Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea close to 'here-we-go', Rodri-to-Real truth revealed

Updated: 28 Jul 2026 06:55 BST | 6 min read

Fabrizio Romano Jordan Henderson Rodri — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several transfer stories, including the latest on Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Rodri.

Article continues under the video

Henderson-to-Chelsea moving at a rapid pace

Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Jordan Henderson and could reach an agreement with Brentford “very soon”, according to Romano.

Romano broke the news on Monday that the Blues are working on a deal to sign Henderson, 36, with Brentford willing to sanction a free transfer.

“This [transfer] could be a ‘here-we-go’ very, very soon,” Romano said in a new YouTube video.

“Chelsea [have] wanted an experienced midfielder for some time. They tried for Granit Xhaka, then Sunderland decided not to release the player, but Chelsea were pushing, were insisting, were trying to get a deal done.

STATS

Jordan Henderson

DM, M (C)

Brentford

Jordan Henderson

DM, M (C)

Brentford

34

Games
1

Goals
3

Assists

“Now Chelsea are progressing [with] a deal to sign Jordan Henderson on a free. [He is] ready to return to the best level possible at Chelsea because the player is very keen on the move.

“The player is ready to agree on personal terms, Brentford are discussing with Jordan Henderson on the termination of his contract [with them].

“He’s going to leave on a free, this is the expectation, and then he is expected to join Chelsea, [who are] leading the race over two more Premier League clubs.

“So Henderson could be the surprise [addition] in Chelsea’s midfield, something completely unexpected.”

Chelsea also close to agreeing terms with Welbeck

Chelsea are also close to agreeing personal terms with Danny Welbeck ahead of a possible move from Brighton and Hove Albion, Romano added.

Daily Mail's Kieran Gill was the first to report of Chelsea’s interest in Welbeck, 35, as they look to add more experience to Xabi Alonso’s squad.

“Chelsea are closing in on [an] agreement with the player (Welbeck), in terms of personal terms” Romano said.

STATS

Danny Welbeck

F (C)

Brighton

Danny Welbeck

F (C)

Brighton

40

Games
14

Goals
2

Assists

“From the same agency [as Welbeck] Chelsea already signed a talented boy, [Harrison] Bettoni, who joined the club a few weeks ago.

“And Chelsea are now proceeding [with] this opportunity to get Danny Welbeck. They need to negotiate and agree [a fee] with Brighton because the player is under contract and for Brighton [he] is obviously an important player.

“But the conversation is under way.”

Real Madrid yet to open formal talks to sign Rodri

Manchester City are yet to receive a formal approach from Real Madrid for star midfielder Rodri, according to Romano.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported last Friday that Real were “operating on the basis” that the Spain captain, 30, would join them this summer.

However, Romano insists Real are yet to open direct talks with Man City, who - according to The Guardian - are keen to keep hold of Rodri.

Current ETV

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€59.2M - €72.4M

Romano said: “Manchester City sources guarantee that, as of Monday night, they are yet to receive any official approach from Real Madrid for Rodri.

“Is this going to happen later on? We will see, we will keep you posted, but as of tonight, Real Madrid are yet to reach out to Manchester City.

“They (Real) spoke to the agents of Rodri, but in order to send an official bid to Manchester City, they need, from the management team, and also a coach like Jose Mourinho, they need the green light from [president] Florentino Perez."

Leao is being pursued by Fenerbahce - not Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are not pursuing a deal to sign Portugal international Rafael Leao from AC Milan, according to Romano.

Leao, 27, announced his intention to leave Milan in May, citing the need for a fresh challenge after seven years at the San Siro.

However, Romano understands Spurs are not one of the clubs who are currently interested in signing the winger.

Romano said: “According to my information, I told you several times there were rumours about Tottenham, [but] Rafa is not a target for Tottenham as of today.

STATS

Rafael Leão

F (CL), M (L)

Milan

Rafael Leão

F (CL), M (L)

Milan

31

Games
10

Goals
3

Assists

“Should anything change I will let you know but as of today, the understanding is that Tottenham are not working on a deal for Rafael Leao, not at all, he is not a target.

“At the moment the target of Tottenham is Savinho [from Manchester City]. Tottenham want to sign Savinho and they will sign one more [player this summer] but at this stage, with Rafael Leao, the deal is not being discussed.

“There is a club attacking [the situation strongly] for Rafael Leao and that club is Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce travelled from Istanbul to Milano over the recent hours, Fenerbahce are there with a delegation and are working hard to sign Rafa Leao.”