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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Tchouameni to Man Utd, Chelsea official bid, Baleba latest
7 Jul 2026 07:05 BST |
8 min read
News
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on
Aurelien Tchouameni to Man Utd?
Manchester United remain interested in signing a new central midfielder and they have been heavily linked with a move for Aurelien Tchouameni.
“For Real Madrid the only way to eventually consider signing a new midfielder, despite all the stories about Enzo Fernandez, which were denied by the club, and despite links with other midfielders, is to sell a player first," Romano told his YouTube channel.
“It is not enough to sell Nico Paz. It is not enough to sell Dani Ceballos. Jesus Vallejo is leaving on a free transfer. That is still not enough to create the space required. Real Madrid would need to move another player before adding a new midfielder to Jose Mourinho's squad.
Current ETV
Aurélien Tchouaméni
DM, M (C)
Real Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni
DM, M (C)
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€63.1M - €77.2M
“That is why we are seeing so many questions and reports about Tchouameni again. What I have always said, and what I still maintain today, is that internally at Man Utd, Tchouameni has always been considered the perfect midfield signing. They see him as a top player with an elite mentality and world-class quality. He is viewed as the ideal replacement for Casemiro.
“The issue comes down to two points. The first is his salary. Tchouameni earns a very high salary at Real Madrid, and Man Utd have already made it clear to people close to the player during contacts over recent months that the only way a move could happen would be on different financial terms.
“The second issue is Real Madrid. At the moment, Man Utd have received no green light from Real Madrid to negotiate for Tchouameni. They have not received any indication from Madrid suggesting it is time to sit down and reach an agreement.”
Romano continued: “"Tchouameni would certainly be a dream signing for Man Utd. He is a player they admire and value highly. However, the situation remains complicated because of his salary and because everything depends on Real Madrid's decision.
“The first step must be Real Madrid telling Man Utd that the player is available for sale. Until then, patience is required, but the appreciation from Man Utd is absolutely confirmed, exactly as I have always mentioned here on the channel.”
Andrey Santos wanted
In addition to Tchouameni, Man Utd have also been tipped to pursue a deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and he is firmly on their radar.
“Andrey Santos is also a possibility for Man Utd, although he is obviously a completely different profile of player,” Romano said.
“Do not forget that Man Utd remain busy with their midfield plans. They are waiting for the verdict on Ederson's medical, and then they will decide how to proceed in midfield following the injury to Manuel Ugarte.
“For Andrey Santos, Man Utd have been in contact with the player's agent. This is not the first contact because discussions began a long time ago, back in February and March. Man Utd held two meetings with Giuliano Bertolucci, the Brazilian agent who represents Andrey Santos, so there is already a good relationship between the club and the player's camp.
“He is a genuine possibility. He is also a player Christopher Vivell knows very well from his time at Chelsea before joining Man Utd's management team. He is definitely one of the names on the shortlist.
“At the moment, Chelsea have not received any bid from Man Utd, but he remains one of the midfield options being considered. As I mentioned yesterday, Chelsea are prepared to let Andrey Santos leave if they receive a very good proposal.
“They are not desperate to sell because they believe he is a talented player with significant potential. However, if an important offer arrives, certainly much higher than £20 million or £30 million, Chelsea could consider his departure. That makes Andrey Santos one to watch over the coming weeks.”
Carlos Baleba's Man Utd stance
Meanwhile, Carlos Baleba remains interested in joining Man Utd, but talks with Brighton & Hove Albion aren’t underway.
“Carlos Baleba would love the opportunity because he already agreed personal terms with Man Utd one year ago. He was ready to join even without European football, so you can imagine how keen he would be now,” Romano revealed.
“However, at the moment Baleba and his representatives have not received any fresh contact from Man Utd. While Tchouameni continues to be discussed internally, and while Andrey Santos is a player they have spoken about with his representatives and included on their shortlist, the Baleba situation is currently much quieter.
“Man Utd know the player would be extremely interested in joining, but they have not returned with a new approach or submitted a proposal to Brighton. For now, that story is cold.
“If negotiations for other major targets collapse, then the situation could change, but at this stage it is simply the player's desire to move and nothing more.”
PSG transfer domino
Paris Saint-Germain are set for a busy summer, with a number of incomings and outgoings due to be sanctioned before Deadline Day.
“Everything is progressing as expected because Kang-in Lee will become a new Atletico Madrid player. Here we go. The agreement between Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain was completed today,” Romano admitted.
“The paperwork, contracts and all the formal steps will take a few more days, but Atletico Madrid will pay a package worth up to €40 million. The player agreed to the move some time ago.
“The next two targets for Atletico Madrid after Alex Grimaldo, as I mentioned previously, are Kang-in Lee, who is arriving very soon, and Morten Hjulmand. Atletico Madrid are therefore very busy strengthening the squad, but the Kang-in Lee deal can now be considered complete.”
He added: “PSG are creating space for the attacking signings they want to complete. As I revealed exclusively two weeks ago, the agreement with Maghnes Akliouche is not an issue. The player is extremely keen on joining PSG, and Monaco are fully aware of his desire.
“Monaco and PSG remain in negotiations. Monaco have already rejected two approaches from PSG, not only because of the financial package but also because they believe Premier League clubs could become involved in the coming days or weeks.
“At the same time, the player continues to prioritise PSG. Akliouche wants the move, and the possibility of seeing Kang-in Lee join Atletico Madrid while Akliouche joins PSG as part of the same transfer domino is becoming more concrete with every passing hour.”
Chelsea transfer latest
Finally, Romano provided an update on Chelsea’s possible transfer business.
“Regarding Granit Xhaka, we clarified over the last few days that Sunderland do not want to sell the player. It is not about the transfer fee. It does not matter whether the offer is £8 million, £10 million, £12 million or £20 million. They simply do not want to sell, and Chelsea respect that because they have a good relationship with Sunderland.
“The situation is therefore completely cold and not simply on standby. Instead, Chelsea are closely monitoring Pep Chavarria. The player is ready to join Chelsea and has already agreed personal terms. The left-back from Rayo Vallecano is now waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement.
“From what I understand, Chelsea are preparing to submit a new official bid in the coming days. They will return with a fresh proposal, and Chavarria could become Chelsea's next full-back signing after Marco Palestra on the right.
“For Chelsea, do not forget the name Maxence Lacroix either. Contacts continue regarding a move to Stamford Bridge. For now, patience is required because Crystal Palace will only allow one of their key players to leave if they receive the right fee and secure a suitable replacement first.
“That remains the situation with Lacroix, but Chelsea continue working behind the scenes to complete the deal.”
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