Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal triple update, Alvarez latest, Lewandowski talks confirmed

13 Jun 2026 09:30 BST | 6 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Tzolis, Julian Alvarez
© IMAGO
Robin Bairner

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered a series of important updates from the market, with deals progressing at Arsenal, the latest on Julian Alvarez, while legends Robert Lewandowski and Luka Modric are both in the news.

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Robert Lewandowski Chicago Fire talks ramp up

Robert Lewandowski is closing in on a big move to MLS, with the striker travelling to discuss terms with the Chicago Fire and study their facilities.

“While everybody is focused on the World Cup, Robert Lewandowski is flying to the United States for a transfer,” Romano announced on his YouTube channel.

“Lewandowski is travelling together with his agent, Pini Zahavi, to negotiate with Chicago Fire.

“He left Barcelona as a free agent and received approaches from several clubs. Fenerbahce were interested, while Milan and Juventus also explored the possibility earlier this year before deciding it was too expensive.

Current ETV
Player image Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona logo

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona

Barcelona

€7.9M

ETV Range

€6.7M - €9.1M

“Now Chicago Fire are pushing.

“Lewandowski will be in Chicago to look at the facilities, visit the training ground and understand the project.

“That is a very positive sign for Chicago because it shows genuine interest from the player.

“They are discussing a two or three-year contract and this is definitely one to watch.”

Robert Lewandowski: Leaving Barcelona
© IMAGO - Robert Lewandowski: Leaving Barcelona

Luka Modric facing uncertain future after Milan changes

Romano turned to Luka Modric, whose situation has become complicated following major upheaval at AC Milan.

“For months, Luka Modric's plan was very simple: stay at Milan. He was a Milan fan before being a Milan player and his intention was always to continue there,” the transfer insider said.

“After the final game of the season, Milan decided to change everything.

“The coach left, directors left and suddenly Modric felt a bit lost in this new environment.

“He had a very good relationship with Massimiliano Allegri and also with Igli Tare, so these departures changed things.

“He is now a free agent, but his focus is entirely on the World Cup with Croatia.

“After the tournament he will decide what he wants to do next.”

Current ETV
Player image Luka Modric
Luka Modric

M (C)

Milan logo

Milan

Luka Modric
Luka Modric

M (C)

Milan

Milan

€2.2M

ETV Range

€1.7M - €2.6M

Romano also confirmed reports that Real Madrid would like Modric to return to the club once his playing career ends.

“What is being reported in Spain is true,” he added. “Real Madrid would love to bring Luka Modric back in a different role when he retires.

“This is not about returning as a player. It would be a role within the club.

“Florentino Perez and the most important people at Real Madrid have already made it clear internally that they want Modric back one day.

“He wants to live in Madrid in the future and he has a fantastic relationship with everyone at the club.

“The only question is when he decides to retire, whether that is this year, next year or later.”

Luka Modric: Heading back to Real Madrid?
© IMAGO - Luka Modric: Heading back to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid remain silent after Julian Alvarez rejection

Romano then provided another update on Real Madrid's pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

“After the €150 million bid sent to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Real Madrid have not returned with a new proposal,” he said. “At the moment everything has gone completely quiet.”

According to Romano, communications have effectively stopped between the clubs.

“There have been no new contacts with Atletico Madrid,” he revealed.

“There have been no significant contacts with people close to the player.

“Since Tuesday, the situation has been completely silent.

“Atletico Madrid internally still feel this was more of a public move by Florentino Perez than a genuine attempt to sign Julian Alvarez.

“That remains their feeling.”

Current ETV
Player image Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid logo

Atlético Madrid

Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid

€113M

ETV Range

€101.7M - €124.3M

Barcelona still dreaming of Alvarez deal

While Real Madrid’s interest in Alvarez has eased, Barcelona continue to monitor the forward’s situation.

“Barcelona continue thinking about Julian Alvarez,” he said. “And Julian Alvarez continues thinking about Barcelona.

“But for now we still have to wait and see how that situation develops.”

Arsenal begin work on Christos Tzolis transfer

Romano finished with a triple Arsenal update, starting with Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis.

“Arsenal are considering a move for Christos Tzolis,” he declared. “Contacts have already started on both the player side and the club side.

“There are conversations underway and the player would be very excited about the possibility of joining Arsenal.

“They have scouted him extensively.

“They like the player and they see him as a market opportunity.”

Current ETV
Player image Christos Tzolis
Christos Tzolis

F, M, AM (L)

Brugge logo

Brugge

Christos Tzolis
Christos Tzolis

F, M, AM (L)

Brugge

Brugge

€32.7M

ETV Range

€29.5M - €36M

Morgan Rogers remains major Arsenal target

Romano stressed that Arsenal's interest in Tzolis does not affect their pursuit of a marquee winger, specifically Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.

“These are completely separate stories. Tzolis is viewed as an opportunity,” he said.

“Morgan Rogers remains one of Arsenal's top targets for the summer.

“Of course he is expensive and of course it is difficult.

“But Arsenal love the player and he remains a name discussed internally.”

Current ETV
Player image Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CL)

A. Villa logo

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CL)

A. Villa

A. Villa

€72.4M

ETV Range

€65.1M - €79.6M

Jeremy Monga deal progressing

Another winger Arsenal continue to pursue is Leicester youngster Jeremy Monga.

“Arsenal are still working very hard on Jeremy Monga,” he said.

“They are advancing with the player side and also with Leicester.

“There are still steps before saying it is completely done. But I think a here we go could arrive this summer.

“He is a very talented player who has attracted interest from several clubs in England and abroad.”

Midfield plans and Arteta contract latest

Romano concluded by noting that Arsenal's summer business will not stop with wingers.

“Don't forget Arsenal will also be busy in midfield during this transfer window. There is a lot happening behind the scenes,” he said.

“His contract will become a topic soon. But the expectation remains absolutely clear.

“Arsenal expect Mikel Arteta to sign a new contract and continue at the club.

“So things are moving in a very positive direction for the Premier League champions.”

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