Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea’s next signing, Rodri to Real Madrid, Man Utd targets

23 Jul 2026 07:10 BST | 8 min read

Fabrizio Romano transfer news, Alejandro Garnacho, Rodri — © IMAGO

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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest updates from the summer transfer window, including Aston Villa's agreement to sign Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea's ongoing midfield search, Real Madrid's stance on Rodri, and the latest on Manchester United, PSG, Barcelona and Liverpool targets.

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Aston Villa complete Alejandro Garnacho agreement

Romano confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho is leaving Chelsea after one year to join Aston Villa. Unai Emery played a key role in the deal.

"Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa is a here we go. The deal is completed on a loan with an obligation to buy, with Aston Villa covering the player's salary,” Romano said.

“The obligation to buy is considered extremely easy to trigger and sources at Chelsea believe it is almost guaranteed that Garnacho will become a permanent Aston Villa player in 2027.

“Garnacho will sign a four-year contract linked to that permanent move.

Current ETV

Alejandro Garnacho

F, M (L)

Chelsea

Alejandro Garnacho

F, M (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€44.6M - €54.5M

“The crucial factor in the transfer was Unai Emery. Garnacho's initial preference was to leave England, with Italy and Spain appealing to him, and he held talks with Roma.

“However, Emery spoke directly with the player over the last few days, convinced him of Aston Villa's project and made it clear he believes Garnacho can reach another level under his management.

“The two clubs also remain in contact over Nicolas Jackson, who is another player Aston Villa appreciate, although it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will sanction his departure.”

Chelsea closing in on Maxence Lacroix

Romano then turned his attention to Chelsea following Alejandro Garnacho's move to Aston Villa.

“With Garnacho gone, Chelsea's next signing could be Maxence Lacroix,” he said.

“Don't forget they are still negotiating with Rayo Vallecano over Pep Chavarria, but Lacroix is the centre-back Chelsea really want to bring in.

“The agreement with the player is almost completed and talks with Crystal Palace are progressing.

“There have been meetings in the United States between Chelsea and Palace and negotiations are advancing.

“Chelsea want to complete the Lacroix deal as soon as possible and work is continuing to make it happen.

Current ETV

Maxence Lacroix

D (C)

C. Palace

Maxence Lacroix

D (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€41.8M - €51.1M

“One of the topics discussed between the clubs was Axel Disasi.

“Disasi impressed during his loan spell at West Ham and Palace asked about his situation.

“However, at the moment this has only been discussed verbally.

“There is no guarantee Disasi will be included in negotiations and there is no guarantee of any swap arrangement.

“The player is already considering several options and the discussions have not progressed to his side yet.”

Chelsea eye Alex Scott and new midfield addition

Romano confirmed that the Blues are still looking at bringing in more players.

He added: “Chelsea did make an approach for Alex Scott, trying to understand Bournemouth's position, but Bournemouth have no intention of selling him at this stage.

“Chelsea remain keen to strengthen in midfield, so after completing the Morgan Rogers deal, don't underestimate the possibility of their next major signing arriving in that position.

“They also continue to assess centre-back options, with Maxence Lacroix still among the names being considered.”

Current ETV

Maxence Lacroix

D (C)

C. Palace

Maxence Lacroix

D (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€41.8M - €51.1M

Real Madrid close door on Tchouameni exit as Camavinga wants to stay

Romano next discussed Manchester United's interest in Real Madrid midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

He revealed: “Manchester United have admired Aurelien Tchouameni for a long time and internally consider him the ideal replacement for Casemiro because of his leadership qualities and experience at the highest level.

“However, Tchouameni has already signed a new contract with Real Madrid and is regarded as an important player by Jose Mourinho, who pushed strongly to keep him. The expectation is that he will remain at the club.

“United also held conversations with the representatives of Eduardo Camavinga to understand his situation, just as they did with Manu Kone.

“But nothing has changed regarding Camavinga's position. He wants to stay at Real Madrid, work under Mourinho and fight for his place.

“If that stance changes before the end of the transfer window, then Premier League clubs would be interested, but at the moment Camavinga has no intention of leaving.”

