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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea signing done, Anderson deal close, Tchouameni to Man Utd?
25 Jun 2026 07:05 BST |
7 min read
News
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Marco Palestra, Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Elliot Anderson to join Man City
Manchester City are desperate to complete the signing of England midfielder Elliot Anderson as soon as possible and a deal is edging closer, as per Romano.
“Man City and Nottingham Forest held a direct meeting on Wednesday evening, just a few hours before this recording. As reported last week, the deal for Elliot Anderson to join Man City is in its final stages, and the club are now fully committed to getting the transfer completed,” he told his YouTube channel.
Current ETV
Elliot Anderson
M, DM (C)
N. Forest
Elliot Anderson
M, DM (C)
N. Forest
ETV Range
€57.1M - €69.8M
“Man City are pushing hard to finalise the agreement. The remaining work involves resolving a few final details with Nottingham Forest. Fresh contacts have taken place between the clubs, and Man City are now waiting for those details to be settled before closing the deal.
“Man City have made it clear that they do not want this transfer to drag on any longer. The process has already taken longer than expected, as the club initially viewed Elliot Anderson as a deal that could be wrapped up quickly.
“A new round of talks has now taken place, and Man City feel the transfer is very close to being completed. This is certainly one of the major stories to follow closely over the coming days.”
Tottenham remain focused on Sandro Tonali
Tottenham continue to work on a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, although an agreement has not yet been reached.
“I continue to receive many questions regarding Sandro Tonali, with reports linking him to Arsenal and Man City,” Romano said. “I stand by the information I reported last week. The situation remains clear: Sandro Tonali and Tottenham.
“Tottenham are working on a deal to sign Sandro Tonali, and that remains the case. The discussions are focused on Tottenham and Tonali.
“Since reporting that news last week, I have not mentioned Man City or any other club regarding Tonali. The situation remains unchanged, and the deal is still being worked on.”
Tottenham and Man Utd battle for Mateus Fernandes
However, Tottenham are also eager to sign West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and they are firmly in the race to secure his signature, despite significant competition from Manchester United.
“Mateus Fernandes remains one of the most intriguing situations in the market at the moment,” Romano revealed.
“As mentioned recently, the player's future will depend significantly on the club that presents the strongest overall project. West Ham are prepared to consider the best proposal, while the player's preference will also be an important factor.
“Both Tottenham and Man Utd are actively working behind the scenes on this situation. Tottenham are pursuing Sandro Tonali, but Mateus Fernandes is not viewed as an alternative. The club are exploring multiple opportunities in midfield.
“Man Utd have already signed Ederson from Atalanta, but they also want Mateus Fernandes.
“At the time of recording, both clubs are in discussions with West Ham. Tottenham are pushing to reach an agreement, but Man Utd remain very much involved. This is a significant battle that will likely continue until the very end.”
Nico Paz expected to return to Real Madrid
Rumours have suggested that Nico Paz could spend another season at Como, however Real Madrid want to bring him back to the Bernabeu this summer.
This has been confirmed by Romano, who admitted: “My information is that Real Madrid will communicate their intention to activate their buy-back option and bring Nico Paz back to the club.
“One possibility is that Real Madrid and Como reach a new agreement and restructure the situation entirely. If that does not happen, Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid, who could then consider selling him to another club.
“The expectation from today's meeting is that Nico Paz will move back to Real Madrid.
“It is important to remember that Nico Paz has already signed a contract with Real Madrid. For that reason, Real Madrid remain fully in control of the situation.
Aurelien Tchouameni to Man Utd?
Man Utd have been linked with a move for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni amid Spurs’ interest in the aforementioned Fernandes, but a deal is unlikely to take place.
“Following recent reports discussing the difference between dreams and reality regarding Aurelien Tchouameni and Man Utd, many fans continue to ask whether the club could make another attempt for the midfielder. The situation remains unchanged, with two major obstacles still in place,” Romano said.
“The first issue is salary. Tchouameni earns a significant wage, and at this stage that financial commitment does not align with Man Utd's current plans.
“From a football perspective, Man Utd rate Tchouameni extremely highly. They consider him an outstanding player and would be very interested in pursuing the opportunity. However, Real Madrid have not opened the door to a potential departure.
“As of today, neither Man Utd nor the player's representatives have received any indication from Real Madrid that the midfielder could be available.
“Should that situation change later in the summer, Man Utd would be prepared to assess the opportunity because they greatly admire the player. For now, however, the salary issue remains a challenge and Real Madrid have not signalled any intention to let him leave.”
Chelsea to sign Marco Palestra amid Maxence Lacroix interest
Chelsea are beginning to formulate their transfer plans ahead of next season, and they are closing in on a deal for Marco Palestra, while Maxence Lacroix may also arrive.
“Chelsea are now finalising the paperwork relating to Palestra's transfer. Formal documents are being prepared between Chelsea, Atalanta, the player and his representatives,” Romano confirmed.
“As previously reported, Chelsea are expected to be active in several positions during this transfer window. The club want to sign at least one defender as soon as possible, and there remains a possibility that they could add a second defender depending on departures.
“Much will depend on outgoing transfers. There is interest and a bid involving Trevoh Chalobah, so that situation will need to be monitored closely. Chelsea could ultimately move for two centre-backs this summer.”
Romano continued: “One of the names under serious consideration is Maxence Lacroix.
“Chelsea have already started contacts on the player's side and are gathering information regarding the conditions of a potential deal. At this stage the transfer is not completed, nor is it at the final stages, but Chelsea are actively working on the possibility.
“The club view Lacroix as an excellent profile because of his age, technical qualities, potential, Premier League experience and international pedigree.
“His involvement with the French national team further highlights the level at which he is regarded.
“Chelsea appreciate Maxence Lacroix, but he is not the only defender being considered because the club could pursue two centre-backs if departures take place.”
Enzo Fernandez truth
Finally, Romano clarified the latest update on Enzo Fernandez’s proposed move from Chelsea to Real Madrid.
“Despite the constant reports linking Enzo Fernandez with Real Madrid, the reality remains very different. As of today, Real Madrid have not contacted Chelsea regarding the midfielder.
“There have been no club-to-club discussions, no intermediary talks and no formal steps taken towards a potential deal. If that changes, I will provide an update immediately.”
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