Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea TALKS confirmed, HUGE Man Utd deal, Liverpool SHOCK

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Jan 2026 16:50 GMT
• 7 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has provided some massive updates on the biggest transfer stories from around Europe, including the latest on Douglas Luiz, Kobbie Mainoo and Andy Robertson.

Robertson keen on Spurs

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is keen on a move to Tottenham.

"There are negotiations underway between Tottenham and Liverpool for Andy Robertson. I can tell you more that the player is keen on a move to Tottenham. So Robertson is ready to make this switch to Tottenham Hotspur. He gave the green light. He's ready for a fresh challenge.

"The negotiation is advancing very fast, very well. So the deal could be done soon for Robertson to become a new Tottenham player from Liverpool. It would be a permanent transfer. He's obviously out of contract.

"The original plan was for Tottenham to consider a move in the summer transfer window for Robertson, but now Tottenham are ready to make the deal happen immediately, despite already signing a left-back. Tottenham, in this window signed Souza, a Brazilian left-back from Santos for €15m.

"Deal made official 24 hours ago, but despite that, they are now closing in on a deal to sign Robertson from Liverpool. Everything is proceeding very well. Everything is proceeding very fast. This is more than a concrete possibility. This switch could happen very, very soon."

Chelsea in talks over Luiz

Romano also confirmed that Chelsea have held formal talks over the loan signing of Douglas Luiz.

"Chelsea made contact with Juventus to ask about Douglas Luiz, so now club-to-club talks are starting. It's still an initial conversation between Chelsea and Juventus, but a few clubs are now talking about Luiz. We know Romeo Lavia is injured, but also Dario Essugo, the other midfielder in Chelsea's squad, will be out for more than one month.

"That's what Liam Rosenior said in his press conference after he suffered an injury in training with Chelsea. Essugo out, Lavia out, Chelsea have Enzo [Fernandez], Chelsea have Moises Caicedo, Chelsea obviously have Andrey Santos, but to add one more is something they want to do.

"Luiz on a loan deal from Juventus is a concrete possibility. The player is open to joining Chelsea, so now it depends on Chelsea and Juventus to try to reach an agreement. Chelsea are only interested in a loan deal. Chelsea don't want any obligation to buy elements.

"Nottingham Forest had a deal done in the summer on loan with an option to buy to become obligation under certain conditions. Chelsea want to remove the obligation system unless it's very complicated. They don't want to be forced to buy Luiz in the summer.

"If they can do a deal on loan for the next six months, Chelsea will be happy to proceed. Otherwise, if these conditions are not right, Chelsea will leave the conversation. Chelsea also approached the agent of the player, Giuliano Bertolucci, one of the most powerful agents in South America and not only."

Man Utd to hand Mainoo a new deal

Next up, Romano addressed Michael Carrick's comments on Kobbie Mainoo.

"Man Utd want to offer a new deal to Kobbie Mainooo. Carrick was not talking about the contract, but Carrick was talking about Mainoo. He said young players like Mainooo must be the foundation of Man Utd. The message is very clear.

"They want to build with Mainoo. They want to make Mainoo one of the crucial players. And the new contract is going to be a key topic. Man Utd want to discuss a new deal with Mainoo.

"The conversation is active, is concrete, is ongoing, and then we will see how it will continue in terms of numbers, in terms of fee, in the next weeks and months."

Palmer situation still quiet

Regarding the speculation surrounding Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer, Romano insists that the situation is still quiet.

"We had rumours in England about Cole Palmer's desire to go back to Manchester, maybe to Man Utd, Palmer to leave Chelsea in the summer. In January, nothing is happening. At this stage, Chelsea's position is very clear.

"They see Palmer as a crucial part of their project. Chelsea don't want Palmer to leave the club. Today, Liam Rosenior in his press conference said he's a crucial part of our long-term project. He said, 'I had several conversations with Cole and he's very happy here.'

"Chelsea are not on alert for anything at this stage. Obviously, there will be always rumors around Palmer, a fantastic player. But as of today, January, nothing is happening and Chelsea are counting on Palmer at this stage."

Barcelona to hand Fermin a new deal

Romano also corroborated that Barcelona are planning to reward Fermin Lopez with a new contract.

"Chelsea wanted to sign Fermin Lopez in the summer in the final days of the summer transfer window. It was not possible because Barcelona decided not to give the green light and also the player wanted to stay at Barca.

"Today, as reported in the recent hours by Carlos Monfort, and it's true Barcelona have started conversation with Fermin to open - still early stages - talks over new contract. Barcelona want to discuss a new contract with Fermin.

"The conversation started will enter into important stages later on. But talks have started with the agency representing Fermin over a potential new deal. First, Barcelona rejected the possibility for the player to go.

"Usually, in football, when an important player like Fermin receives an important proposal, like the one he had from Chelsea, it's normal to have a conversation on the contract right after, if the club is keeping him. And Fermin is performing in a fantastic way.

"20 goal contributions this season, his impact has been massive. 19 starts, 20 goal contributions. What he's doing in terms of goals, assists and performances has been excellent. Barcelona are prepared to discuss a new contract and a better salary with Fermin."

Inter not in for Martinez

Lastly, Romano played down suggestions that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is being chased by Inter.

"There are links in Italy between Inter and Dibu Martinez. At this stage, Inter are not in concrete talks for Dibu. He's been offered by his agents as a possibility for the summer.

"Dibu at the moment is not planning to leave Aston Villa in January. Never say never, but at this stage there is nothing. In the summer, Dibu could leave Aston Villa, so Dibu could be one of the goalkeepers to watch in the summer window.

"Inter will sign a goalkeeper in the summer, and so they've been offered the possibility to go for Dibu, but at this stage, still nothing advanced, still nothing close, and also Inter probably are looking also at younger goalkeepers at this stage."

Football transfer news headlines today

EXCLUSIVE: David Ornstein reveals how Man City got a free run at Marc Guehi

EXCLUSIVE: Carrick ‘in mix’ for permanent Man Utd job as David Ornstein reveals key advantage

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea edge closer to January deal as Arsenal talks confirmed

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

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