Summerville agrees to Roma move as D'Amico pushes to seal deal

Manchester United have slowed their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Koné and are now actively exploring two alternative targets to strengthen their midfield. Koné, currently on World Cup duty with France, is scheduled to play on Saturday, 8 July at 23:00 against England in the third and fourth place match. The 23-year-old has impressed at the tournament and caught the attention of several English clubs including United and Chelsea. United's interest in Koné intensified in recent days, with former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand publicly commenting on a potential deal between Roma and the club — a report that was denied within hours. However, United are now looking beyond the Roma midfielder. According to TeamTalk, following the signings of Tielemans and Santos, the Red Devils are also tracking Sander Berge of Fulham and Nicolas Raskin of Rangers as concrete alternatives to Koné for their midfield reinforcement. Roma remain alert and will wait for an official offer before entering negotiations. The Giallorossi will not accept a discount: they are demanding at least €50 million to allow their French midfielder to leave.

Zeki Çelik completed his move to Juventus on a three-year contract worth 4 million euros per season (including bonuses) after undergoing medical tests, marking the latest in a painful succession of Roma departures to their Serie A rivals. The Turkish right-back leaves after four seasons and 151 appearances, during which he scored two goals. His exit was particularly difficult for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was already expecting him at Trigoria. The Roma-Juventus transfer axis has been a recurring wound in the club's history. In summer 1970, under president Alvaro Marchini, three key players departed simultaneously: defender Luciano Spinosi, midfielder Fabio Capello, and forward Fausto Landini. The bleeding continued through the decades with goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, forward Daniel Fonseca (1997), and others following suit. The most traumatic period came in summer 2004, immediately after Roma's title challenge under Fabio Capello: Juventus acquired French defender Jonathan Zebina on a free transfer and Brazilian midfielder Emerson for approximately 28 million euros, the latter's departure accompanied by jeers at the Olimpico. More recent transfers have compounded Roma's pain. Midfielder Miralem Pjanic departed in 2016 after Juventus triggered his 32-million-euro release clause. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who spent two seasons on loan at Roma from Arsenal, joined Juventus permanently. In January 2012, centre-forward Marco Borriello moved to Turin on loan and scored a decisive goal in their title-winning campaign.

Roma have moved swiftly to identify replacements for departing right-back Zeki Çelik, with chief scout D'Amico prioritising Atlético Madrid's Molina and Fiorentina's Dodo. Both players were previously monitored in recent weeks but shelved as Roma expected Çelik to remain. Molina, an Argentine defender valued for his technical quality and versatility, carries a €30 million asking price that Atlético Madrid are reluctant to reduce. Dodo, a Brazilian alternative, is priced at approximately €15 million but Fiorentina are keen to retain him, and Napoli are also competing for his signature. Roma are also exploring younger options. Savona of Nottingham Forest, a 2003-born defender with senior experience, has re-entered discussions as the English club may be open to a loan arrangement—a solution that could suit Roma's immediate needs. D'Amico is actively working on these avenues to ensure Çelik's departure leaves no gap in the squad.