Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Mainoo FUTURE, Chelsea WAIT for Isak, Arsenal SIGNING

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • Updated: 28 Aug 2025 12:16 BST
  • 4 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Football transfer news reporter Fabrizio Romano has given exclusive insight on the state of play at Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and many more as Deadline Day approaches.

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Mainoo to hold Man Utd talks

Man Utd hit the headlines after losing to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and Romano says there are showdown talks planned with disgruntled midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Speaking to his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Before the game Ruben Amorim spoke about Mainoo. Kobbie was very disappointed to get no minutes against Fulham. I said after that game to wait because my understanding is that he will have a conversation with Amorim and Man Utd. It’s important to mention while there is no bid or no negotiations for Mainoo, it doesn’t mean there’s no interest. Many clubs are interested, but it’s not time to say he’s going.

“Amorim said before the game that he believes in Kobbie more than people think and that he expects the best from him. It was a strong message.”

Current ETV
Player image Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo

DM, M (C)

Man Utd logo

Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo

DM, M (C)

Man Utd

Man Utd

€61.1M

ETV Range

€55M - €67.2M

Isak holds key to Chelsea deal

Alexander Isak’s drawn-out Liverpool transfer saga has numerous clubs waiting to see what will happen with the Newcastle United striker.

In particular, it’s put a hold on a proposed move to Bayern Munich for Nicolas Jackson.

Romano explains: “There’s a negotiation and talks ongoing. Chelsea have only one loan spot for international players, so it’s important for them. Bayern only want a loan. Now they need to decide if they can reach an agreement. As of Wednesday night, nothing is done and nothing is imminent. The conversation is ongoing and taking place. Chelsea deny any agreement with Bayern.

“Chelsea are also waiting for the Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga before they will decide what they want to do with Jackson. Why? It’s still absolutely ongoing. It’s going to influence many strikers in the final days of the window. Chelsea want to make sure there are no better opportunities than a loan to Bayern before agreeing. The situation is advanced but it’s not agreed.”

Current ETV
Player image Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle logo

Newcastle

Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle

Newcastle

€117.1M

ETV Range

€105.4M - €128.8M

Nkunku leaving Chelsea at last

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a major transfer, though, Romano reports.

He says: “Christopher Nkunku to Milan has arrived. Official talks have already started.

“Milan know Nkunku is keen on the move. Permanent transfer; forget about a loan. Chelsea started the negotiation at €40m plus addons, Milan want to offer something starting from €30m plus addons. So there’s still a gap.

“Milan believe Nkuku is very keen on the deal, so this is very concrete, but there is still a negotiation ongoing.”

STATS
Player image Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (L)

Chelsea logo

Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (L)

Chelsea

Chelsea

All Tournaments

2024/25

  • 42

    Games

  • 14

    Goals

  • 5

    Assists

Arsenal signing hinges on this

Arsenal are still active in the transfer market, but there is no guarantee more business will be done.

Romano says: “Don’t forget about Piero Hincapie. The conversations are continuing between Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen and the player, who has already agreed to go to Arsenal. Now they need a green light from the club. If Leverkusen accept Arsenal’s offer – a loan deal with an obligation to buy after already spending big money this summer so they can pay in a different kind of structure – Hincapie can go to Arsenal and Jakub Kiwior can go to Porto.

“If Leverkusen don’t accept that, it could also influence the Kiwior deal. So this is why Kiwior is still not on a plane to travel to Portugal. Let’s follow the situation.”

Current ETV
Player image Piero Hincapié
Piero Hincapié

D (CL)

Bayer 04 logo

Bayer 04

Piero Hincapié
Piero Hincapié

D (CL)

Bayer 04

Bayer 04

€59.4M

ETV Range

€53.5M - €65.4M

Real Madrid deal off

In Spain, Real Madrid will not complete a significant sale.

“Dani Ceballos’ move to Marseille is off,” Romano says. “The deal was almost done – a loan with a €15m obligation to buy – but Ceballos said that he wants to think a bit more about leaving Real Madrid. It’s never easy, especially for the Spanish players like Dani Ceballos. So he’s asked for more time but Marseille left the conversation.

“Real Betis reports are not true. The player they want to sign is in a different position. He is… Antony.”

Football transfer news headlines today

CONFIRMED: Chelsea agree €45m deal as Xavi Simons finally unlocked

Fabrizio Romano announces Arsenal transfer AGREEMENT: Seventh major signing close

How much will it cost Man Utd to sack Ruben Amorim?

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

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