Roma's solid defensive foundation: Gasperini's strategy for the backline with minimal changes

AC Milan has offered Portuguese winger Rafa Leão to Roma as the Serie A club seeks to move him on after seven seasons. Leão himself has confirmed his desire for a new challenge following the end of the season. Milan, now under the management of Amorim, is willing to let him leave but only on a loan deal with an obligation to buy set at €60 million. Roma's transfer focus this summer has centred on reshaping the attacking department, with several forwards under consideration. The Leão proposal represents a new option for the Giallorossi, though the deal presents significant financial hurdles. The combined costs of the loan arrangement and the mandatory purchase clause make the overall operation extremely challenging for Roma to complete, independent of the player's own willingness to join. Details remain unclear regarding Roma's interest level or negotiations at this stage. The club continues to monitor other attacking targets as well, with the transfer window expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical requirements are reportedly pushing midfielder Matías Soulé toward a potential departure from AS Roma. The arrival of the new coach has not altered Roma's offensive recruitment strategy, though his specific demands appear to have implications for the squad's structure. Details remain unclear regarding the exact nature of Gasperini's requirements and whether Soulé's exit is imminent or being actively pursued by the club.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has taken a direct role in efforts to bring Mason Greenwood to the club, with a telephone conversation between the two forming a key part of the recruitment push. Gasperini personally contacted Greenwood as part of Roma's mission to secure the forward's signature. The move represents Roma's continued ambition in the transfer market under new coaching leadership. Details of what Gasperini told Greenwood during the call remain unclear from available information.

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

Inter has reportedly reactivated contact with AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka as the Serie A transfer window officially opens. The club is exploring alternatives after failing to secure other defensive targets. Ndicka, currently on international duty with Ivory Coast, is considered a key reinforcement for Inter's defence, but Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views him as non-transferable. Inter's pursuit of other defensive options, including an unnamed player reportedly from another club, has stalled, prompting the renewed approach for the Roma defender. Niccolò Pisilli has also emerged as a potential target for Inter, with reports suggesting the club is considering the Roma midfielder as an alternative in their search for a successor in that position. The 2004-born midfielder is valued at approximately 25 million euros. However, both Ndicka and Pisilli have repeatedly expressed their commitment to Roma, and the club has made clear it does not wish to part with either player. Gasperini's stance on keeping these players is firm, presenting significant obstacles to any Inter move. Closing a 30-million-euro deal or higher in the remaining hours before the deadline would prove extremely difficult logistically. Additionally, Gianluca Mancini is approaching a contract extension with Roma and is unlikely to move to Milan.

Sergio Oliveira, the Portuguese midfielder who left Roma, returned to the city to attend the wedding of El Shaarawy and Ludovica Pagani. At the celebration, Oliveira reconnected with former teammates Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, and Gianluca Mancini—players with whom he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Oliveira shared his reflections on social media about his time at Roma, saying: "Roma is special. It has brought me so much. Not only sporting moments but mainly fantastic people. I am very happy to be here on this beautiful day, a truly special moment for my friend Ste. Even though we spent little time together, when you share the same values it becomes easy to understand each other and lend a hand. Thank you to you all and I wish you a life full of happiness." The post underscores the bond formed during the Giallorossi's successful European campaign and the lasting relationships built within the club. The wedding also included attendance from other Roma-connected figures, with details of their presence marking another chapter in the club's recent history of trophy success.

Ed Shipley, a senior aide to the Friedkin Group, is expected to arrive at Roma's Trigoria training ground in the coming days. His arrival comes as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini prepares for the squad's July 13 gathering and seeks reinforcements before the start of the season. Roma is ready to submit an initial offer to Marseille for Mason Greenwood worth €40 million plus bonuses, though the proposal falls roughly €10 million short of the French club's asking price. The club has reportedly reached personal terms with the English winger but faces pressure to move quickly to prevent rival interest. Gasperini's transfer wishlist extends beyond Greenwood. The coach has also identified targets including another wide attacker, a wide midfielder, a backup to Hermoso in defence, and an additional midfielder. The overhaul reflects broader changes at the club; Bruno Conti has departed, prompting Roma to restructure its youth academy setup. The coming weeks will be critical as Roma aims to strengthen its squad and prepare for the new campaign under Gasperini's direction.

