Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Benjamin Sesko, Nico Williams and Rayan Cherki.
Real Madrid closing in on Carreras
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Real Madrid are set to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica.
“For Alvaro Carreras, the strategy is clear. The player wants to go to Real Madrid, the contract is almost ready, just being decided if it’s going to be a five-year deal or a six-year deal. The contract is not going to be a problem, same for the salary, the player wants the move.
“This is why Real Madrid didn’t close the deal yet for Carreras, or didn’t send any official bid because they know Benfica in this moment are busy with the cup. They want to win the cup. After that, Real Madrid and Benfica will talk. Real Madrid will try to find a solution to avoid paying the €50 million release clause, trying to find a solution together on the payment terms, on the structure.
“The player will tell Benfica that he wants to go to Real Madrid. And so the next signing could be Carreras for Real Madrid, with Florentino Perez, from what I’m hearing, very open to this strategy to bring in more Spanish players.”
Arsenal still in the mix for Sesko
Romano then reiterated that Benjamin Sesko will leave RB Leipzig this summer, with Arsenal still firmly in the mix to sign him.
“My understanding is that Benjamin Sesko, same as Xavi Simons, will leave the club this summer. We have to maintain Sesko as an option for several clubs around Europe. My understanding is that at the moment, it is still not clear where Sesko is going because there are many clubs interested in signing this top striker.
“Let me only say: Don’t forget also Arsenal because Arsenal are there for Sesko, Arsenal still have Sesko on their list. There are more clubs around Europe, but the story is absolutely open for the striker’s future, so one to watch for sure in the coming weeks.”
Cherki won’t stay in France
Next up, Romano announced that Rayan Cherki will not stay in France after his departure from Lyon.
“Rayan Cherki is going to leave Olympique Lyon, we know that. My understanding is that we have to forget about the release clause as a traditional clause, so it’s not about going there, putting the money and getting the player. That’s what Borussia Dortmund tried to do in the January window, but Lyon insists that the clause is not valid.
“In France, clauses are not official, so you need to negotiate with Lyon to get Cherki. My understanding is that not only from Germany, but also from England, there is interest in Cherki, and the player could be open to a Premier League move. So that can be a concrete possibility for Cherki.
“Now his agent will explore all the opportunities, explore all the options, but Cherki is an attractive option for several clubs looking for a creative player to play behind the striker. The Premier League is an attractive destination for the player.
“My understanding is that PSG at the moment are not proceeding with that one. Germany, England, maybe Italy, these kind of solutions could be more attractive for Cherki ahead of the summer transfer window, with the player open to moving abroad.”
Premier League sides ‘love’ Williams
Lastly, Romano stated that Premier League sides still admire Nico Williams but that concerns over his price persist.
“Important statement on Nico from the president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, speaking to TV3. He said in the last 24 hours that Nico was an option for Barca one year ago, alongside Dani Olmo. Then he said about Williams, ‘We are going to consider other players.’ So, closing the door on Williams.
“At the moment, Barca have several options for the winger position, but they have not reactivated any concrete contact with Williams. There is a clause around €50m plus taxes, solidarity payments, and all of this. There is the important topic of the salary and the commission.
“So, the package is really expensive, and this is why this deal was complicated in the recent years for all the clubs trying to approach Williams. Premier League clubs love Williams, especially Chelsea, Arsenal. These two clubs really love Williams.
“Both Arsenal and Chelsea had contacts to understand how much the whole package is worth, how much the cost of the deal would be. Both clubs are well informed, both clubs will sign a winger. My expectation is for Arsenal, obviously, to sign a number nine, but also an important winger.
“Chelsea will also sign a number nine and an important winger. Both clubs will be very active on the market. Both of them love Williams. But again, in this moment, it depends on the player. It really depends on the player and what he wants to do.
“And it’s really important to understand the full package because this Williams deal can appear a bargain in terms of the transfer fee, but the cost of the whole package, including the salary, including the commission, including everything in this deal, could be very expensive.
“We also have to remember one thing: Williams is very happy at Athletic. He’s very happy in Bilbao. His family is from there. His love for Bilbao is very clear. And so to sign Williams is not easy.”
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