that he has no desire to play in Saudi Arabia—a position he has maintained since late June. The club is actively searching for a winger, with Summerville a target, though he plays on the opposite flank. On the right wing, Dybala and Matías Soulé are Roma's current options, meaning any new arrival would further limit Soulé's playing time.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has set a 48–72 hour deadline for Roma to complete the signing of Summerville from West Ham, according to journalist Eleonora Trotta. The player has shown openness to the move, and fresh talks with both Summerville and the English club are expected to resolve the details. The ultimatum comes after Roma's summer business has stalled; the club missed out on Greenwood and has yet to deliver a significant new arrival to the squad. Gasperini expects an immediate sprint in the transfer market following the disappointment of losing Zeki Çelik to Juventus. Summerville has emerged as the priority target to bolster Roma's attack. The coach has grown impatient after weeks of slow progress and wants concrete action from the board. Without fresh signings, Roma's preparation for the new season remains incomplete. Other names under consideration include Moreira for the left flank and Tresoldi as a backup option to Donyell Malen. The club must act swiftly to meet Gasperini's deadline and give the manager the reinforcements he has demanded.

Roma are preparing to submit a formal offer to West Ham for Crysencio Summerville after the Dutch winger indicated willingness to join the club. Fresh talks between Roma's hierarchy and Summerville's representatives are expected today, with the aim of settling final contract details. Gasperini has identified Summerville as his top target since January and has requested an acceleration on the transfer, with a deal expected to close within 48–72 hours. Roma are ready to offer Summerville a contract worth approximately 4 million euros per season, while proposing around 45 million euros for his transfer fee. West Ham's financial demands have shifted since Summerville's World Cup performance against Japan raised his profile. The player's representatives, who also represent Malen, had initially sought 5.5–6 million euros annually but have since reduced their asking price following the tournament. Roma previously identified a 40 million euro fee and 4 million euro annual salary as their conditions for the deal. An expected response from Summerville's camp was anticipated by 20 July, with a definitive answer needed to determine whether Roma would press ahead with the transfer.

Roma's sporting director D'Amico is pursuing two players as he looks to build a left-side chain fit for Champions League football. Xavi Simons remains the primary target for attack following initial approaches in January and June, with Roma tabling an offer of €4 million plus bonuses — a figure the club will not exceed. The Dutch forward's asking price of €6 million has been rejected by the Giallorossi, who are unwilling to breach their wage ceiling. However, Premier League interest complicates matters: Manchester United previously tracked him before being blocked by Rashford's return from loan, while Aston Villa has recently requested information. Gasperini has an additional ally in Donyell Malen, a fellow Dutchman attempting to persuade Summerville, though their friendship alone may not be enough. Diego Moreira forms the second prong of Roma's summer offensive. D'Amico is leveraging his relationship with the Belgian's agent Mendes to accelerate negotiations. Unlike the Summerville situation, personal terms have already been agreed: Moreira has accepted Roma's offer of €2.5 million per season, a significant increase from his current €900,000 annual salary. The progress on the Moreira front contrasts with the stalled Summerville talks, which have proceeded in modest steps since Ryan Friedkin's arrival failed to produce the accelerated negotiations some observers had anticipated.

Rome's radio stations have analysed Roma's transfer window, with particular focus on midfielder Manu Koné's potential departure. A €53 million fee for Koné was discussed across multiple programmes, with opinions divided on whether the club should sell. Nando Orsi stated: "For 53 million, Koné lo porto a cavacecio: it's a good price", while Alessandro Vocalelli called Koné "the most irreplaceable player at Roma" and said he would not let him leave if possible. Luigi Ferrajolo deemed the €53 million figure "roughly in line with his value" but questioned whether Roma should lose Koné, Svilar, or Wesley instead. Transfer activity elsewhere dominated discussion. Francesco Balzani predicted Moreira would be Roma's first completed signing, with the club having "given the player the right value" and planning a future resale. Summerville remains a target but negotiations have stalled—the player continues to demand over €5 million per season in wages. Piero Torri suggested Moreira and Summerville are not alternatives but complementary signings, with Moreira capable of playing multiple positions. Lorenzo Pes noted that Gasperini wants two attacking wingers and that Moreira's modest wage demand aids negotiations, though Summerville's situation requires further work. Contract extensions were also covered: Bryan Cristante extended his deal by one year, while Gianluca Mancini added two years, though Mancini received a minor salary increase. Pes suggested Gasperini may be avoiding overly long contracts to maintain tactical flexibility.

Roma radio pundits debated the club's managerial direction and Manu Koné's market value in a daily commentary roundup. Carina on Radio Radio said Ferdinand, described as a serious figure with Manchester contacts, did not invent claims about a managerial agreement: "I don't think he made anything up." Carina suggested Roma may already have an agreement with Koné and are now negotiating with his current club, noting that Koné's departure is highly probable. He deemed the €59 million valuation appropriate but suggested it could rise further by comparison to similar deals. Orsi on Radio Radio countered that €53 million represents fair value for Koné: "For 53 million, I'd sell Koné—that's a good price." Pruzzo on Radio Radio stressed that Roma's technical direction matters less than the quality of incoming additions, predicting Manchester will pay whatever necessary and arguing the midfield needs rebuilding regardless of Koné's future. Ciotti and Fidanza on Radio Romanista praised midfielder Paredes' leadership and composure under Gasperini, comparing his personality to Svilar and Mancini. Fidanza highlighted Paredes' composure in the recent derby and noted his ability to operate at the tactical limit without accumulating yellow cards, contrasting him with players such as Hermoso who lose focus more readily.

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.