Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal signing CONFIRMED, Chelsea deals DONE, Man Utd READY

Updated: 1 Jul 2024 21:06 BST
6 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has dropped updates on the plans of Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea this summer, while also offering the latest on Victor Osimhen’s situation, with the Nigeria forward linked to all three Premier League giants plus the likes of PSG.

Romano has confirmed a summer of change at Man Utd, with manager Erik ten Hag close to a new deal – as well as a fresh coaching lineup.

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“We’re entering a crucial week with Man Utd,” he said on his latest YouTube video. “They’re expected to complete the contract signing of Erik ten Hag. It’s completed.

“There will be a new staff for the Dutch manager. The decision of Ineos has been made. There will be new faces next to Ten Hag. Who are they? Ruud van Nistelrooy and also Rene Hake from Go Ahead Eagles. It’s the beginning of a new era.”

De Ligt, Zirkzee and Ugarte transfer updates

Three of the players that Man Utd have been linked with closely in recent times are Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.

The Red Devils will make calls on both imminently, Romano reports.

“There will be decisions of some signings,” he confirmed before explaining exactly where the deals stand.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€16M - €26.6M

“There’s been contact with the agents of Matthijs de Ligt, a player Ten Hag knows very well from Ajax. He is one of the names on their shortlist and is a name to be considered.

“Jarrad Branthwaite remains there but £65-70m remains Everton’s valuation. Man Utd are still working on De Ligt. There’s direct contact and the player is open to the move.

“They’re expected to discuss in the next days whether they want to progress with Joshua Zirkzee. Man Utd have all the information on the release clause, which is valid from today [1 July] until 1 August, but also on the situation of the player’s side: the salary, the commission and the contract. Everything’s ready if they want to proceed for Zirkzee but AC Milan are still in the race.

“Manuel Ugarte is still on the move to Man Utd, even without Champions League football. Direct contact has been made in recent days with PSG. Man Utd also have Ugarte on their shortlist, so there will be movement.”

Chelsea to land Dewsbury-Hall

Chelsea have acted decisively to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester.

Romano explained, meanwhile, that the Blues stand to receive a substantial payment for a youngster moving in the other direction.

“Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is joining Chelsea from Leicester City. The first part of his medical was on Monday night, in the next hours, he’s going to be the new signing of Chelsea,” Romano promised.

© IMAGO - Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Leicester

“He was wanted by the recruitment staff because they started the process to sign him, knowing Leicester’s FFP situation, hijacking the move from Brighton. They really had the opportunity to close the deal. Everything was agreed but it collapsed because Dewsbury-Hall decided to wait for Chelsea.

“He’ll sign until 2030, the player has already given the green light.

“Michael Golding, a young talent from Chelsea’s academy is going to join Leicester. The value of the deal is going to be £5m. One more deal is completed for Chelsea.”

In addition to Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea also completed the signing of Marc Guiu, with the deal officially announced today.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€11.1M - €18.4M

Osimhen transfer ‘in development’

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen may not have been in the news much lately, but don’t expect that to continue.

Romano expects interest in the Nigeria hitman to heat up imminently.

“Keep an eye on the list of many clubs for Victor Osimhen. Now we’re entering July, preseason is about to start, and that’s going to be an important moment,” he said.

© IMAGO - Osimhen is destined to leave Napoli

“The plan has not changed, he’s still expected to leave Napoli this summer.

“The situation has been very quiet so far. There are situations already in development. Let’s see what happens with all of the clubs around Europe who are looking for a player.

“The dream of the player is the Premier League. Napoli will probably be open to receiving a different package compared to the release clause of €120m. If they drop the price, this could be a big opportunity.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€52.6M - €87.6M

Calafiori latest

On Riccardo Calafiori, Romano expects a similar story to Osimhen. This is a deal that could explode at any moment, with major Premier League sides still following the player.

Let me tell you the latest on Calafiori,” he said. “Interest from Arsenal but Chelsea are also following the situation because internally, apart from Aaron Anselmino, who is a centre-back they want to sign for the future, for this current window the name of one more talented left-footed defender is something they’re discussing internally.

“A winger, for sure, a striker is being discussed, but Chelsea are also working on a new centre-back who is left footed and talented: Calafiori could be an option.”

Barcelona making moves

Barcelona may have published – then deleted – goodbye messages to Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix on their website, but Romano says there is still a strong possibility that both will remain at the Catalan side.

“Barcelona are prepared to start negotiations with Manchester City and Atletico Madrid for Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix,” he revealed.

“They’ve confirmed with the agent of the players Jorge Mendes that they have an intention to negotiate. Barcelona want to go for both. Now it’s about the conditions of the move: how much is needed to make the deals happen. It’s a work in process. On the players’ side, it’s already a green light from both. Hansi Flick has given a green light to both players.”

Arsenal seal Raya deal

Romano has also announced on his X account that Arsenal have formally triggered their buy-option in David Raya's loan deal from Brentford.

In truth, it has been known since last year that the Spaniard would become a Gunner permanently, with Arsenal and Brentford having a gentleman's agreement for most of the bygone season that the former would trigger their option this summer.