Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Victor Osimhen, Martin Zubimendi and Jorrel Hato.
Arsenal set to sign Zubimendi
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed FootballTransfers’ exclusive reporting that Arsenal are set to secure the signing of Martin Zubimendi.
“Martin Zubimendi to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window. It’s a ‘here we go,’ it’s a deal set to be completed. In terms of formal steps, we still have to wait because Zubimendi is a top professional, he’s a top guy, and he always had the intention to respect Real Sociedad.
“It’s going to be a very huge and important summer at Arsenal. New striker, of course, we know about that, but I’m told that Arsenal will also
bring in a new winger, for sure. That’s the intention. They are also looking at defenders and more. So it’s going to be very busy at Arsenal. Don’t forget about midfielders.
“Important to mention that Jorginho is leaving, he will go to Flamengo. There is a negotiation ongoing with Thomas Partey over a new deal. So Arsenal are working on several things, on several steps. Don’t forget about the youngsters. [Myles] Lewis-Skelly and [Ethan] Nwaneri, both negotiating a new deal at Arsenal.”
Alonso set for Real Madrid
Romano then reiterated that Xabi Alonso is almost guaranteed to be Real Madrid’s next manager.
“There will be no issues between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen for Xabi Alonso. The relationship is really excellent between Fernando Carro, the director at Bayer Leverkusen, also with Simon Rolfess. They have an excellent relationship with people at Real Madrid. Real Madrid will pay a symbolic compensation to Bayer Leverkusen as part of the agreement.
“One year ago, when Alonso had the possibility to go to Bayern Munich, he already told them very clearly that he wanted to go to Real Madrid one day. So he was going to accept to continue at Bayer Leverkusen, but the condition was to be free to go to Real Madrid in 2025, 2026 or in the future.
“Now this is going to be the case because Real Madrid are working to complete the formal steps, but it will happen. Alonso will be the new coach. What I’m hearing is that Real Madrid are also quite confident to have Alonso already for the Club World Cup. Otherwise, there is Santiago Scholari ready to take care of the squad at the Club World Cup.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid want Hato
Next up, Romano verified reports that a host of clubs are chasing Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato.
“Jorrel Hato, this talented defender from Ajax, he’s a player on the list of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League. Both clubs are monitoring the player, and for sure, he’s on the list. All these clubs, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and more, are all waiting for Dean Huijsen to make his choice.
“Hato is on the list at Chelsea and at Liverpool as a potential name in case they can’t get Huijsen. Then, also let me add on Hato that Real Madrid have been watching the player closely. Real Madrid, from what I’m hearing, sent their scouts many times to follow Hato.”
Osimhen unlikely to move to England
Lastly, Romano corroborated that Victor Osimhen is unlikely to move to the Premier League despite frequent links with Man Utd.
“First point to clarify, Osimhen is not staying at Galatasaray. Osimhen is formally going back from the loan deal to Napoli, but he will not be staying at Napoli. It’s over. The relationship between Osimhen and Napoli is over. The release clause is there, €75m. That remains very clear.
“The interest in Osimhen is genuine from top Premier League clubs, but the real issue is the salary. Osimhen is on €12m net per season at Napoli. For Premier League clubs, with the Financial Fair Play and with the different salary structure they have, at the moment, this money is considered too much.
“This was also the reason why last summer, between Osimhen and Chelsea, the deal was never close because it was about the salary. There are other opportunities. Saudi Arabia, for sure, could be an opportunity for Osimhen. There is still interest from Juventus in Italy. But for the Premier League, the problem is the salary.”
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