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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal signing close, Anderson latest, Calafiori to Real Madrid?
5 Jun 2026 08:35 BST |
7 min read
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Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Jeremy Monga, Elliot Anderson and Riccardo Calafiori.
Real Madrid presidential latest
Florentino Perez and Enrique Riquelme are locked in battle over the Real Madrid presidency and both men have made several huge transfer claims in a bid to win the election. However, the latter’s promise to sign Erling Haaland could lead to legal action, as confirmed by Romano.
He told his YouTube channel: “Let's clarify what is going to happen next following the official statements from Erling Haaland's camp, agent Rafaela Pimenta and his father, Alfie Haaland, all denying any agreement. Today, Manchester City announced the possibility of legal action against Enrique Riquelme for using Erling Haaland's image without authorisation during the election campaign.
“Man City have also made it clear that it is absolutely impossible for Erling Haaland to be sold this summer. They remain completely relaxed, exactly as I reported yesterday. The message from Man City is very clear - Haaland is not leaving. It is also important to underline that the club have no intention whatsoever of entering negotiations. There is no discussion about a transfer this summer, and legal action remains a possibility. It is a complete battle around the Haaland situation.”
Current ETV
Erling Haaland
F (C)
Man City
Erling Haaland
F (C)
Man City
ETV Range
€127.7M - €156M
Romano continued: “Enrique Riquelme is expected to announce the manager he wants and, once again, sources indicate that it should be Jürgen Klopp. The name mentioned by Riquelme to Florentino Pérez is José Mourinho, while official sources within the football industry continue to mention Klopp as the preferred candidate suggested by Riquelme. Ultimately, it will be up to him to present his strategy and his chosen names to Real Madrid supporters, so we will wait for that announcement.
“On Florentino Pérez's side, it is important not to forget the work already completed. Florentino has finalised the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. He has also secured a new contract for Toni Rüdiger for one more season. Florentino will make a decision together with Mourinho regarding Nico Paz's return, as Real Madrid hold a buy-back option.
“Real Madrid also want to add another defender to the squad, ideally a left-footed player capable of operating at left-back when a more defensive option is required. Joško Gvardiol and Riccardo Calafiori are two players highly admired by the club. However, the feeling at the moment is that these deals are far from straightforward because Arsenal and Man City both count heavily on Calafiori and Gvardiol.
“Regarding Gvardiol, I can reveal that Man City's intention since late February and early March, despite the player dealing with injury issues, has been to offer him a new contract with improved financial terms.
“Man City want to extend Gvardiol's deal, while Real Madrid view him as one of the ideal candidates for their defence. Even so, this remains a very difficult operation and one that will require close monitoring.”
Bayern Munich close to first summer signing
Bayern Munich fell at the semi-final hurdle in the 2025-26 Champions League and they are on the verge of announcing their first summer signing in a bid to win the trophy next season.
“The deal for Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich is now very close to completion. The 'here we go' is approaching,” Romano confirmed.
“Saibari is expected to become Bayern's first signing of the summer. The agreement with the player is already in place and negotiations between the clubs are at an advanced stage. Saibari is expected to complete his medical in the United States, exactly as planned by Bayern and the player's representatives. The clubs are finalising the remaining details and the transfer could be completed at any moment. The deal is now in its final stages.
“Bayern are preparing to deliver their first signing for Vincent Kompany and then turn their attention to another target, Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt, who is viewed as a potential new left-back.
“It is true that Bayern have reached an agreement with the player, as previously reported. Negotiations between the clubs remain ongoing and Bayern are working hard to complete the transfer. Brown could become the next arrival after Saibari. Bayern are extremely active in the market and want to strengthen Kompany's squad even before the start of the 2026 World Cup.”
Jeremy Monga to join Arsenal
Arsenal are set for a huge summer transfer window and their first incoming player could be Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who is one of Max Dowman’s international team-mates for England U19s.
“Jeremy Monga, a 16-year-old talent from Leicester City, is a player Arsenal are pushing hard to sign,” Romano said.
“Arsenal are currently ahead of other leading English clubs interested in securing his services. Negotiations are ongoing between all parties involved, including the player, Leicester City and Arsenal.
"There is genuine confidence within Arsenal that they can complete this signing. Of course, this is a move for the future. Monga is only 16 years old, but Arsenal believe he possesses special talent and are working quickly to stay ahead of rival clubs. Discussions continue and we will have to wait to see how quickly the deal progresses towards the final stages. For now, Arsenal remain confident about signing Jeremy Monga from Leicester City.”
Elliot Anderson latest
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is widely expected to leave the club this summer and Man City remain the frontrunners for his signature, despite competition from Manchester United.
“Important updates are also coming from Manchester, where Man City have submitted an opening bid to Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson. The player is already in discussions with Man City and the club have presented an important contract proposal,” Romano revealed.
“Man Utd are also showing strong interest in Anderson, so they should not be overlooked in this race. However, Man City have made the first move by submitting an official offer to Nottingham Forest. That bid has been rejected.
“My understanding is that Nottingham Forest are demanding more than the reported £100 million valuation. The figure of £100m has appeared frequently in the English media, but as things stand Forest are seeking an even higher fee. Man City remain in discussions, but no agreement has been reached. Man Utd continue to monitor the situation very closely.”
Sandro Tonali to leave Newcastle?
Finally, Romano confirmed that Man City have earmarked Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali as their preferred alternative to Anderson if a move for the Forest star falls through.
"Another player high on Man City's midfield shortlist is Sandro Tonali,” the transfer expert said. “Man City are considering the possibility of making a major move for Tonali if they fail to secure Elliot Anderson.
“To summarise the situation, Man City's bid for Anderson has been rejected and the club are prepared to offer significant financial terms to the player if they can reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest. Man Utd remain attentive to developments.
“In that scenario, Tonali would become one of the leading alternatives. I would not even describe him as a second-choice option because he is a fantastic player. Man City continue to monitor his situation at Newcastle very closely and we will have to see how developments unfold, particularly with interest from other clubs.
“Arsenal are another club that appreciate Tonali. They have held conversations with people close to the player and continue to follow his situation. However, for Man City, Tonali could become a priority target if, and only if, they fail to sign Elliot Anderson. A domino effect in the midfield market is now underway.”
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