Fabrizio Romano transfer news: FINAL STEP for Calafiori, Nico Williams OBSESSION, Osimhen deal OPEN

22 Jul 2024 12:40 BST
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, De Ligt, Calafiori — © IMAGO

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on all the latest stories, including Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal, Nico Williams’ future and uncertainty surrounding Victor Osimhen’s deal.

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Arsenal wait for final Calafiori step

Arsenal will sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, with the deal just a matter of time, Romano reports.

The stalling on the signing of the Italy international is currently out of the Gunners’ hands, but Romano confirmed on YouTube that it will happen.

“As soon as Bologna and Basel agree on the sell-on clause structure, I will be able to tell you here we go! It could be at any moment. Arsenal are waiting, they’ve got the agreement with the player and Bologna, so they’re working on the final steps,” he confirmed.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

Current ETV

ETV Range

€12.9M - €21.5M

Barcelona rush to sign Nico Williams

As one of the hottest properties on the summer transfer market, Nico Williams is a wanted man.

Barcelona are in pole position to sign the Spain winger, who shone at Euro 2024, with the attacking midfielder described as an “obsession” for the Camp Nou outfit.

Romano warned, however, that failure to land the Athletic Club star quickly could open the door for Premier League teams, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea both linked with the player.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€34.2M - €57M

“I really think the next week will be important for Nico Williams,” Romano says.

“Barcelona are working really hard on this deal. Their obsession and priority is Nico Williams. Despite all the other rumours about other players – yes, they had some contact with Dani Olmo’s agents – but the only ongoing negation today is Nico Williams.

“All the other topics, like Joao Cancelo, will be after this. Barcelona’s full focus is on this. They know that they can’t waste time, otherwise clubs from the previous league could arrive.”

Victor Osimhen latest

Chelsea are also linked with Victor Osimhen, but Romano says a transfer will be difficult for the Blues to complete.

Indeed, PSG are in pole position to land the Nigeria international, as well as Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, who has been linked to Man Utd.

“Next week, PSG hope to advance on the deal with Joao Neves. They have an agreement with the player and they’re working on the deal with Benfica. He’s the next big topic. And then there’s Victor Osimhen. They have an agreement with the player but they still need the green light from Napoli,” Romano explained.

“For Chelsea to activate an option like Osimhen or Nico Williams, the package has to be reduced. Chelsea won’t pay crazy money in transfer fee or in salary. If the package is reduced, Chelsea can open the door to these possibilities. Otherwise, they’ll go for different players.

“On Osimhen, PSG are frontrunners. They have an agreement with the player and they’re in talks with Napoli. But it’s not a done deal. We have to keep the story open. For Joao Neves, they’re really, really confident.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€34.2M - €57M

Xavi Simons: Bayern and Leipzig battle

Although Manchester United have been linked with a deal worth €100m for Xavi Simons, the PSG attacker is likely to return to the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich have been widely considered favourites to land the Netherlands star, but their rivals are being tenacious.

“From what I’m hearing, it’s still between Bayern and RB Leipzig, but Leipzig are not giving up,” Romano said.

“Remember what happened with Benjamin Sesko. Many people were saying it was done to Arsenal or Chelsea or United. In the end, he extended his contract with Leipzig. Now they’re trying to do the same with Simons. Bayern are pushing on a daily basis, but Leipzig are not giving up.”

Man Utd to land Arsenal academy star

Romano says the Red Devils are close to securing a deal for Arsenal’s youth star Chido Obi-Martin in what would be considered a major coup.

“Man Utd are very confident on Chido Obi-Martin. They’re convinced they can make it happen,” he says.

“Chido will decide soon. It’s a matter of hours. He’s visited clubs in England and Germany. He rejected a contract at Arsenal, which was a big contract in terms of money. Now Man Utd are pushing for him and want to make it happen.”

Ederson wants Saudi Pro League move

Manchester City face the prospect of losing Brazil international goalkeeper Ederson to the Saudi Pro League, although Romano says a deal will be difficult.

“Al-Ittihad are looking for a goalkeeper. They contacted Manchester City for Ederson in the last 24-48 hours. But it’s a complicated deal,” he warned.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€38.6M - €64.4M

“Man City want around €50-60m for Ederson. At the moment, they’re showing their interest but there’s still no green light. For Ederson, the player’s keen on the move so it’s down to the club.

“Al-Ittihad will not go for Kepa because they understand he wants to wait for Real Madrid. The feeling is that those close to the goalkeeper is that Real Madrid will let Andrey Lunin leave this summer. Lunin’s still not extended his contract, it’s on the table but he’s not signed. Real Madrid are prepared to let him leave if they receive a good proposal. In that case, they need a new backup goalkeeper and, in that case, the backup goalkeeper could be Kepa.”