Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd EMERGENCY, Arsenal deal PROGRESS, Chelsea Maresca SACK

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Feb 2025 13:25 CST
• 6 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Man Utd's injury emergency, Chelsea's stance on sacking Enzo Maresca and Arsenal's progress in contract talks over their wonderkid duo.

 Man Utd's injury crisis

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Man Utd winger Amad Diallo will be out for the remainder of the campaign.

"Amad Diallo, season over. My understanding is that In the next 24, 48 hours, Amad will undergo surgery. He suffered an ankle injury and so Amad will be out until the end of the season. Full focus on returning for the new season 2025/26 in the best shape possible.

"That's the decision of the staff together with the player and so full focus on the new season. Bad news for Man Utd. What we can guarantee is that after deciding not to invest big money in January because of Financial Fair Play, in the summer the idea is still to do many things. Many things to cover several positions, many things also in terms of outgoings, that's absolutely important.

"Many players expected to leave, we always mention Christian Eriksen and others, but in general Man United will change a lot. So it's going to be a busy summer, but also up front, they need players, especially after Marcus Rashford left.

"Man Utd, now even more with these injuries, the focus is on the summer window to get new signings. But it's important to understand what happens in terms of European competitions."

READ MORE: Amorim gives up on €74m Man Utd flop as BIZARRE transfer link emerges

Chelsea won't sack Maresca

Romano then explained that Chelsea are keeping the faith in Enzo Maresca despite the recent form slump.

"Enzo Maresca keeps repeating how the mission from Chelsea, the owners, the management, they gave him at the beginning of the season was not Champions League already this season but in the next two years, so this and next season. What I can tell you is that despite the recent results, they remain convinced that Maresca is the right man for the job.

"So there is no danger, no problem, no issues. Obviously, Chelsea had many issues in terms of injuries. The January market was not easy. So, In general, for Chelsea, it's not the best moment, but for the long term, Chelsea remain very happy with Maresca, very happy with the approach he has with the players, the tactical approach, the mentality he's giving to the team.

"Chelsea are not changing their mind on Maresca. That's what I can tell you now, in February. In football, we know how things can change everywhere, in any club, in any country, for any manager, in five minutes, but today Chelsea absolutely see Maresca as the right manager for the present and future.

"They are building with Maresca and they are already having meetings for the summer transfer window with Maresca. He's 100 per cent involved in the summer plan, preparing the signings, preparing the positions they want to cover and they have to cover in the summer. It's going to be an important one for the Blues.

READ MORE: Chelsea ready to make €100m offer for Barcelona superstar

Arsenal make contract progress

Romano also revealed that Arsenal are making good progress in contract talks with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

"First of all, congratulations to Arsenal because producing and trusting young talents like Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri is not easy at all - Premier League football, Champions League football, always be competitive, always be at the best level possible. A lot of pressure, a lot of criticism sometimes in modern football, but Arsenal are trusting their youngsters.

"And now what we can say is that Arsenal are making progress on new contracts for Lewis-Skelly and for Nwaneri. Nwaneri is doing great. Nwaneri is doing fantastic. This boy is incredible. Also Lewis-Skelly. I can guarantee to you that Thomas Tuchel is following these two players for the future of England, especially Lewis-Skelly.

"Maybe in March, he could be already involved in the squad for England national team. It's not guaranteed yet, but it's just an idea. What's important to say about Nwaneri is that the progress on the new contract for him and for Lewis-Skelly is very good in this moment.

"The expectation is to get everything ready very soon. Arsenal are preparing for the future with Nwaneri and with Lewis-Skelly."

Real Madrid impressed with Paz progress

Next up on the agenda, Romano provided clarity on Nico Paz's situation at Como and Real Madrid's buy-back clauses.

"Top talent, six goals, four assists in Serie A this season as a regular starter, 20 years old, Nico Paz. He will be called up by Argentina again in March. It's a decision already made by Lionel Scaloni, so if there are no injuries, Paz will be there.

"But it's also important to say on Paz that Real Madrid keep monitoring every single game of Nico. They really like him internally at Real Madrid. They believe that the solution to send the player to Como and then have a buy-back clause was the best solution possible for the player, for Real Madrid's vision and also for Como.

"Real Madrid keep following the boy - sensational goal against Fiorentina in Serie A [on Sunday] - and Real Madrid have three clauses for Paz. First of all, they have a 50 per cent sell-on clause. But the buy-back clauses are three. One is for this summer, summer 2025, €8m.

"The second, summer 2026, is €9m. And then the last one, the following summer, 2027, is €10m. I can guarantee to you that internally Real Madrid are very happy with the progress of Paz. So they like the player, they don't want to lose control of the player. That's the clear message from Real Madrid.

"Paz is also in love with Real Madrid. He dreams of a Real Madrid return one day. But he knows how important it is in this moment of his career to play. Real Madrid are discussing internally about the great progress of Paz and then they will discuss also with the player to understand what he wants to do at the end of the current season.

No news on Alexander-Arnold

Finally, Romano stated that there have been no substantial changes to Real Madrid's interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold despite fresh reports.

"I keep receiving questions every time there is a new article from England, from Spain on Trent. The situation has not changed. We still don't have substantial changes, updates or news, but I can keep repeating what I told you in March, 2024, one year ago, is that Real Madrid consider Trent their top target for summer 2025.

"Real Madrid see Trent as a top, top, top target. Position number one, number two, number three on the shortlist for full-backs and defenders at Real Madrid. So even more than Alphonso Davies who was on the list and now extended his contract at Bayern. At the moment, still nothing completed, still waiting to see what happens between Trent and Liverpool over the new deal."