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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea next signing, Rashford truth, Rodri wants Real Madrid
21 Jul 2026 07:38 BST |
7 min read
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Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Maxence Lacroix, Marcus Rashford and Rodri.
Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers leave Aston Villa
Aston Villa secured qualification for the Champions League last season, but they have already lost Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, and both Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers are set to follow suit, as confirmed by Romano.
He told his YouTube channel: “Lucas Digne is a new Paris Saint-Germain player. This was never a story in doubt. I was telling you already a few weeks ago, and then last week, that PSG had made it clear to Aston Villa that they were going to trigger the release clause. That is why we had the 'here we go' last week.
“This week, the formal steps, the official emails, and all of the final procedures have now been completed. Everything is confirmed for this deal. Lucas Digne is a new PSG player on a three-year contract, with a transfer fee of under €10 million.”
Current ETV
Lucas Digne
D (L)
A. Villa
Lucas Digne
D (L)
A. Villa
ETV Range
€7.2M - €9.7M
Romano continued: “Another confirmation is that Morgan Rogers has signed his contract as a new Chelsea player. Chelsea have completed the signing for £117 million in a surprise move agreed over the weekend from Aston Villa. Everything is now completed.
“Morgan Rogers is officially a new Chelsea player. So, this is double confirmation on two stories where we had the 'here we go' a few days ago, and now everything is fully confirmed.”
Chelsea continue talks for Maxence Lacroix
After finalising a deal for Rogers, Chelsea have turned their attention to Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix, who is their priority centre-back target for this summer.
“We have to mention Maxence Lacroix because Chelsea remain in absolutely active and concrete talks with Crystal Palace,” Romano said. “All parties involved are speaking, including the ownership groups and the player's representatives.
“I am told that reports over the weekend suggesting Arsenal were getting involved are not true at this stage. If Arsenal do enter the race, I will let you know. But at the moment, the player is fully focused on Chelsea. He is open to joining Chelsea and is keen on the move.
“The deal is now in the hands of Chelsea and Crystal Palace as they negotiate the transfer fee and the final price. Maxence Lacroix is a key target for Chelsea, and discussions are continuing as both clubs try to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Chelsea are working hard on this one.”
Man Utd transfer update
Man Utd have announced the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow so far this summer, and several other new additions are likely to arrive before the end of the window.
“On Man Utd, we have to discuss a couple of important topics,” Romano said. “The first one is Crysencio Summerville. As I told you yesterday, the situation is completely cold. Roma are in negotiations to sign him and have already submitted three bids to Aston Villa. Roma are pushing hard for Crysencio Summerville, while Man Utd are currently not progressing.
“Why are Man Utd cold on this deal? Because until Marcus Rashford leaves the club, they intend to maintain their current attacking structure. If, at some point during the summer transfer window, Rashford moves elsewhere, I will keep you posted. In that case, the door would be open for Man Utd to bring in another winger.
“At the same time, Man Utd are not completely closing the door on the possibility of Marcus Rashford staying at the club. Rashford will begin pre-season with Man Utd.
“Marcus Rashford is really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Michael Carrick. Michael Carrick is also looking forward to working with Rashford. I am told that Carrick is genuinely excited about the opportunity to help revive Rashford's career at Man Utd. Rashford and the club are prepared to give each other another chance.
“After that, they will decide whether to continue together or whether the player will leave during the summer transfer window. That is why nothing is currently developing around Crysencio Summerville."
Romano added: “Another player appreciated by Man Utd is Iliman Ndiaye at Everton. He is another player they like, but they are not progressing because of the Rashford situation. If there are any developments or changes, I will let you know. There has been interest in Ndiaye from several clubs.
“As I told you a few weeks ago, clubs from abroad have made enquiries, while Aston Villa have also held conversations. It is important to remember that Ndiaye would be very expensive. He is a hugely important player for Everton, so we have to wait and see what happens because he remains a crucial player for the club.”
Man Utd complete Tynan Thompson signing
In addition to the aforementioned trio, Man Utd have also signed Spurs wonderkid Tynan Thompson.
“Then, on Man Utd, let me also add something about a young talent they have signed,” Romano said. “He is 18 years old and it is a similar type of signing to Ayden Heaven, a player they signed unexpectedly from Arsenal who has done fantastically well.
“Now they have signed another talented youngster from Tottenham. Tynan Thompson is the name.
“Remember the name because many people believe he is extremely talented. The deal is worth £4 million guaranteed, plus a £4 million sell-on clause for Tottenham, and it is now completed. Thompson is a new talent for Man Utd.
“He is a winger who will be part of the academy but will also train with the first team and receive opportunities. Players such as Ayden Heaven have taken those opportunities and become regular members of the first-team squad. We will now see what happens with this talented young player.”
Rodri dreams of Real Madrid
Rodri won the Golden Ball at the World Cup thanks to his immense performances for Spain, and while Manchester City want to tie him down to a new contract, he dreams of joining Real Madrid this summer.
That is according to Romano, who revealed: “At the moment, Rodri has a new contract proposal on the table from Manchester City. It will now be up to Rodri to decide whether he wants to accept it or remain at Man City for one more season before potentially leaving as a free agent in 2027.
“Let me mention this again because many Real Madrid fans continue asking about the situation, especially after yesterday's final and Rodri's outstanding World Cup. Rodri dreams of playing for Real Madrid. He would love to join Real Madrid one day. From the player's side, that opportunity remains a dream.
“He came through the youth system at Atletico Madrid, so returning to Madrid, returning to Spain, and playing for Real Madrid is something he would love.
“However, at the moment, the story between Real Madrid and Rodri is blocked because of the club's president. Florentino Perez is not convinced about moving forward for Rodri. If Florentino changes his mind this summer or next summer, I will let you know. Right now, the main obstacle is the decision of Florentino Perez. He is the person who has to make the final decision on Rodri.
“I can guarantee that Rodri dreams of Real Madrid, but right now there is a new contract proposal on the table from Man City. It is a very important offer financially for a 30-year-old player, especially someone who is one of the best footballers in the world. That is why this situation remains one to watch around the Spanish midfielder and the best player of the tournament at the 2026 World Cup.”
Alessandro Bastoni to Al-Hilal?
Finally, Romano provided an update on Alessandro Bastoni’s future at Inter Milan.
“There have been many reports today linking Alessandro Bastoni with Al-Hilal,” Romano admitted. “Many of you have been asking me about these reports from Italy and whether Bastoni could join Al Hilal or what is happening around him.
“At this stage, I am told that Al-Hilal are not in concrete, active or realistic talks to sign Bastoni. Al-Hilal have different priorities. The relationship between Bastoni and coach Simone Inzaghi remains very good after working together at Inter, but that is all there is to it. At the moment, there are no conversations, no negotiations, and the story is very, very quiet.”
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