AS Roma has reached an agreement with English winger Mason Greenwood and is preparing to submit a formal bid to Olympique Marseille. The initial offer of €40 million plus bonuses is ready, though Marseille is seeking €50 million plus add-ons. Roma has offered Greenwood a contract worth just under €5 million per season. The bid will be submitted after 30 June to signal to UEFA that the club has focused on resolving profit-and-loss issues during the month. Head coach Gasperini hopes to have Greenwood in place by 13 July, with the player keen to move and compete in the Champions League. Gasperini identified Greenwood as key to raising the team's level and winning immediately. The coach and Greenwood's father, who acts as his agent, held discussions approximately a month ago. The Friedkin Group ownership will now engage directly with Marseille owner McCourt, also American, to negotiate the transfer. Greenwood's arrival would represent a significant investment in attacking reinforcements as Roma seeks to strengthen its squad for the coming season. Elsewhere in the market, Roma continues to pursue other targets. Alternative wingers Tel and Sauer remain under consideration after Summerville fell through. On the flanks, full-back Dodô has not gained traction, and while Molina interests the club, Gasperini prefers a younger profile in that position—the Argentine is 28 years old. Defensive recruitment also continues, with Roma seeking a backup for Hermoso and potentially exploring Ostigard only if Ndicka departs.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.

Roma is reportedly exploring a possible transfer axis with Bologna as the summer window accelerates. The Giallorossi have made contact regarding three players: Argentine striker Castro, Scottish midfielder Ferguson (Bologna's captain), and defender Ghilardi. Castro, who has also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, is valued at approximately 40 million euros by Bologna. Ferguson, recently eliminated from the World Cup despite strong individual performances, has drawn attention from Rangers and Atalanta; Bologna is seeking at least 20 million euros plus bonuses for the midfielder. Head coach Gasperini's squad-building plans remain the priority for the Friedkin Group, with Greenwood continuing as the primary transfer target. Roma has informed Bologna that defender Kumbulla—returning from a loan spell at Majorca—is available for transfer, while Bologna has expressed interest in Ghilardi, particularly given the expected departure of Lucumì. The club views Freuler, available on a free transfer from 1 July, as below their level of priority. Details of any formal offers or agreements remain unclear. The 30 June deadline is slowing activity across the market but does not appear to concern Roma's ownership, who remain focused on delivering a competitive squad across all competitions.

AS Roma has fundamentally altered its approach to recruitment following the departure of former sporting director Massara and the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach. Young prospects acquired for future development—including Robinio Vaz, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi, Venturino, and Ferguson—are now considered surplus to requirements. The club has signaled these players may depart, either permanently or on loan, as Gasperini prioritizes immediate-impact signings over long-term investments. Gasperini's vision emphasizes players ready to contribute immediately rather than prospects requiring development time. Ziolkowski, a Polish defender, has reportedly been rejected multiple times by the coach and could leave permanently, with Nottingham reportedly interested at a valuation of 20 million euros. Similarly, Vaz, a French forward, no longer fits the profile of a reliable backup to Donyell Malen. The club has also rejected Bosnian midfielder Alajebgovic (class 2007), whom Massara had long tracked, with Gasperini deeming him too inexperienced despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen at 35 million euros. Roma's new sporting director D'Amico is recalibrating the transfer strategy to align with Gasperini's demands for quality and readiness rather than raw potential. Targets like Mason Greenwood and Molina represent this shift—experienced international players capable of performing on Europe's biggest stages. With Roma now competing in the Champions League, the club believes there is no margin for experimental signings.

Roma's incoming sporting director Tony D'Amico will need to reinforce the defence alongside the planned attacking overhaul, with the club facing potential squad gaps depending on Ndicka's future. Although the attack is the primary focus—built around Malen and Dybala with Pellegrini in support—the defence will require significant investment. The backline was Roma's strongest asset under Gasperini's management this season, forming the foundation for Champions League qualification, but numerical reinforcement is essential. With Kumbulla set to return, Ziolkowski departing for game time, and Ndicka's status uncertain due to Financial Fair Play concerns, Roma would be left with only four senior centre-backs (Hermoso, Mancini, Ghilardi, and possibly Ndicka) for a demanding season requiring at least two players per position. That would leave two additional defenders short. Several targets have been identified. Oosterwolde is viewed as a promising profile but carries a price tag of €20–25 million, becoming viable mainly if Ndicka departs. Bologna's Lucumì, available on an expiring contract, is another option at roughly €20 million—far lower than Bologna's initial €28 million demand. Solet represents an ideal profile but costs at least €25 million and Inter are already advanced in negotiations. Muharemovic is ready to leave Sassuolo, though domestic competition is driving up his price. Gasperini has been clear that Roma needs experienced, quality defenders—both a high-level starter and a reliable backup.