Roma's summer retreat location still undecided as Gasperini pushes for more friendlies

Paolo Marcacci has delivered his weekly ratings across the World Cup Final and recent football events. Spain's collective display earned a 9 out of 10 for its mesmerising, invisible-cage football—with Dani Olmo singled out for his 360-degree awareness and ability to orchestrate the team's attacking movements. Leo Messi received a 10 for his career legacy despite a quiet final shaped by Spain's dominance and Lionel Scaloni's tactical choices, which Marcacci rated 5, criticising the Argentina manager for assembling a formation that appeared designed to starve Messi of possession and changing too much in the decisive match. Leo Paredes, brought in to stabilise Argentina's midfield, instead lost discipline individually and earned a 4. Gianluca Mancini's contract renewal with Roma received a 7, described as reinforced concrete strengthening the club's defensive walls. Gasperini's press conference earned a 6 for its directness delivered through a calm, apparently reconciliatory tone—rejecting claims of passivity simply because he lacked visible agitation. Robbie Williams' halftime performance and the broader entertainment spectacle drew lower marks, with Infantino's excessively white shoes rated 3 and the Madonna–Ronaldo–Ronaldinho segment rated 0. Trump's photo-bombing with the trophy received a 1, with Marcacci quipping that Rodri reportedly ejected him with the line: "I'm not Melania."

Roma are on the brink of signing Jarrad Summerville from West Ham, with the transfer entering its final stages. The clubs are in advanced negotiations following Roma's latest offer of approximately €47 million plus bonuses, which has narrowed the gap to West Ham's €50 million asking price. Summerville will sign a five-year contract worth €4 million per season once the deal is finalised. The signing represents a major statement of intent from Roma's new recruitment structure. Summerville will become the club's most expensive acquisition in their history and fulfils a long-standing requirement from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been seeking a right-footed attacking winger for the past year. The arrival addresses a specific tactical need in Roma's attack that has gone unmet since the start of Gasperini's tenure. Completion of the transfer could arrive as soon as the coming hours, with the deal described as nearly concluded. The signing marks the first major acquisition of Roma's new transfer operation.

Alejandro Garnacho has made Roma his preferred destination, but a transfer remains unsettled as Chelsea and the Giallorossi differ over the deal structure. The Argentine winger, currently at Chelsea and deemed surplus to requirements by Xabi Alonso, has communicated his openness to joining Roma through his agents. Aston Villa have also made contact with Chelsea regarding Garnacho as a potential replacement for Morgan Rogers, but the player has rejected their approach in favour of Roma. Roma submitted their opening proposal on 14 July on the basis of a loan deal with an obligation fee of €5 million plus a €35 million purchase option that could become mandatory under certain conditions. However, Chelsea are seeking a permanent transfer, while Roma are only willing to pursue a loan arrangement as they manage their financial resources carefully. This disagreement over the formula represents the main obstacle to a move progressing. Roma remain in contact with Garnacho's representatives and continue to explore the right structure to make the operation viable. The club views Garnacho as part of plans to strengthen the attacking department under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with the potential to bring in at least two wide forwards this summer.