Fabrizio Romano transfer news today: Mainoo rumours, Chelsea priority, MEGA SWAP ‘advancing fast’

12 Jun 2024 08:57 BST
5 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest football transfer news, including an update on Kobbie Mainoo rumours, two important updates from Real Madrid and who Chelsea are likely to turn to after Benjamin Sesko signed a new contract with RB Leipzig.

Romano kicked off the update on his YouTube channel by branding claims linking Mainoo with a move away from Manchester United as ‘fake news’.

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The midfielder was a breakout star at Old Trafford this season and, unsurprisingly, he says there is no prospect of the 18-year-old departing this summer.

“We’re hearing rumours on Kobbie Mainoo in recent days. I’ve heard from a source that it’s not really credible. I wanted to clarify one point. There’s absolutely fake news around Mainoo and Barcelona but it’s not just about Barcelona. It’s just in general. There’s nothing around any club,” Romano says.

“Kobbie Mainoo is Manchester United. Kobbie Mainoo is a crucial asset for Manchester United. He’s already very happy there and working on a new contract there is one of the missions they have for the year. So they’re pushing in the next weeks and months for a new contract. There’s nothing in these rumours.”

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

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Rudiger to stay at Real Madrid, Davies to arrive?

Similarly, Romano says there is nothing in reports that Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger could leave the Bernabeu for Saudi Arabia this summer.

“From what I’m hearing, Toni Rudiger is absolutely not planning to go to Saudi. In the last 24 hours, we’ve had rumours about Al-Nassr and all this stuff. Rudiger is only focused on Real Madrid, believing the Bernabeu project is the best in the world at this moment. What we can guarantee at the moment is there is nothing,” he says.

“The full focus for Real Madrid is working on the next steps and working on Alphonso Davies’ decision. I told you last week, he has a new contract proposal from Bayern. Now he has to decide whether to extend at Bayern or leave the club this summer. Real Madrid are still keeping a close eye on this situation.”

Chelsea turn attention to Duran

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Romano says that after Benjamin Sesko’s decision to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig, Chelsea are set to revisit Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, who they have looked at previously.

“We know Benjamin Sesko is not going to Chelsea. There remains a name they have considered since January as a potential transfer target, but the decision then was not to advance on any negotiations. But Jhon Duran from Aston Villa is a player they really like and remains on their shortlist. With Sesko not joining any club, he remains one of the strong names on Chelsea’s list,” he says.

“They already had conversations with Villa because we know Aston Villa’s situation with Financial Fair Play, this is why there’s the Douglas Luiz deal, but they also like Conor Gallagher and is one of their dream targets.

“They discussed club-to-club about Jhon Duran. Aston Villa want big money, probably £35-40m. Despite interest from Italy, Jhon Duran is now giving priority to Chelsea, and he would love this possibility.

“Now it’s on Chelsea.”

Romano: Douglas Luiz mega swap ‘advancing fast’

Villa also stand to lose Douglas Luiz this summer.

While reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona could make a play for the midfielder, Romano is adamant that the Brazil international is heading to Juventus in a swap deal involving three players.

“Douglas Luiz to Juventus from Aston Villa including Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior, this big package deal is advancing fast,” he says.

“It’s not a done deal yet. Juventus and Aston Villa need to clarify the final details of their agreement, but it’s very close between clubs. Douglas Luiz will go to Juventus for a value of around €65 million and Aston Villa will receive €20m plus Weston McKennie with a value of €25m and Samuel Iling-Junior with a value of €20m.

“All the single players now have to discuss with the clubs on the salary and the contracts.

“Meanwhile, Thiago Motta today in Portugal finally signed his contract to become Juventus manager. He is their new Juventus manager. He gives the absolute green light to Douglas Luiz as a target.”