Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal in striker TALKS, Chelsea SWAP latest, Rashford Man Utd EXIT

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Jan 2025 20:22 GMT
• 7 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including Arsenal's plan to add a striker this month, Chelsea's ongoing talks with Bayern Munich over a potential swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku and Barcelona's interest in Man Utd wantaway Marcus Rashford.

Ronald Araujo stays at Barcelona

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano provided an update on Ronald Araujo's situation at Barcelona following a surprising U-turn.

"Ronald Araujo stays at Barcelona. It's been a difficult situation around Araujo this month because Juventus were really pushing to make it happen, were prepared to invest important money. So Juventus were there for Ronald Araujo.

"They tried in a strong way, but Araujo, after a long talk overnight with Barcelona director Deco, decided to stay at the club. In the morning yesterday, the president, Joan Laporta, announced that they can still have room for a solution and then they found the solution because Araujo stays, Araujo doesn't go to Juventus, but Araujo also extends the contract at Barcelona, agreement verbally done, agreement in principle.

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"Now, after the talk between the player and Deco, it's going to be time to meet with the agents, to prepare the contract, discuss all the details, but in terms of agreement in principle, Araujo said yes, and he's ready to extend his contract at Barcelona.

"Hansi Flick, behind the scenes, from what I'm told, was really pushing to keep Araujo at the club, not to touch the perfect defence he has this season with Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and of course all the others, including Inigo [Martinez], who is injured, but at the moment the position of the player is clear, staying at Barcelona, extending the contract, and so game over with Juventus.

Ansu Fati can leave Barcelona

Next up on the agenda was an update on Ansu Fati, who finds himself on the outside looking in at Barcelona.

"A player who is out of the squad for the third consecutive game in 2025 is Ansu Fati. Fati is not in the list, Fati is not with the squad, and Fati can leave in January. It really depends on the player because Barcelona are opening the doors to his exit.

"It can be permanent, it can be long, they are open to discuss. Now it depends on Ansu, who is on a big salary and also who is not that keen on leaving. Fati would love to stay at Barcelona to play, to have the opportunity to fight for his place. But at the moment, the message from the coaching staff is very clear. He's not part of the squad, not even on the bench.

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Barcelona want Marcus Rashford

In the final update on Barcelona, Romano revealed the state of play on the club's interest in Man Utd winger Marcus Rashford.

"Marcus Rashford is another player who has been discussed with Barcelona. Last week there were meetings with several clubs. We mentioned AC Milan. We mentioned also Barca. These two clubs remain the most interested clubs in Rashford.

"For Barcelona, it's really important to understand what's gonna happen with Fati. So Barca have an interest in Rashford, they had conversations, Milan too, but both clubs are still waiting. First of all, on the player's final decision, and second, on the final conditions of the deal.

"How much of the salary is to be covered? Is there gonna be a loan fee? So they're waiting for all the details of the Rashford package, and it's gonna take some time before we can say, 'okay, it's done deal for Rashford.' It's not something happening in a few hours.

Chelsea recall Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his Crystal Palace loan and, according to Romano, they are very impressed with his professionalism.

"Chelsea decided to activate the option to recall Trevoh Chalobah. He was at Crystal Palace on loan, doing very well. Last summer, you remember probably, he was one of the players left out of Chelsea's squad, not even training with the squad.

"But despite that, and despite being a very professional player, Chelsea decided to let him go on loan to Crystal Palace. Now what happens? That Chalobah returns immediately to Chelsea. He has accepted. He's been super professional, super serious. A top guy, really.

"This is what Chelsea believe internally. So they like the approach he had when they called to restart this chapter at Chelsea. So Chalobah will stay at the club for the next six months, will have his opportunities. And then we will see in the summer if they decide to part ways on a permanent transfer or if Chalobah will be able to continue at Chelsea also in the future.

"From what I'm hearing, Chelsea are still looking at defenders. It's not only Chalobah. It's a strong possibility, but it depends on the formula of the deal. Let's see what happens with Renato Veiga. So Chelsea are still looking at centre-backs in the January transfer window."

Christopher Nkunku latest

Chelsea and Bayern Munich are still considering an informal 'swap' deal for Christopher Nkunku and Mathys Tel, but it is a difficult transfer.

"Chelsea called Bayern for Mathys Tel. Bayern wanted to discuss about Christopher Nkunku. So the conversation is still ongoing. But at the moment, as of tonight, still no progress between Chelsea and Bayern.

"Still a difficult deal because Tel wants to continue at Bayern. Let me clarify, he's not rejecting Chelsea. But Tel several times told Bayern and told the manager of Bayern, Vincent Kompany, 10 days ago, in a long conversation, that his dream is to succeed at Bayern.

"So let's see what the player will decide from now to the end of the market. But obviously, for Bayern to sign Nkunku with Chelsea asking for €70m [and] without including another player like Tel is not that easy.

"I can confirm that Bayern today remain in contact with the agent of the player, the agent of Nkunku. Nkunku is keen on a move to Bayern. Nkunku would agree on personal terms - they are not agreed in this moment but would not be a problem."

Arsenal target striker and Martin Zubimendi

Regarding strikers, Romano also dropped a significant update on Arsenal's January plans.

"For the January window, Arsenal are working on the striker position. Mikel Arteta already confirmed that Arsenal are working on a new addition. And I can tell you that also in the last 24-48 hours, there were many calls from Arsenal to ask about the situations of important players around Europe.

So, Arsenal are exploring opportunities for the striker position. Let's see what they will be able to do. But for sure, Arsenal are looking at that. So, work in progress. As we mentioned in the last 24 hours, work in progress also for Martin Zubimendi.

"As of today, January, I'm still not in a position to come here and tell you, 'here we go,' to come here and tell you that the deal is done. Because with Zubimendi, you remember last summer, Liverpool were advancing close and then the player changed his mind and decided to continue Real Sociedad.

"So with Zubimendi, we have to be really careful because the player, and we have to respect that, loves his city, his country, his family, his club, of course, the fans. He has a fantastic relationship there. And so it's not that easy. But Arsenal are working on that. Arsenal are confident. Arsenal are optimistic.

"The conversation involves Mikel Arteta, who is from the same city as Zubimendi, San Sebastian in Spain. So they have a great connection, but still working on the details of the deal, details of the contract, the agents obviously are involved. So conversation ongoing.

"Arsenal would be prepared to follow two ways. Pay the release clause or pay above the release clause, but with different payment terms, maybe paying in three or four years. So discussions with the club are not a problem because in any case, Arsenal would trigger the clause.

"But on the player side, there is still some work to do. But the conversation is ongoing. The conversation is advancing, Arsenal are optimistic, we will follow this story, but before saying it's a done deal, we have to wait a bit. Arsenal fans have to be patient."