As the summer transfer window approaches with less than two months to go, Roma finds itself at a critical crossroads. While the Giallorossi are locked in a fierce battle for a Champions League spot on the pitch, the club's front office is already making moves behind the scenes to shape the squad for the upcoming season.

The Friedkin ownership group is reportedly preparing for significant changes in the sporting director role. After Claudio Ranieri's departure was already confirmed, current sporting director Frederic Massara is also expected to part ways with the club at season's end, marking a potential overhaul of Roma's football operations.

Two standout candidates have emerged to fill the void: Atalanta's Tony D'Amico and Napoli's Giovanni Manna. According to reports from Matteo De Santis of La Stampa, Manna has emerged as a particularly intriguing option—he's reportedly the preferred choice of Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, which speaks volumes about his reputation in Italian football.

The Friedkins have already initiated direct contact with Manna, but negotiations are far from straightforward. A key sticking point remains the compensation package Roma would need to pay Napoli to secure his services. Additionally, any deal hinges on approval from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, a notoriously tough negotiator in Serie A circles.

This behind-the-scenes maneuvering comes at a pivotal moment for Roma, as the club looks to build on its competitive momentum and establish a sustainable structure for sustained success. With the transfer window fast approaching, resolving the sporting director position will be crucial to executing their summer recruitment plans.