Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea in Real Madrid TALKS, Arsenal BID, Man Utd AGREE Ugarte terms

Cameron Smith

19 Jul 2024 16:50 BST
5 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Nico Williams, Adrien Rabiot — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on all the big transfer stories, including Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United, Chelsea holding talks with Real Madrid and an Arsenal transfer bid

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Man Utd agree Manuel Ugarte terms

In his latest YouTube video, the transfer expert revealed that Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

“Exclusive update on Man Utd. From what I’m hearing, Man Utd have agreed personal terms with Manuel Ugarte," he said.

“There is an agreement in place between Man Utd and Ugarte on contract conditions.

“It means after a centre-back (Leny Yoro) and a striker (Joshua Zirkzee), Man Utd are ready to work on a midfielder.

“The exit of Casemiro remains an important part of the story, meanwhile Man Utd already have the green light of Ugarte as a potential new midfielder. The player is keen on the move and the contract has been discussed.

“An important detail is that Ugarte’s agent is the same as Leny Yoro - Jorge Mendes," Romano continued.

“The negotiation between Man Utd and PSG is still a topic, they still have to find an agreement, but Man Utd have an agreement with the player and he is considered the perfect option because he’s a defensive midfielder.”

Barcelona hold Nico Williams talks

In addition, Romano also provided the latest regarding Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal.

“Deco has had a meeting with Williams’ agent in Zaragoza," Romano revealed. "Barcelona are trying to be fast on agreeing personal terms with Nico Williams because they believe that reaching an agreement on the project, on the salary and on the contract is important.

“Barca know that Premier League clubs are coming, Barca know that big Premier League clubs are already trying to understand what will happen.

“We know there is interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, but he is still very expensive as his €58m release clause must be paid in full. There is also a big commission and a big salary, which is why Chelsea decided to move slower one month ago.

“Chelsea and Arsenal are attentive, so Barcelona know how important it is to reach an agreement with the player to make the deal happen.

“Contacts are ongoing with Barcelona and his agent because they know Premier League clubs are coming and could be really aggressive.”

Adrien Rabiot’s next step

Romano also revealed that Adrien Rabiot is hoping to seal a Premier League move following his Juventus exit.

He said: “Adrien Rabiot has left Juventus as a free agent. Juventus offered a €7m net salary per season, but he didn’t want to accept. He wants to try something different.

“He has several possibilities around Europe. His mother is speaking to several clubs in several countries, so everything is open.

“The dream of the player is the Premier League. Rabiot would love to play in the Premier League, so that remains a possibility.

“He has many offers on the table, but he believes his skills are perfect for the Premier League and he is tempted to wait for an opportunity in England.”

Jarrad Branthwaite or Matthijs de Ligt to Man Utd?

Lastly, Romano admitted that Man Utd could push for another centre-back, despite the arrival of Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.

“It's not over yet at all for Manchester United because they are working on the possibility of bringing in a new centre-back. So one more after Leny Yoro.

“It will depend on the outgoings, so nothing is imminent or close, but Man Utd don’t rule out the possibility of signing one more centre-back. Keep an eye on that position as Man Utd could do something else.

“We know discussions with Matthijs de Ligt on the contract were already more than advanced, they had an agreement. He wants Man Utd, now Man Utd are in contact with Bayern. They had never agreed on a fee, it was never a done deal.

“Jarrad Branthwaite is another player they are pursuing, but at the moment he is considered too expensive.

“De Ligt will be around €50m and if Man Utd are able to complete the dominos of outgoings and other factors, they will be able to bring in one more centre-back.”