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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Two Chelsea deals TODAY, Baleba Man Utd UPDATE, Isak LATEST
Tom Weber
- Updated: 22 Aug 2025 10:56 BST
- 8 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Carlos Baleba, Alexander Isak and Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson to leave Chelsea, Santos to stay
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano addressed Chelsea's potential outgoings, such as Nicolas Jackson and Andrey Santos, with the latter likely to stay.
"Important hours for Chelsea in terms of outgoings, because on incomings we know that - Alejandro Garnacho, Xavi Simons - Chelsea want to sign both, but Chelsea need to sell players. Christopher Nkunku, conversations continue.
"Nicolas Jackson, be very attentive to Jackson in the next hours, in the next few days. I don't think the Jackson deal is going to Deadline Day at the moment. They are trying to find a solution as soon as possible. Aston Villa pushing, Newcastle calling, Bayern calling. Many movements around Jackson.
"But also Chelsea are prepared for more outgoings very soon. First of all, let's clarify: Enzo Malesca confirms that Andrey Santos is not leaving the club. So many rumours on Santos as a name discussed with Man Utd. But the message coming directly from Maresca, from Chelsea, is very clear.
"They want Santos to stay. He's not going to be United. He's not going anywhere. He's an important player for the Chelsea project. Today, Maresca also explained that he can play in the position of Enzo Fernandez, but also in a different kind of position in midfield. Very happy with Santos and convinced that he can be an important player for Chelsea this season."
Dortmund to seal double deal today
Romano also confirmed that Dortmund are likely to seal a double deal for Chelsea duo Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Anselmino on Friday.
"Exit almost guaranteed for Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Anselmino. Rumours on Juventus and Chukwuemeka? No. Juventus are going for different players at the moment. Also, because a loan for Chelsea is not possible. Forget about a loan for Chukwuemeka to Juventus or any other club.
"Chelsea are very clear: permanent or nothing for Chukwuemeka. Today, Friday, could be a really important day for this deal because Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund will be in direct club-to-club talks to close the deal. Chukwuemeka to Dortmund, permanent transfer, €20 million, add-ons and heavy sell-on clause.
"And Aaron Anselmino to Dortmund on loan, no buy option. This is the structure discussed between Chelsea and Dortmund. Anselmino say yes to a Dortmund loan. Chukwuemeka wants to go to Dortmund despite interest from Italy, interest from Leipzig."
Akanji and Gundogan could leave City
Next up, Romano spoke about potential outgoings at Man City, with Manuel Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan players to watch.
"We have to keep a close eye not only on the Akanji situation with Galatasaray. An agreement with Man City for £15m, but still nothing agreed with the player. Let's see if Galatasaray will be able to convince Akanji or not.
"But also keep an eye on Gundogan because there is a lot of interest from several countries - MLS, Saudi, from Turkey for sure, also from Europe. Gundogan could be one to watch in the next days, one of the players on the move in these final days and weeks of the transfer window."
Maguire contract update
Romano then provided an update on Harry Maguire at Man Utd as he could potential sign a contract extension.
"Harry Maguire, in an interview, a very clear interview with Andy Mitten, clarified that his clear position this summer, since day one of this summer, was to stay at Man Utd. He's a really important player for Ruben Amorim, on but also off the pitch in terms of leadership. Amorim really appreciates Maguire, his skills, his mentality.
"Maguire is staying this summer. Maguire also said some clubs approached Man Utd, but the answer was 'no, no chance.' Let's see what's going to happen with his contract. He has one year left on his contract, but after the transfer window, a potential extension is also going to be discussed.
It's not guaranteed at this stage, but the potential extension for Maguire and Man Utd will also be discussed in the next months. So be attentive to the situation of Maguire because he could be one to watch in terms of contract extension at Man Utd"
Man Utd to pursue Baleba next year
Romano then reiterated that Man Utd's plan for Carlos Baleba remains the same: they will pursue him again next summer.
"I can guarantee that nothing has changed with Brighton. Brighton maintain a very high wall around Baleba. They want to keep the player for this summer, but I keep insisting on what I told you last week. Man Utd for 2026 - not this transfer window but for the future - will maintain the name of Baleba very high on their shortlist.
"Amorim is in love, the management is in love, the recruitment team is in love. They believe that Baleba is the perfect player. Very good connection with the player, very good connection with his agents, because when Man United had talks with his agents in the recent weeks, it was very positive, over the contract, personal terms, intention to join even without European football.
"So I don't think it's over for the future between United and Baleba. They will really try again for the player in the future. He remains one of the big names on the shortlist for the long term."
Liverpool still keen on Guehi
Regarding the situation of Marc Guehi, Romano confirmed that Liverpool remain in talks with Crystal Palace.
"Crystal Palace would love to keep Guehi at the club. That's very clear. Steve Parish, chairman of the club, also said that if he wants to sign a new contract, he can stay. Yes, but Guehi has a clear intention not to sign any new deal and to try a new chapter, and that new chapter is Liverpool Football Club.
"I keep saying that. I maintain my position. Now, we have to see if Liverpool and Crystal Palace can agree on a deal this summer. My understanding is that the two clubs are still talking. The two clubs are still in conversation, and the deal for Guehi is absolutely on.
"Despite signing Giovanni Leoni - you remember what I told you two weeks ago, Leoni and Guehi, Guehi and Leoni, and that remains the case - Liverpool want to sign both. Will they be able to reach an agreement with Palace? We will see, but the conversation is still ongoing."
Isak deal still hinges on Newcastle signings
Lastly, Romano also spoke about the situation of Alexander Isak and his potential move to Liverpool.
"Many questions, of course, on the Alexander Isak deal after all the statements from Isak, from Newcastle, all the people trying to understand what's going to happen. I think statements on both sides are part of the game.
"Now the important part of the story is going to be if Newcastle will find the two strikers they need in order to give the green light to Isak to leave and go to Liverpool. At the moment, Newcastle are still working on strikers. At the moment, still nothing agreed.
"I told you that, for example, in the last 24 hours, they called for Nicolas Jackson. I would keep the name of Jackson [in mind] for Newcastle because interest remains genuine. The situation of Isak remains there, remains absolutely open.
"This weekend with the game, it was always unlikely to see the deal happening. But now we are about to enter the final week, and so let's see what's going to happen with Isak. For sure, the player maintains his position: he wants to play for Liverpool Football Club."
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