Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Zirkzee Man Utd BOMB, Chelsea LOVE Guehi, Nkunku EXIT

Tom Weber

• Updated: 6 Jan 2025 20:51 GMT
• 7 min read

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including a bombshell confirmation of Juventus' 'push' for Joshua Zirkzee, fresh information on Chelsea's search for a new centre-back and an admission that Christopher Nkunku could leave Stamford Bridge this month.

David not moving in January

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano began by discussing the frequent speculation surrounding out-of-contract Lille striker Jonathan David. "Today, new reports coming from England about Premier League clubs approaching Jonathan David for the January transfer window," he said.

"The understanding is that David will not sign a new deal at Lille, so he's likely to leave as a free agent, but that's the point. Free agent. So, summer 2025. At the moment, the feeling is that nothing is happening in the January transfer window, David is expected to complete the season at Lille, and then, at the end of the season, pick his favourite option.

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"He has possibilities in the Premier League, he has possibilities in Italy, in several countries. Obviously, after his performances at Lille, several clubs are attentive to the situation, but at the moment I can guarantee that despite the reports, nothing is close, nothing is advanced with Premier League clubs, and especially not for January.

"The idea is to move in the summer transfer window. So that's the feeling, we will follow the situation, let's see, maybe some club will decide to do something crazy in January, we never know, but at the moment I can confirm, once again, the idea of David is to leave in the summer transfer window."

Juventus push for Zirkzee

Next up, Romano confirmed for the first time the frequent reporting that Serie A giants Juventus are pushing for Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee. "About strikers, guys, we know at Manchester United there is an interesting situation with Marcus Rashford. We will mention that in the next days, as soon as the situation is more clear.

"But the possibility of Rashford leaving in January remains really strong, really concrete, as we know also based on the opportunities they will receive in terms of proposals in the January transfer window. Joshua Zirkzee, many questions.

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"Yesterday after the game, Ruben Amorim, after the draw, against Liverpool at Anfield, said, I want to keep Zirkzee. He's working really hard. He's giving his best in training. But he also added, the January transfer window is open, so we will see. Why did he say that? Because Juventus are really pushing for Zirkzee.

"Juventus have a very good relationship. The director, Cristiano Giuntoli, and the agent of Zirkzee, Kia Joorabchian, have an excellent relationship. They did a deal, for example, for Douglas Luiz in the summer transfer window together. So Juventus are really interested in Zirkzee.

"The manager is Thiago Motta, and Motta was the coach at Bologna last season. They did an excellent job together, Motta and Zirkzee. So the interest of Juventus is really concrete, and contacts with the player side already started weeks ago. So Juventus are on it, but it will really depend on the formula of the deal.

"At the moment, Man Utd are not accepting a straight loan for Zirkzee. So let's see what's going to happen. Let's see what Juventus can do in terms of obligation to buy, permanent transfer, loan with option to buy that could become an obligation. So there are details of this story to clarify for sure.

"But the idea, the view of Juventus is that Zirkzee is one of the main targets for January. It will really depend on Man United because at the moment, from Manchester United, they're not accepting what Juventus are proposing.

Kolo Muani interest increasing

In addition to Zirkzee, Juventus are also interested in PSG outcast Randal Kolo Muani - but so are many other clubs. "Then it's important to mention that on Juventus' list there is another name, who is also on the list of other clubs around Europe, and this is Randal Kolo Muani.

"He's leaving in Paris Saint-Germain. There is interest from several clubs around Europe. These clubs include Juventus, because if Zirkzee is not going anywhere, Kolo Muani could be an option for Juve. Also, Tottenham are looking for a striker, and Tottenham also made contact with PSG to understand the conditions of the deal, for Kolo Muani.

"And then keep an eye also on Aston Villa because Aston Villa are also monitoring strikers. The priority target is Donyell Malen at Borussia Dortmund. Aston Villa are working on it, but they are among several clubs calling to understand the situation of Kolo Muani."

Chelsea's centre-back options

As for Chelsea, they are not desperate to add a striker but rather a centre-back following the injury to Wesley Fofana. According to Romano, former player Marc Guehi is a player hugely appreciated, while he also acknowledged, contrary to his previous reporting, that loanee Trevoh Chalobah could be recalled.

"It's important to say that Chelsea are seriously considering to bring in a new centre-back, in the January transfer window. It's a strong possibility. So Chelsea, despite some of the initial reports we saw, Chelsea have a recall clause in the contract with Trevoh Chalobah. So the clause is there. Chelsea are considering this possibility.

"But another player they like is Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace. He's a centre-back that Chelsea appreciate. So let's see what's going to happen there. Let's see if Chelsea will make a bid. At the moment, we are not in club-to-club negotiations. But in terms of interest Chelsea like Guehi.

"Then we have to see if Chelsea want to invest on the centre-back in January or if Chelsea want to do something more low-profile like recalling Chalobah or doing this kind of things. But remember, the Chalobah could be a point of contact between Chelsea and Crystal Palace in case Chelsea decide to attack for Guehi.

"At the moment, again, we are not yet into advanced negotiations, concrete negotiations, but in terms of exploring options for the centre-back position, what I'm told is that Chelsea consider Guehi as one of the most interesting options around. Then it's going to be also about the budget. There are more options for sure. He's not the only one. So I'm not saying that he's going to Chelsea. But I'm saying that he's one of the names being considered for sure at the club."

Nkunku to leave Chelsea?

Romano also revealed that Christopher Nkunku could really leave Chelsea as early as this months should he decide to hand in a transfer request. "The situation of Christopher Nkunku could be one to watch because Chelsea want to keep Nkunku.

"But if Kunku, or his agent, of course, will go to Chelsea and say, let me go, let me leave, I want to play more, Chelsea could be open to letting him leave in the January transfer window based on what the player wants to do. But Chelsea want to keep Nkunku. So it really depends on the player now."

Olmo wants Barcelona stay

Finally, Romano once more confirmed that Dani Olmo is not considering leaving Barcelona despite the ongoing registration mess. "We know Barcelona will go to court to try to find a solution for Dani Olmo and the young talented striker Pau Victor.

"Meanwhile, Olmo is travelling with the Barcelona squad to Saudi for the Spanish Super Cup. Why is this happening? Because Olmo remains convinced that Barcelona will find a way. Olmo, his agent, are waiting for Barcelona. So Olmo is showing once again his commitment to Barca, not taking the clause to be a free agent, not negotiating with any other club and waiting for Barcelona to find a way as soon as possible.

"Obviously now the next days will be crucial, Olmo can't wait forever, but Olmo's intention is to wait for it. That's the idea, that's the option, that's what I'm hearing. So Olmo is going to wait for Barcelona as long as possible and is still, as of today, not negotiating with any other club."