Ryan Friedkin watches Roma's Cannes friendly as ownership signals support for Gasperini

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has reportedly been offered to Roma, with talks described as still in the exploratory phase. The 27-year-old former Lille player is keen to leave San Siro after seven years, but Milan have maintained a substantial €50 million asking price. Leao has rejected interest from Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, and despite alleged overtures from Manchester United, agent Jorge Mendes is exploring options at top European clubs. Roma face a significant obstacle in financing such a deal, given the club's cash constraints. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who guided Roma back to the Champions League for the first time since 2018, is reportedly keen to strengthen the squad ahead of an ambitious title push. Signing Leao, rated among Serie A's best performers despite a difficult last season, would represent a major coup and could elevate Roma from top-four contenders into genuine Scudetto challengers. However, Roma must first generate sufficient funds to meet Milan's valuation, and Leao's willingness to join the Giallorossi remains unclear.

Roma faced Cannes at Stade Pierre de Coubertin in their first competitive friendly of the summer, more than two months after the Verona match that secured their return to the Champions League. The fixture marked a reunion between the two clubs under common ownership: the Friedkin Group has controlled Roma since 2020 and has managed Cannes, who play in France's third tier, since 2023. Ryan Friedkin, son of owner Dan, attended the match in person. Gasperini's squad had previously undertaken internal training matches at Trigoria against the Primavera and Trastevere before this fixture. The friendly served as a formal return to action ahead of the new season, providing valuable competitive minutes and tactical preparation for the Champions League campaign that awaits.

Roma faced Cannes in their third pre-season friendly, a domestic clash between the two clubs both owned by the Friedkin Group. Ryan Friedkin attended the match in the stands alongside Tony D'Amico and Maurizio Lombardo. The fixture served as another step in Roma's summer preparation ahead of the new season. The presence of the ownership at the friendly underscored the Friedkin Group's involvement in both clubs' operations and their shared portfolio in European football. At the conclusion of the match, final approval from ownership was expected for the completion of the Castro transfer operation.