Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal striker MADNESS, Duran BOMBSHELL, Rashford CHANCE

Tom Weber

• Updated: 30 Jan 2025 02:28 CST
• 5 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Arsenal's desperate striker pursuit, Jhon Duran's blockbuster move and Marcus Rashford's final chance to leave Man Utd.

What's going on with Mathys Tel?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed what's going on with Bayern striker Mathys Tel, who has decided that he needs a change of scenery.

"Mathys Tel has decided to leave Bayern in the January transfer window. Could be a loan, but could be also a permanent transfer. Depends on the proposals. Depends on the approaches. Depends on the opportunity for the player.

"He wants guaranteed game time. He wants to be an important player, not a bench player or a backup. So these are crucial factors. Work in progress on this one for Tel with many clubs interested. Many clubs started calling the agents and player.

READ MORE: Man Utd Transfer News Today - New Rashford replacement eyed as swap offered

"Among these clubs, we can include Man Utd - but only interested in a loan. So let's see if that could be considered a good option for the player and for the club. Tottenham would be prepared to do something important for Tel and want to go big.

"Chelsea, exactly the same. Chelsea are not there for a loan. Chelsea are there to sign the player and to buy the player. Let's see if they will be able to convince the player because obviously at Chelsea there are many players in that position, so Tel wants guarantees.

"And then we have to see what happens with Arsenal. Because Arsenal have been busy in the last 24 hours with several things. Arsenal are among the clubs also informed about the situation of Tel. But at the moment not yet in active talks."

Arsenal make Watkins offer

Romano then provided the latest on Arsenal's surprise offer for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

"Arsenal sent a bid to Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins. The bid was sent for £60 million. The player side is not a problem because my understanding is that Watkins is fully focused on Aston Villa, so he's not the kind of player who will say, 'let me go, I will not come to training.'

"He's super respectful, super professional. But the real problem is that the bid was sent on a matchday, with Aston Villa busy in Champions League in a crucial game against Celtic.

READ MORE: Arsenal Transfer News Today - Shock offer made after Arteta's striker U-turn

"It's something that really made Aston Villa upset, so they rejected the bid. They had no intention to negotiate. We have to monitor this situation for the final days of the window.

"On Arsenal, let me also say that Benjamin Sesko, the clear message coming from RB Leipzig in public in the recent days, but also in private, is that they have absolutely no intention to give any sort of green light to the exit of Sesko in the final days of January. In the summer, for sure, Sesko will be there on the Arsenal's list. Alexander Isak, of course, will be there too."

Duran heading to Saudi

After rejecting the bid for Watkins, Aston Villa accepted Al-Nassr's offer for Jhon Duran.

"Negotiations ongoing with Al-Nassr for Jhon Duran. The same club had advanced negotiations - it was never a done deal, let's clarify that - but they had advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen and Victor Boniface for a potential transfer.

"That was never done. Why? He did the medical even before the negotiation. Why? Because Al-Nassr wanted to understand the physical condition of Boniface, who had several injuries in the recent years. He did the medical before, but it doesn't mean the deal was done.

"The deal is very advanced with Boniface, but not done. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr in Europe with their delegation have been in talks with Aston Villa and are very close to completing an agreement, almost done on a verbal basis with Aston Villa for Duran.

"€75m with the add-ons. A big package, player's keen on the move, so let's see if now they can formally complete this Duran deal or if they will do Boniface. They are really pushing from Al-Nassr to put a top striker next to Cristiano Ronaldo, and now Duran is the favourite, but Boniface is still there.

"In case Boniface leaves Bayer Leverkusen, the main option they have in the list as new striker is Evan Ferguson, the centre striker from Brighton, who could be available on a loan. There are several clubs interested, Bournemouth, West Ham and more clubs around Europe.

Rashford opportunity

Lastly, Romano provided an update on Marcus Rashford's situation at Man Utd.

"Keep an eye again on Marcus Rashford. Once again, not in the squad at Manchester United. It looks completely broken, the relationship with Ruben Amorim.

"Rashford is still dreaming of Barcelona, still wants Barcelona. But for Barcelona, once again, the only way is to create some room, some space, some financial space for Rashford.

"Ansu Fati, at the moment, still doesn't want to leave. In case he changes his mind, Barcelona would be happy to let him go and try to bring in Rashford. Also important to mention that for Rashford there could be more opportunities.

"His agents are not only waiting for Barcelona. There are also more opportunities, so things could still happen around Rashford. They are considering exploring opportunities, they are discussing with clubs and so the final days of the window for Rashford could still be busy."