Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Man Utd CLOSE, Chelsea DEAL, Man City DECISION

Robin Bairner

• 12 Dec 2024 01:35 CST
• 5 min read

Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest from the world of football transfer news, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City all making concrete moves.

Diego Leon close to Man Utd

Romano has revealed that Diego Leon is close to completing his move from Cerro Porteno to the Red Devils, in line with new ethos at the club.

“Manchester United are at it again. They made two signings for the future in the summer: Sekou Kone, the Malian midfielder, and Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal, leaving their academy on a free transfer and joining Man Utd,” he told his YouTube channel.

“Now they’re in advanced stages for Diego Leon, a 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back. He’ll be able to join Man Utd in the summer of 2025. Jason Wilcox is taking care of this negotiation and the deal is really, really advanced. It’s almost there. It’s just about the bonuses and then it’s here we go for Diego Leon to join Man Utd from his Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno.

“The price is for something like $4m but as I told you there will be bonuses included in the deal.

“Diego Leon is expected to be the next talent to join the Manchester United project.”

Marcus Rashford latest

There is a good deal of noise around the prospect of Marcus Rashford leaving Man Utd in January, but Romano says this comes as news to the player.

“There have been many rumours and stories about Marcus Rashford in the last 24-48 hours,” he said.

“In general, Man Utd could make many changes in the squad in 2025. At the moment, for Rashford, they’ve not told anything to the player. He’s not aware of any plan to sell him, there’s no formal communication. But Man Utd could make many changes next year.

“For Rashford, it’s quiet next year. He wants to fight for his place and is still obsessed with the chance to make it at Man Utd and there are no negotiations.”

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Man Utd

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Man Utd

€54.1M

ETV Range

€40.6M - €67.7M

View full profile

Acheampong close to new Chelsea contract

Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong is set to complete a remarkable U-turn and commit his long-term future to the Stamford Bridge side, Romano says. Previously, the teenager had been frozen out after refusing to sign a new deal.

“Chelsea are working off the pitch and one of the players they want to keep for sure is Josh Acheampong,” Romano said.

“It’s a strange situation. They want the player to stay at the club but Acheampong has had some changes around him in terms of camp in recent months. He didn’t want to sign a new deal at Chelsea because of the pathway and because he had several other possibilities in terms of projects and proposals.

“Now there’s been a breakthrough and the agreement is almost there. There are some final details to sort.

“Enzo Maresca has confirmed how Chelsea and he loves Acheampong. They presented the long-term view of the project to the player and now an agreement is at the final stages.”

Man City make major January decision

Out-of-form Manchester City are ready to take drastic action in the transfer market, Romano says. With one win in 10 games, they’ve decided they have to add to their squad.

“Manchester City are ready to enter the market. They have made the decision to do something in the January transfer window,” Romano said.

“It’s been a complicated part of the season for Pep Guardiola and they want to enter the market. They could sign a new midfielder but they’re looking at different positions. It could one signing, it could be two signings based on opportunities but they’re looking at options.

“This is something new for City. Their style is to sign in the summer, but they will bring in at least one new player.”

No change in Real Madrid thinking

Real Madrid will retain both Endrick and Arda Guler in January, despite rumours that both these young players could leave.

Romano said: “Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Endrick will not leave Real Madrid in January - and it’s the same for Arder Guler.

“With Endrick there have been links with Real Valladolid, with Guler there have been links with Bayer Leverkusen.

“Real Madrid consider Guler untouchable. He’s happy at Real Madrid, who see him as a key player for the future. For Endrick, they’re also maintaining their position: no loan in January.”

New deals at PSG

Romano also moved to confirm that PSG are poised to secure the long-term future of three important players.

“Nuno Mendes has agreed a new contract with PSG, Vitinha is also done,” he said.

“Vitinha is an important one. PSG are aware there’s been interest from England, and they’re aware he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. PSG have reached a verbal agreement with him until 2029. Achraf Hakimi also about to sign a new deal.”