Football transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano has dropped key updates from Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool as the market heats up.
Premier League clubs pushing for Huijsen
Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen continues to be one of the most hotly contested signatures of the summer, with Romano detailing just how this move is shaking up, with five major clubs following the new Spain international.
“The Premier League clubs want to do the deal very fast. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all want to do the deal now, by the end of May,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“Then there are other clubs who like Dean Huijsen but are not ready to do the deal now. Bayern Munich like him but need to sell a defender to make it happen. Eric Dier will leave, but it’s a free transfer.
“Real Madrid is a completely different and separate case. The player would be super happy to move to Spain. But Real Madrid’s position is 100% confirmed. They like him but they are not today ready to go and sign him. Real Madrid are busy elsewhere – Carlo Ancelotti’s exit and Xabi Alonso coming as the new coach – they’re working on this process before thinking about signing players.
“The feeling is that the Premier League clubs will be very aggressive. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all absolutely there. These three clubs are still pushing and are clear favourites.”
Liverpool interest in Frimpong ‘genuine’
As well as Huijsen, Liverpool are also very interested in Jeremie Frimpong, who has long been linked with a move away from Bayer Leverkusen. This summer, it finally appears that it will happen.
Romano says: “Jeremie Frimpong has had a release clause for two years. It’s set from €35-40m. It’s €35m plus solidarity payments you need to make to his former clubs. The clause is available this summer and many clubs are interested. Frimpong thinks it’s the right time to say goodbye to Bayer Leverkusen after fantastic time together.
“Liverpool’s interest is genuine. They need to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will sign for Real Madrid. There are other clubs in the race, but Liverpool’s interest is confirmed.”
De Bruyne to Anfield?
Kevin De Bruyne is another player definitely on the move this summer – but he’s probably not going to wind up at Liverpool, Romano says.
“Liverpool are not in negotiations with Kevin De Bruyne, they’re not in talks with him and they’ve not approached him,” the reporter says.
“He’s speaking to several clubs – Chicago Fire and more – so we’ll see how it goes. Chicago Fire see him as an obsession. Let’s see how it goes or if he decides to stay in Europe, but I’m not aware of him being in conversations with Liverpool.”
Crazy Bruno Fernandes bid incoming
Romano says that Man Utd are set to field a massive approach from Al-Hilal for Bruno Fernandes – although head coach Ruben Amorim wants the club to do everything in their power to fend the interest off.
“Bruno Fernandes is the top target for Al-Hilal and they’ve been in contact with people close to him. They tried two years ago and they tried one year ago. Now they’re still there. They’re offering crazy money for Bruno Fernandes and a crazy salary to make him a crucial player for their project. He’s a top, top target and they’re prepared to give him a really important salary.
“The crucial position here is Manchester United. This is in their hands. Financially, they know Al-Hilal will be able to offer a big transfer fee but they also know that for Ruben Amorim that Bruno is absolutely untouchable.
“Man Utd’s position is very clear but Al-Hilal want to try again to make contact with people close to Bruno, offer important money and then see what happens when they make an approach with Man Utd. Let’s see how it goes.”
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