The summer transfer window is heating up, and AS Roma is once again in the thick of it—this time, off the pitch. While the Giallorossi have already secured Gian Piero Gasperini as their head coach, following the club's decisive statement that dismissed Claudio Ranieri and placed Gasperini at the heart of the project, the focus has now shifted to the front office. Sporting director Frederic Massara is reportedly on the verge of leaving the capital, and Roma is wasting no time in searching for his replacement.

The shortlist has been narrowed down to two standout candidates: Giovanni Manna of Napoli and D'Amico of Atalanta. Both are currently under contract, which adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations. Manna, however, has emerged as the frontrunner, with discussions between him and Roma described as "positive" and the director himself flattered by the club's interest. According to reports from Il Tempo, Manna currently earns €350,000 net per season at Napoli, but the Friedkin family—Roma's owners—are prepared to triple that salary to bring him on board.

The Friedkins have been impressed by Manna's profile, but there's a major hurdle: Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not known for letting rivals poach his key personnel without a fight. The next step will be a direct meeting between the Friedkins and De Laurentiis, where two scenarios could unfold. Either Napoli demands financial compensation from Roma for Manna's release, or they counter with a lucrative raise to keep him at the Stadio Maradona.

For Roma, the risk is clear: despite positive feedback from Manna, they may find themselves unable to shake hands on a deal with Napoli. If that happens, the Giallorossi will be forced to pivot to alternative options. As the summer saga unfolds, one thing is certain—Roma's ambition to build a winning project is matched only by the fierce competition for top football minds in Serie A.