Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea name Xhaka price, Man Utd receive Fernandes update

28 Jun 2026 08:07 BST | 5 min read

Fabrizio Romano Granit Xhaka Mateus Fernandes — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Football transfers specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on several major stories, including the latest on Granit Xhaka, Mateus Fernandes, Maghnes Akliouche and Kang-In Lee.

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Chelsea unwilling to match Xhaka’s valuation

Chelsea are only prepared to sign Granit Xhaka if they can agree a fee with Sunderland which is less than €30million to €40m (£25.8m to £34.5m), according to Romano.

Italian journalist Luca Cerchione was the first to reveal the Blues’ interest in signing Xhaka, with Xabi Alonso reportedly keen to reunite with a player who he managed at Bayer Leverkusen.

However, while Xhaka is understood to be keen on a move to west London, Romano claims Chelsea have played down speculation they could spend big on the midfielder, who turns 34 in September.

“Chelsea’s expectation is to pay less [than €30m-to-€40m] in order to reach an agreement with Xhaka,” Romano said in a new YouTube video. “Not because the player is not worth that money but because of [his] age.

“Granit Xhaka is not that young anymore and so this is why Chelsea [are taking] this position. So now it’s on the club-to-club [talks] because on [the] player side he’s ready to accept any contract condition, it’s not a problem.”

Fernandes asking price rises amid Man Utd-Spurs battle

Mateus Fernandes is now valued at €98m (£85m) after the bidding war between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur has led to West Ham United increasing their asking price, according to Romano.

Widespread reports have indicated both Premier League clubs are keen to sign Fernandes, with The Times claiming earlier in the week that the 21-year-old held a valuation of €92m (£80m).

A contrary report from the Daily Mirror claims United are not prepared to match that price tag for Fernandes, though Romano understands they remain in contact with relegated West Ham.

“The player is ready to accept both projects,” Romano said. “It now depends on the [clubs], whoever can agree terms with West Ham will get the player. And it’s about the money because they (negotiations) start at 85 million pounds, [it] could be more if these clubs (United and Spurs) keep fighting for the same player.

“And also payment terms are also important for West Ham. So it’s not just about the fee, it’s also about the timing to pay this money.”

Liverpool-linked Akliouche close to PSG move

Paris Saint-Germain are making rapid progress in their attempts to sign Liverpool-linked Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco, according to Romano.

French publication L’Equipe claims Liverpool are admirers of the France international, who said he was open to leaving Ligue 1 side Monaco after the World Cup.

However, Romano understands PSG are close to winning the race for 24-year-old attacking midfielder, saying: “Now what I can tell you guys is that talks are advancing very well between Maghnes Akliouche, his camp and Paris Saint-Germain on contract terms.

“Paris Saint-Germain have a very good relationship with Monaco and so Paris Saint-Germain hope to reach an agreement on the price very soon, and to sort everything for Maghnes Akliouche.”

Kang-In Lee on the verge of joining Atletico

Atletico Madrid are “closing in” on a deal to sign South Korea international Kang-In Lee from PSG, according Romano.

The 25-year-old, who was unable to prevent his country from bowing out of the World Cup at the group stage, has been on the periphery at club side PSG in the last few seasons.

But now Romano understands Lee is on the verge of joining La Liga giants Atletico, saying: “The agreement is very close between Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

“So [a] deal [is] agreed with the player on contract terms, I told you already a few days ago and now Atletico Madrid [are] advancing also on club-to-club [talks] with Paris Saint-Germain to get the deal done.”

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Read more about: La Liga Ligue 1 Premier League Atlético Madrid Bayer 04 Chelsea Liverpool Man Utd Monaco PSG Sunderland Tottenham West Ham Granit Xhaka Kang-in Lee Maghnes Akliouche Mateus Fernandes