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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: HISTORIC Chelsea deal, Havertz REPLACEMENT, City move CONFIRMED
Robin Bairner
- 21 Aug 2025 09:30 BST
- 6 min read
News
Football transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano has rounded up today’s biggest stories, including key moves at Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
One deal done, one deal missed at Forest
It’s a busy end to August for Nottingham Forest, with Romano confirming one new arrival at the City ground while also revealing one move that will not happen.
“Douglas Luiz to Nottingham Forest is a here we go. Juventus will receive a transfer fee of around €30-32 million with add-ons included. It’s a loan with an obligation to buy. It’s not a 100% obligation but it’s really easy to reach,” the transfer insider told his YouTube channel.
Current ETV
Douglas Luiz
M, DM (C)
Juventus
Douglas Luiz
M, DM (C)
Juventus
ETV Range
€36.2M - €44.2M
“Forest are not signing Rico Lewis. He’ll stay at Manchester City and sign a new contract until June 2030. It’s a decision that’s really strongly wanted by Pep Guardiola. He’ll also have a one-year option.”
City close to finalising transfer
Romano revealed that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is set to reduce his squad size imminently by agreeing to sell Manuel Akanji.
“There’s a mission from Galatasaray going on in Manchester today. City have accepted a bid in principle from Galatasaray for £15 million. It’s just about small details pending,” he said.
“Then there’s the player’s side. He’s still not received an offer from Galatasaray, so let’s see what happens there. He’s not in a rush to leave Manchester City.”
Current ETV
Manuel Akanji
D (CR)
Man City
Manuel Akanji
D (CR)
Man City
ETV Range
€27.1M - €33.1M
Rodrygo rumours build
City still remain interested in Real Madrid star Rodrygo, although the move hinges on Savinho leaving for Tottenham.
Romano said: “Let’s see what happens with Savinho. Tottenham keep thinking about him and are not giving up on him. But someone at Manchester City, someone really important at the club, is still blocking this deal and insisting on keeping him at the club. Let’s see if Spurs can keep this wall.
“But yesterday [Tuesday], there were zero minutes for Rodrygo at Real Madrid. He averages just 15 minutes on the pitch for Real Madrid since Xabi Alonso became the new coach. Brahim Diaz started, Franco Mastantuono played more than Rodrygo, so let’s see what’s going to happen. Alonso is saying he counts of Rodrygo but let’s see what happens.
“I keep saying that Rodrygo is the number one target for Manchester City if Savinho leaves the club. Let’s see if other clubs join the race. There are no bids yet.”
Current ETV
Rodrygo
F, M (R)
Real Madrid
Rodrygo
F, M (R)
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€88.3M - €107.9M
Chelsea set for pivotal sale
Chelsea need to sell players in order to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, and one ‘historical’ deal is close.
Romano explains: “Villarreal are in very advanced talks to sign Renato Veiga. It’s very important because it’s a permanent transfer. First bid was rejected, now they have an agreement with Veiga.
“It will be a really historical signing for Villarreal in terms of transfer fee invested in a defender. Chelsea and Villarreal are talking about a transfer fee of €24m plus add-ons. Chelsea want almost €30m guaranteed as part of this package, so let’s see how the conversation will continue.”
Current ETV
Gabri Veiga
M (CL)
Porto
Gabri Veiga
M (CL)
Porto
ETV Range
€18.7M - €22.9M
And Christopher Nkunku could follow.
“Bayern want a loan, Chelsea want a permanent deal. RB Leipzig have asked about Nkunku again, but at the moment they’re also asking for a loan. Chelsea have told them: permanent transfer or nothing. They’re talking to both clubs while waiting for Xavi Simons to arrive,” Romano explained.
“Then for Carney Chukwuemeka, there are new rumours from Italy: Juventus and Napoli. Chelsea have been clear: he only leaves the club on a permanent transfer. They already told this to Dortmund a few days ago. Now the same message has been sent to English and Italian clubs.”
Arsenal seeking Havertz replacement
Romano confirmed that Arsenal are ready to go back into the market for a replacement for Kai Havertz.
Although Eberechi Eze is expected to join the Gunners, he provided no names with regards potential targets.
“Interesting to follow what happens at Arsenal now because unfortunately Kai Havertz has suffered a new knee injury and we wish all the very best for him. He already suffered an important injury last season. Let’s wait for Arsenal to communicate the extent of his injury,” Romano said.
“When a player like Kai Havertz suffers two injuries in the space of a few months, Arsenal are considering returning on the market. Leandro Trossard will sign a new deal at Arsenal. But the Gunners are considering one more player. They’re seriously assessing their options to avoid having a short squad up front as they suffered last season.”
Will Marc Casado leave Barcelona?
Romano has addressed rumours that Marc Casado could leave Barcelona.
He said: “Casado would love to stay at Barcelona. And I can tell you that Barca and their sporting director Deco don’t want to sell Marc Casado. They believe that he’s an important player for the future.
“But it’s true that some clubs are moving – especially from the Premier League. There’s movement. There are clubs prepared to meet Barcelona and make a proposal to try to tempt Casado and Barca. The position of both is that they want to continue together, but we know that in the last weeks of the transfer window, anything can happen.”
Current ETV
Marc Casadó
DM, M (C)
Barcelona
Marc Casadó
DM, M (C)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€31.8M - €38.9M
Football transfer news headlines today
DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today
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Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea's OFFICIAL plan for shock new signing
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Villarreal
Carney Chukwuemeka
Christopher Nkunku
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Rodrygo
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