Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: QUICK Osimhen deal, Arsenal Zubimendi HIJACK, De Bruyne to Saudi

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Apr 2025 12:51 BST
6 min read

Victor Osimhen, Fabrizio Romano, Martin Zubimendi — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Victor Osimhen, Martin Zubimendi and Kevin de Bruyne.

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End of an era at Man City

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed what could be next for Kevin de Bruyne once he leaves Man City this summer.

"They never had any conversation, Kevin de Bruyne and Man City, over a new contract. They never planned for a new contract because they had the feeling internally at Man City, and also De Bruyne himself, that it was time to go. It was time to part ways. It was time to close this beautiful chapter in the best way possible.

"Man City want to go for an evolution of the team, so already in January they signed several players, in the summer they will be busy again, so Man City want to refresh the squad. Man City never wanted to advance on a new contract for De Bruyne, not because they disrespect the player, but because it's time to enter into a new era.

"And also Kevin wants to feel something different, so now he will have several options. If you see these links with NEOM, the Saudi side, mentioning that he's already agreed with NEOM - it's not true, nothing is agreed between De Bruyne and NEOM. They don't have any interest and he has no interest in negotiating with them.

"But other Saudi clubs are on the topic. So there is absolutely interest from Saudi in De Bruyne. There is interest from MLS. But as we say that for NEOM, we have to mention it also with the MLS side San Diego. From what I'm hearing, there is nothing agreed despite the reports. So everything is open for De Bruyne, who is now going to take some time with his family to decide what he wants to do next."

Postecoglou faces Spurs sack

Romano then spoke about how patience is quickly running out for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

"It's not over yet, but it's a dangerous situation, the one of Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. I know Spurs fans are not happy with the current situation. It's really poor in terms of points. 34 in 30 games in Premier League.

"In the Europa Leag,ue it's a different story. Now, there is an important clash with Eintracht [Frankfurt]. So the Europa League is saving the season at the moment for Tottenham and for Postecoglou. If Tottenham win the Europa League, this could change the whole sense of the project. Next year, they would be in the Champions League finally, so it would be really important.

"Otherwise, the expectation is that there is a very concrete and strong chance for Tottenham to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season. Tottenham started exploring the managers' market. Tottenham are informed on the situation of Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth with a release clause in his contract.

"Tottenham know everything about that and nd he's a candidate. Iraola is doing fantastic at Bournemouth, and for sure, he's highly rated internally at Tottenham. So it's one of the possibilities. Another coach appreciated is Marco Silva, who has spent years at Fulham doing very well, sometimes not with crazy investments, but with a good squad, and he was able to make them perform in an excellent way.

"There are links with Simone Inzaghi, but I can guarantee that Inzaghi is completely focused on Inter and he's not having any concrete conversation with Tottenham at this point. But in general, the Tottenham job is something interesting to follow."

Quick deal expected for Osimhen

Next up, Romano revealed that the upcoming summer will not see a dragged-out Victor Osimhen saga like last year.

"The expectation is for Victor Osimhen to leave Galatasaray. He's going back to Napoli and Napoli, that's the indication I'm getting, want to sell the player as soon as possible. So forget about an Osimhen saga at the end of July, end of August, as we had last summer. Napoli don't want to enter into the same situation.

"His clause is €75 million, but Napoli are open to finding a different solution even before, to find a solution already in June, that's the idea, the ideal scenario for Napoli for the Osimhen story. There are several options. In England, we know English clubs are interested.

"For Man Utd, the interest is still there, but it is still not something guaranteed for Man Utd because of the salary, because it's a very expensive package, and because Man Utd have several options, including [Liam] Delap and more players. Man United will sign a striker, but for Osimhen, at the moment, it's not something guaranteed.

"There are more options around the world also from Saudi. Remember that one year ago, Al-Ahli almost agreed the deal for Osimhen and then everything collapsed in the final minutes because of Napoli, not because Osimhen. He wanted to go to Al-Ahli, he wanted to go to Saudi. It was Napoli breaking the deal with Al-Ahli.

"Osimhen still wants his salary guaranteed and that is going to be a really important point for the story. But the timing will also be important because Napoli want to sell the player as soon as possible, make money and reinvest. That's the mission."

Real Madrid not in for Zubimendi...yet

Lastly, Romano addressed the speculation surrounding a potential hijack of Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi deal by Real Madrid.

"On Martin Zubimendi, let me explain what I know. Arsenal are working on it. Arsenal know every single detail of the release clause. Arsenal are in contact with the players' camp. Arsenal want Zubimendi, [they are] still waiting to have the final green light from the player. Still working on that.

"But Arsenal maintain their confidence. Andrea Berta, the new Arsenal director, has a very good relationship with the agents of Zubimendi. They know each other for a long time. So for sure, Arsenal are working hard on the Zubimendi deal.

"What about Real Madrid? These links are there because there is a possibility for Xabi Alonso to become the new Real Madrid manager already this summer or eventually in the future. When this happens, Alonso would love to work with Zubimendi. He loves Zubimendi and this is why we have the links with Real Madrid.

"But Arsenal are already in the process to sign Zubimendi. This is why Arsenal, in this moment, are confidently working on it. We have to follow step by step. Remember last summer, Liverpool were close to signing Zubimendi and then the player decided to continue at Real Sociedad."