Football transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on all the biggest headlines, including big moves at Manchester United and Arsenal, plus a vital update at Chelsea.
Arsenal get Neto over the line
Arsenal’s steady progress in the transfer window is set to continue, with Neto poised to arrive for a bargain fee from Chelsea.
Romano explained on his YouTube channel: “There are many moves at Arsenal, especially as we’re all waiting to understand what will happen with their strikers. Contacts continue with Benjamin Sesko, with Viktor Gyokeres. They also want an important winger.
Norgaard likely to follow
Signing an experienced midfielder became a priority for Mikel Arteta when it was revealed that Thomas Partey would leave at the end of his contract. Arsenal have moved swiftly to close in on Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
“The situation with Thomas Partey is the one we explained last week. He’s leaning towards a different move. The player is now expected and set to leave Arsenal at the end of the month as a free agent,” Romano explained.
“Arsenal are starting to look at opportunities in the midfield. Partey was the most experienced player after Jorginho left.
“They’ve made a bid in recent hours for Christian Norgaard. It’s in excess of €10m. The player wants to move to Arsenal. Personal terms are not an issue. Conversations will continue between Arsenal and Brentford. He’s not the only option but it could be an interesting move.”
Nico Williams to Barcelona latest
Romano dropped an update on the situation of Nico Williams’ move to Barcelona and says patience is likely to be required for this deal.
“This week was always going to be calm for the Nico Williams story. He’s done everything possible to go to Barcelona – and maybe even more. He’s already agreed personal terms with Barcelona. The contract is six years long with a salary of €6-7 million. Everything is done between Nico and Barca,” Romano said.
“In the last 48 hours, Nico’s agent has told Athletic that the player wants to go to Barcelona. Now it’s on them to find a solution to pay the release clause. They have to be patient. It’s €58m plus taxes. That takes it up to €61m. The position of Athletic is that they will want that.”
Mbeumo closing in on ‘DREAM’ Man Utd move
Bryan Mbeumo looks like being Man Utd’s next big signing this summer, according to Romano, who says the deal is progressing in a promising manner.
“Manchester United maintain their optimism about reaching an agreement with Brentford,” he said. “We know they have an agreement with the player.
“What I can add today is that the player has been clear with Brentford. Mbeumo is really in a great relationship with Brentford, but he’s been clear in this case, telling them that going to Manchester United is a dream move.
“Man Utd improved their bid in recent days – in excess of £60m package. Negotiations are well underway and they are clear favourites to sign him. There’s a very good chance Bryan Mbeumo will be the second signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha.”
Is Nicolas Jackson really leaving Chelsea?
Romano has dismissed reports in Italy that Nicolas Jackson will leave Chelsea – at least for the type of money being discussed in the local media.
“Let’s see what Chelsea decide to do with the player. I think it’s going to be complicated for Italian clubs to do an approach for Nicolas Jackson under the current conditions,” Romano said.
“Forget about the transfer fee – we’ve seen reports in the Italian media of about €40-50m, Chelsea will never sit at the table for that money.
“When Chelsea had a call with Eintracht Frankfurt about Hugo Ekitike the answer was €100m. I’m not saying Chelsea will say €100m but it will be an important fee.
“The budget of some Italian clubs is not enough. It’s not realistic. If the price drops, we’ll see, but we’re not at that stage of the story at all.”
No issues with Quansah
Finally, Romano confirmed the existence of a buy-back clause in Jarell Quansah’s agreement between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen. It’s a deal that looks likely to be completed soon.
Romano says: “They’re waiting for the player to be free after the U21 Euros. My understanding is that the transfer fee will be £30m – not euros, pounds – plus £5m. It also includes a buy-back clause in excess of €60m. This is the agreement between the clubs. The verbal agreement is there. Jarell Quansah will be the first signing for Bayer Leverkusen and the next one will probably be Malik Tillman.”
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
