Wesley marks a year as Roma cornerstone after star display in Cannes test

Roma have made no new additions to their squad ahead of next season's Champions League group phase, with Donyell Malen's permanent signing from Aston Villa for €25 million not counting as a fresh arrival since the Dutch winger joined on loan in January. Only three other clubs already qualified for Europe's top competition—Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Villarreal—have similarly avoided summer reinforcements so far. Napoli have invested over €60 million in permanent signings but acquired only players already in their 2025–26 squad, including the redemptions of Højlund, Alisson Santos, and Milinkovic-Savic. PSG, the reigning European champions, have only brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni from AC Milan's youth academy on a free transfer, a prospect likely destined for the Under-19s rather than the first team. Villarreal, meanwhile, remain at zero spending. As rivals strengthen their ranks—Sporting investing over €100 million, Como confirming Nico Paz for €60 million and rescuing Morata while signing Liberali and Milla for €6 million each—Roma face mounting pressure to act. Arsenal have spent €80 million on Hincapié and Tzolis; Manchester City €135 million on Anderson alone; Manchester United €97 million on Andrey Santos and Tielemans.

Santiago Castro is close to completing his move to Roma in a deal worth 35 million euros including add-ons. The 20-year-old Argentine striker, born in 2004, will become Gian Piero Gasperini's new centre-forward after leaving Bologna. Castro joined Vélez from his Buenos Aires neighbourhood club at age 7 and remained there until 2024, when Bologna called. At the Stadio San Paolo, he impressed against Roma in Europe League quarter-finals, scoring a goal and providing an assist across the double-header; he was captivated by the Olimpico atmosphere. He scored 11 goals last season for Bologna and has been pushing for the transfer, with official confirmation expected imminently. Castro carries deep personal meaning in his football. He has 24 tattoos, with the most significant being an 'R' on his wrist — the initial of his brother Ramiro — which he kisses after each goal as a dedication. Beyond his on-field attributes, he married Augustina Gonzalez in June, holding a civil ceremony in Bologna before celebrating in Argentina with teammate Matías Soulé, with whom he trained and shares personal coach Guido Viggiano. Castro credits psychologist Gustavo as part of his support system, a practice he adopted after former Bologna defender De Silvestri encouraged him: "It's a good thing, because from the outside our lives seem gilded, perfect, secure; but we also have needs, doubts, need support. Once De Silvestri said: 'Don't be ashamed to talk to a psychologist.' I used to think I could do everything alone. But you need other components if you want to last long and at high levels."

Santiago Castro's move to Roma, worth approximately €35 million, is pushing Artem Dovbyk further from Gian Piero Gasperini's plans at the capital club. Bologna are already scouting replacements for Castro and have identified Dovbyk as a target, potentially offering him a loan deal back to Serie A. Roma hope to conclude Castro's signing by the end of the day following final negotiations. Dovbyk, the former Liga top scorer, no longer features in Gasperini's project and would have even less opportunity following Castro's arrival. The Ukrainian forward has not yet approved a move to Emilia-Romagna, where he would need to relocate. Fiorentina have also registered interest with an initial enquiry and could accelerate their approach should Bryan Kean depart Florence. Bologna's list of potential replacements includes Espì from Levante alongside Dovbyk.

Roma travel to Stade Pierre de Coubertin tomorrow to face Cannes in a friendly match. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for the contest, with injuries ruling out Pisilli and Vaz, while Cherubini is unavailable due to fever. The group reflects a mix of first-team regulars and academy prospects. In defence, Gasperini has called up Rensch, Angelino, N'Dicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Nardin, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Cristante, Panico, Di Nunzio, Giammattei and Bah, while the attacking options are Dovbyk, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Arena. The friendly provides an opportunity for Gasperini's side to build match sharpness and continue preparations for the season ahead. The absence of Pisilli and Vaz through injury underlines the need for squad rotation, though both players will be assessed ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's friendly against Cannes. The goalkeeper contingent includes De Marzi, Gollini and Svilar, whilst the defence features Rensch, Angeliño, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Nardin, Lulli and Ghilardi. Midfield options are Cristante, Panico, Di Nunzio, Giammattei and Bah, with Dovbyk, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Arena leading the attack. Roma have made an official bid to Club America for defender Israel Reyes, the Mexican defender born in 2000 and valued at approximately €8 million, according to journalist Gibran Araje. The contacts between the clubs are ongoing, and should the deal succeed, Reyes could become Roma's first summer signing. Simultaneously, Roma have been forced to abandon the pursuit of winger Said El Mala, the 2006-born talent who has rejected a move to the Giallorossi and prefers to continue his development in Germany, potentially waiting for a call from Borussia Dortmund or staying at Cologne. Manu Koné remains central to Gasperini's plans despite European interest following his World Cup success with France. Manchester United have cooled their approach to the midfielder, reportedly reflecting on a potential €60 million investment, though they have not entirely abandoned the pursuit.

Roma travel to France on Friday for their third pre-season friendly against Cannes, the club owned by the Friedkin Group. Gasperini has ruled out Pisilli and Robinio Vaz from the fixture, while Cherubini is also sidelined with fever. Soulé returns to the squad after missing the previous match for workload management and will feature in attack alongside Dybala and Malen. Roma have won their opening two warm-up games decisively, recording 6–0 victories over both the Primavera and Trastevere. The Cannes match represents a more competitive test before the Serie A campaign begins. The squad will return to Rome immediately after the fixture, following which Gasperini will grant the players two days of rest. Gasperini's matchday squad includes goalkeepers De Marzi, Gollini and Svilar; defenders Rensch, Angelino, Ndicka, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Nardin, Lulli and Ghilardi; midfielders Cristante, Panico, Di Nunzio, Giammattei and Bah; and forwards Dovbyk, Malen, Soulé, Dybala and Arena.