Rodri still waiting for Real Madrid green light

Romano says that Los Blancos are still monitoring Rodri, who is eager for a move to be completed.

“Rodri continues to hope that a move to Real Madrid can happen,” he explained.

“He has a personal dream of returning to Spain and his family would also welcome a move back home.

“Real Madrid's management are aware of Rodri's desire and understand that he has not signed a new contract with Manchester City because he wants to see whether Madrid will move.

“But everything now depends on one person: Florentino Perez.

“As of tonight, Rodri's camp are still waiting for a green light from the Real Madrid president.

“Perez has the final decision on whether Real Madrid will proceed with the operation.

“Even if that approval arrives, Manchester City would still demand a significant transfer fee despite Rodri's contract expiring in 2027.

“So there are still several important steps before any deal could become realistic."

Current ETV

Gonzalo García

F (C), AM (L)

Real Madrid

Gonzalo García

F (C), AM (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€21.9M - €26.7M

Real Madrid delaying Gonzalo Garcia decision

The future of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia remains unresolved, meanwhile.

“Fulham are among several clubs interested in Gonzalo Garcia, with Alvaro Arbeloa knowing the player well and appreciating him,” Romano said.

“Real Madrid are aware of the interest, but there are seven or eight clubs monitoring the striker.

“The club's current plan is to allow Garcia to complete pre-season under Jose Mourinho before making any decision on his future.

“There is currently no green light for him to leave, unlike Franco Mastantuono, who has been cleared to leave on loan, while Raul Asencio's situation is also expected to develop.”

Barcelona set to announce Karim Adeyemi after Laporta confirmation

Romano also discussed Barcelona, with the club’s next signing now confirmed.

“I told you that Barcelona had everything in place to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. The deal was agreed for €22 million plus €7 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause,” he said.

“Laporta has now confirmed that Adeyemi will be announced very soon as a new Barcelona player.

“There were never any real problems with the transfer. The player has already been in Barcelona and was simply waiting for some final documentation to be completed.

“Now everything has been sorted and Barcelona are ready to make the deal official.”

© IMAGO - Karim Adeyemi: Barcelona's newest addition

Jorge Mendes holds talks with Barcelona over Cancelo and Casado

Romano then revealed that super-agent Jorge Mendes had arrived in Barcelona for a series of important meetings with the club hierarchy.

“Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona tonight and had dinner with Joan Laporta,” he said. “When Laporta was asked about Mendes' visit, he joked that it was Adeyemi day because the winger had made it clear months ago that Barcelona was his dream destination.

“In May, Adeyemi told Mendes that he wanted Barcelona above every other option. He didn't want England, didn't want a new Dortmund contract and only wanted Barcelona.

“But there are other topics to discuss too.

“Joao Cancelo remains a deal Barcelona want to complete and the expectation is still that it will happen.

“However, some important details still need to be resolved with Al Hilal before the transfer can be finalised.

“Cancelo only wants Barcelona, which is helping the process, but the deal is not done yet despite some reports suggesting otherwise.

“Mendes is also discussing the future of Marc Casado, who could leave Barcelona this summer.

“He has interest from Saudi Arabia and from clubs elsewhere in Europe, so his situation remains open.”

Somerville completes Al Hilal move as PSG remain favourites for Akliouche and Diomande

Romano finished by providing updates on several of Europe's most closely watched transfer pursuits.

“Crysencio Summerville has agreed to join Al Hilal and it's a here we go. The deal is worth £55 million plus £10 million in add-ons for West Ham.

“Regarding Maghnes Akliouche, there have been many questions about Liverpool, but my information has not changed.

“Paris Saint-Germain have already agreed personal terms with the player and negotiations with Monaco are continuing. PSG remain favourites to complete the signing unless another club launches a late hijack similar to Chelsea's move for Morgan Rogers.

“The same applies to Bradley Barcola. Liverpool continue to monitor the situation, but there is nothing new beyond the position I've already reported.

“As for Yan Diomande, PSG know that several clubs, including Arsenal, have explored whether there is an opportunity to enter the race.

“Despite that interest, Paris Saint-Germain remain in active negotiations with RB Leipzig and continue to lead discussions over a deal. If anything changes, I will let you know.”