Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has briefed fans on the biggest headlines of the day, including Bryan Mbeumo, Viktor Gyokeres, Luis Diaz and Xavi Simons.
Man Utd finally make Mbeumo deal
Romano has confirmed that the Red Devils are close to their second major signing of the summer after a prolonged saga.
“There is an agreement between Manchester United and Brentford. Finally, it’s a here we go. There’s a deal done between the clubs. The final email from Brentford has arrived,” he told his YouTube channel.
“What happened is that Manchester United improved their bid to £65m plus £6m in add-ons. The total package is £71m for Mbeumo.
“He’ll sign a five-year contract with a one-year option. The Mbeumo camp has accepted this.
“It’s also important to say that the payment of this transfer fee is in four different instalments so Man Utd are not paying everything this year. It’s important for Financial Fair Play (FFP) and also future signings.
“So after 50 days of negotiations, Mbeumo will go to Man Utd. It’s what he wanted.”
More signing coming at Man Utd
Romano believes that there are two more deals coming at Old Trafford, although he did warn fans not to expect too much too soon.
“It’s not over for Man Utd. First, we have to see what they will do with the goalkeeper: do they want a new one or a young goalkeeper for the future? Or maybe they want to sign an experienced goalkeeper because Emi Martinez keeps hoping for a call from Man Utd. He’s open to a move there,” he said.
“The top, top target will be a striker. They want a new striker this summer and are working on it already. The budget will depend on who they can sell. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho all have to find solutions. There’s a lot for Manchester United to do but internal meetings are taking place.
“I fully expect Man Utd to sign a new striker in the next few weeks.”
Gyokeres to Arsenal anytime now
Romano expects a breakthrough soon in Arsenal’s talks with Sporting over Viktor Gyokeres.
FootballTransfers exclusively reported on Thursday that a breakthrough in the deal is close, with the Gunners planning a medical for the striker at the weekend.
“On Viktor Gyokeres, I can tell you that the conversations are continuing in London. The agent is working on the deal,” Romano confirmed.
“Arsenal remain confident but still have to negotiate add-ons. They want €3m in bonuses plus €7m more complicated. Sporting want €10m very easily. Any moment could be good for this deal.”
Diaz pushing to leave Liverpool
Liverpool have made headlines in the transfer market due to their big spending, but they could soon lose at top player.
Romano explained: “Luis Diaz is going to be another crucial name in the summer transfer window. Despite some sources suggesting that Liverpool might offer him a new contract to stay at the club – part of the plans because they want him to stay – I’m still told the player is giving total priority to leaving the club. He wants to try something different.
“Bayern will return to the table. They had a bid of €67.5m rejected but they’ll be back. They believe he’s the perfect player for what they’re looking for. Bayern believe they can offer way more than Barcelona.
“Barca have spoken to the agents of Luis Diaz this week. They still want to do the deal but financially it’s very complicated.”
Arsenal and Chelsea could reactivate Simons interest
Romano says that Xavi Simons is one to watch this summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea both potentially swooping for the RB Leizpig midfielder.
“We had reports yesterday of a meeting between the agent of Xavi Simons and Barcelona. I can confirm there was a meeting but it was not about Simons,” he said.
“One day, he’d love to Barcelona. That’s for sure. Financially, it doesn’t look possible for Barcelona.
“Xavi Simons wants to leave and wants to try something different. The Premier League is the most likely destination. It’s partly financial – what they can pay to RB Leipzig – and because the player is very tempted.
“There’s interest from Bayern, but their priorities are Luis Diaz and Nick Woltemade. But at the moment, the Premier League is very likely.
“There is interest from two clubs at the beginning of the transfer window: Chelsea and Arsenal called to be informed about the situation of the player. Arsenal decided to invest on several other players. So they’re not advancing. Chelsea were busy with other things, but let’s see.
“That interest from Chelsea and Arsenal could be reactivated at some point in the summer transfer window. He’s very appreciated and he wants to leave Leipzig and I think this could be an interesting one to follow.”
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