Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Nico Williams to Arsenal, Kvaratskhelia to Liverpool, shock BOMB!

24 Aug 2024 14:07 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano, transfer news — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer news expert, has given the latest updates from the window, including information on Nico Williams, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Samu Omorodion.

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Omorodion makes Porto switch

Romano has revealed the details of Samu Omorodion’s surprise move to Porto.

The striker had been a target for Chelsea, with the Blues having had a bid worth €50 million turned down by Atletico Madrid, who have sold him for a fraction of the price to Porto.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€9.1M - €15.1M

“Samu Omorodion to Porto: here we go! He’s been virtually a Chelsea player for two or three days. He did the first part of his medical in Paris then the second part of his medical in London then he travelled for a contract signing. Then the deal collapsed. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid renegotiated for Joao Felix,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel.

“Samu Omorodion was still available and looking for solutions after Atleti signed Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth. Now Omorodion will play for Porto.

“It’s a surprise move made by the president, the former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas. He’s making a big impact on the summer transfer window. He’s agreed a deal with Arsenal for the loan of Fabio Vieira in the afternoon, waiting to sort the future of Francisco Conceicao and then overnight closed the deal for Omorodion.

“Deal done for €15 million plus 50% of a future sale. Porto will have an option in 2025 worth €5m for 15% more and in 2026, €5m for another 15%.”

Cancelo to Barca: Will he or won’t he?

The future of Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo remains up in the air.

Romano explained that the Spain star is destined either for the Saudi Pro League or a move home.

“As of today, Jorge Mendes is still in talks with Al-Hilal. Talks are taking place: the salary, the contract and Man City are waiting for Cancelo to decide that he’s going to Al-Hilal, which could happen at any moment, or whether he will wait for Barcelona. They’re still interested, but on loan. It depends on what Cancelo wants to do,” Romano said.

“Barcelona have one more outgoing completed. Clement Lenglet is going to Atletico Madrid: here we go confirmed. It’s a loan deal with no buy option. Barca are selling players, so let’s see what happens with incomings.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€20.9M - €34.9M

Kvaratskhelia truth

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is one of the most exciting wingers in world football, but Romano says he’s not heading to Liverpool – this summer at least.

“Some reports in England say that Liverpool are preparing an incredible bid for Kvaratskhelia, Liverpool are working behind the scenes for a sensational move for him,” he said.

“No, Liverpool are not working on a deal for him. This is the clear message coming from the club. And the clear message coming from Napoli that they are not entertaining any bids for Kvaratskhelia. It was already public and this remains their position.

“They got a big proposal from PSG at the start of the market but Napoli didn’t want to discuss any opportunities. Now Liverpool are still focused on completely different targets.

“For Kvaratskhelia, there’s nothing active or concrete to say.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€49.7M - €82.8M

Arsenal to land Nico Williams bomb?

Barcelona may have stopped their hunt for Nico Williams, but there are reports that Arsenal have not dropped their interest for the window.

Romano has revealed the truth behind these.

“There have been rumours and reports that Arsenal have been trying for Nico Williams at the last minute,” he said.

“What I’m hearing is that there’s nothing concrete. The expectation of those close to Nico Williams and Athletic Bilbao is that he will continue there, to discuss a new contract and to continue playing with his family close to him and try to play the final of the Europa League at San Mames, the home of Athletic Bilbao.

“Arsenal appreciate Nico Williams, of course they do, all the top clubs in Europe do: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in the past, Barcelona, PSG. All of them like Nico Williams. But there’s a release clause, so we’ll see if it changes.

“I still think Arsenal can do something up front, maybe something last minute if they find the right player.”

Current ETV

ETV Range

€37.2M - €62M

What’s happening with Adrien Rabiot?

“Adrien Rabiot is still available as a free agent. He’s been relaxing after leaving Juventus, taking time with his family. He’s been training hard and is now available on the market. Many rumours on Galatasaray. He’s not going there. He’s not targeting a move to Turkey. He wants to continue in Europe’s top five leagues. He’s talking to several clubs and there could be movement in the next days.”