Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Omorodion NOT OVER, Yoro to Man Utd TRUTH, Frimpong RUMOUR

Robin Bairner

21 Jun 2024 12:40 BST
5 min read

Fabrizio Romano has given updates on the state of play for several important transfers, including deals for Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona.

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Chelsea’s interest in Boca Juniors’ talent Aaron Anselmino is real, he states in his Daily Briefing, and the Premier League club are engaged in discussions.

The parties involved wish to understand the details of the release clause in the Argentine’s contract, which is set at £19m. But there has been no formal proposal yet for the teenager.

Branthwaite update

Man Utd’s hopes of landing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton appear to be in the balance after they had a bid rejected, and while they are set to make a fresh assault on the England man before the end of the month, their options are being kept open.

One of the players they are monitoring is Lille’s Leny Yoro. Although Real Madrid are in control of the race for the Frenchman, Man Utd are waiting in the wings along with Liverpool and PSG.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea weigh up transfer for £40m Bournemouth star

Current ETV

Leny Yoro

D (C), DM (R)

Lille

Leny Yoro

D (C), DM (R)

Lille

ETV Range

€21.4M - €35.6M

“Real Madrid are there and they consider him a generational talent,” Romano said. “So they’re there and we can confirm the preference of the player is Real Madrid. Personal terms between Leny Yoro and Real Madrid are not a problem at all, so if they move for him, he will be a Real Madrid player.

“But Real Madrid still have to decide what they want to do with Yoro. They have to make a decision.

“Other clubs are keeping close eyes on the situation. Man Utd are in many rumours but between them and Yoro there is still nothing advanced on the player’s side. The interest is true.

“Liverpool have confirmed their interest to the player’s side. They’re there, but they feel Real Madrid are favourites.

“And don’t forget PSG but they also have a very good relationship with people close to the player. They will also try to land Leny Yoro if he’s not going to Real Madrid. They made an approach in January, not a formal one, but Lille said no. Now PSG are still there.”

Chelsea’s Omorodion hopes not dead

Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker, meanwhile, continues to focus on Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion, but Romano says the situation here could change.

“They keep discussing for the striker,” he confirms. “For Samu Omorodion they had a bid of €40m rejected by Atletico Madrid, they still hope to keep the player at the club. They believe in future years, he could be worth €80, 90 or 100m, and that he will score a lot of goals.

“Chelsea are not giving up. Chelsea are positive and waiting to see what happens.

“Meanwhile, they’re making contact on the player’s side. The player is open to joining Chelsea. They’re pushing to understand his stance. He’s happy at Atletico Madrid but he could be tempted by the financial proposal.

“Let’s see if they will chase this one in a strong way or if they will re-activate the Jhon Duran option or go for a different player. They’re assessing options internally.

“There’s interest from Italy, but it’s difficult for Italian clubs because he’s really expensive. For example, Napoli, but that depends on the future of Victor Osimhen.”

Maatsen close to Aston Villa

Romano says Ian Maatsen is close to leaving Chelsea for Aston Villa. He explained the situation of the young left-back.

“Keep a close eye on the situation of Ian Maatsen and Aston Villa because the ‘here we go’ is expected soon,” he said. “The agreement between Chelsea and Aston Villa was reached on Wednesday, an agreement worth £37.5 million. They will discuss a separate deal about another player. Let’s see if that’s Jhon Duran or an academy player, that’s a possibility.

“What’s missing is the full agreement between Maatsen and personal terms. There are some details to qualify. Maatsen is keen on the move, the agents are working on that. Borussia Dortmund are no longer involved in the story. Chelsea always wanted £35m and now they will get £37.5m.”

Frimpong to Barcelona?

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, meanwhile, is a player Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admired for a long time – but don’t expect immediate movement on this rumour.

“Jeremie Frimpong has a release clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen. He’s fully focused on the Euros, the player doesn’t want any distraction, similar to Xavi Simons,” Romano said.

STATS

Jeremie Frimpong

D, M, AM (R)

Bayer 04

Jeremie Frimpong

D, M, AM (R)

Bayer 04

47

Games
14

Goals
10

Assists

“What I can tell you about Barcelona is two things. Jeremie Frimpong is highly rated by Hansi Flick. When he was free, he spent some time monitoring players in Germany, and Frimpong was one of the players he was watching. He had a fantastic season, goals and assists, one of the best full-backs in the world.

“Flick really likes him, but he’s also open to bringing in Joao Cancelo again. He didn’t give a negative opinion on Cancelo.

“Nothing is advanced yet with Frimpong to Barcelona. The situation is absolutely open.”