Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd BUSY, Olmo BOMB, Chelsea PUSHING

Updated: 3 Aug 2024 09:45 BST
6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Dani Olmo, Matthijs de Ligt — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer news expert, has given the latest updates from the market, including information on Conor Gallagher, Dani Olmo’s Barcelona deal and Man Utd’s next moves in the market.

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Gallagher to Atletico Madrid: the state of play

Conor Gallagher’s future is set to be resolved by the start of next week, with Romano outlining the England midfielder’s current situation.

“The big issue for Chelsea is the future of Conor Gallagher. There is a deadline now from Atletico Madrid. They want this situation resolved by the end of the weekend,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€37.7M - €62.8M

“What does it mean? Chelsea and Atletico Madrid agreed on a package for Conor Gallagher at the beginning of the week: €40m plus add-ons. But they’re still working on the player’s side.

“Atletico Madrid have presented an offer to Conor Gallagher but remember he’s got a year left on his contract so he’s got power in deciding what he wants to do. He’s probably got some opportunities for summer 2025 on a free. So he’s taking his time.

“Chelsea presented three proposals to extend his contract. But they’ve never offered more than a two-year deal plus one as an option. Why? They’ve told Gallagher that in the new system of Enzo Maresca, with possession as a key word, he will only be a squad player. This is why they’re not offering a long-term contract.

© IMAGO - Conor Gallagher is being forced out of Chelsea

“Gallagher rejected a short-term contract offer by Chelsea. His idea has always been to decide. He’s still not turned down Atletico Madrid.

“Chelsea are pushing because they believe it’s an opportunity for the player to play Champions League but also to make money: €40m for a player who’s out of contract next summer.

“Chelsea are trying to avoid a new Antonio Rudiger situation. He left for free to join Real Madrid as one of the best centre-backs in the world. They’re seeking to avoid losing Gallagher for nothing. Let’s see what happens”

Olmo to Barcelona in the balance?

While Barcelona are pushing to sign Dani Olmo, who wants to move to Camp Nou, Romano says there are financial complications that may shut down the deal – music to the ears of clubs in the Premier League such as Arsenal and Manchester United, who have been tracking the player.

“Barcelona presented a proposal to RB Leipzig. They’ve reached an agreement with Dani Olmo and he’s giving absolute, total priority to Barca. Dani Olmo wants to go to Barca. He believes it’s the perfect opportunity for him. He’s pushing. At the beginning of next week, the situation should become clear between Barca and Leipzig,” Romano confirmed.

“Olmo has been super respectful to Leipzig. He extended his contract last summer so he wouldn’t create a problem with the club this summer. But now he wants to go to Barca. There’s a six-year contract, salary agreed, length agreed. The relationship is great.

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Current ETV

ETV Range

€23.7M - €39.4M

“Now Barca are expected to continue talks with Leipzig because their proposal, which is around €55m plus €3m in easy add-ons and €4m in difficult add-ons, they believe it’s still not enough. It’s not been rejected. The agents of Dani Olmo are taking care of this negotiation, which is not traditional. They’re having verbal exchanges.

“Leipzig want €60m guaranteed. Barca want a different structure because they know the clause of Dani Olmo next summer will be different.

“The deal is not off, but next week will be crucial.”

Man Utd not giving up on De Ligt and Mazraoui

Romano says that Man Utd’s hopes of landing Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui remain very much live, despite a new bid being knocked back.

“Man Utd want to bring in one more centre-back, even after the Leny Yoro deal. The name has always been Matthijs de Ligt,” he says.

“In recent days, United had the green light from Noussair Mazraoui, five-year contract, one-year option, and the green light from De Ligt, again a five-year contract, one-year option. Everything is agreed with the players. They want to go to Man Utd. De Ligt has been waiting since June.

“Man Utd believe Mazraoui could be a fantastic signing because he could play as a left-back when needed.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€39.6M - €65.9M

“It’s true they had a bid for both players rejected, but Man Utd are still there. They’ll work again on the double deal. It could be separate or it could be joint, but they’ll bid again.

“They are both represented by the same important agent, Rafaela Pimenta, so it’s crucial to say that for Man Utd, the deal is considered still on.

“Bayern are asking for €50m because they want to sign Jonathan Tah to replace De Ligt, and the expectation of all parties is for Bayern to sign Tah and then United to sign De Ligt and Mazraoui.

“Manuel Ugarte is also patiently waiting for Manchester United since two weeks ago, when he agreed personal terms.”