Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man City Neto move, Arsenal breakthrough, Chelsea signing

5 Aug 2026 06:35 BST | 6 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Pedro Neto, Bruno Guimaraes — © IMAGO

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Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester City's Pedro Neto move, Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes breakthrough, Chelsea's next signing, Tottenham's winger plans and the latest on Yan Diomande to Real Madrid.

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Manchester City make Pedro Neto approach as winger domino gathers pace

Manchester City have taken the first formal steps towards signing Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, with several clubs monitoring the winger market.

“Manchester City made a formal approach today to Pedro Neto's representatives to explore the possibility of bringing the Portuguese winger to the club,” he revealed on his YouTube channel.

“Enzo Maresca is a big factor in this deal because he knows Pedro Neto very well from their time together at Chelsea. He's a player Maresca appreciates a lot.

“Manchester City are looking for a winger because there is a real possibility that Savinho leaves the club. Pedro Neto is considered an ideal opportunity and a player they rate very highly.

Current ETV

Pedro Neto

F (R), M (RL)

Chelsea

Pedro Neto

F (R), M (RL)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€51.7M - €63.2M

“This also depends on Chelsea's valuation. Pedro Neto is not on Chelsea's list of players for sale and remains part of Xabi Alonso's plans.

“If Chelsea receive an important offer, then the situation could develop. Otherwise, he is not expected to leave. Contacts with his representatives are ongoing and the player could be open to the move. Everything now comes down to the financial negotiations.

“Pedro Neto is also one of the names discussed internally by Tottenham as a backup option.

“Tottenham's first, second and third priority remains Savinho. I still believe Savinho has a very good chance of joining Tottenham before the end of the transfer window.

“If that deal does not happen, Pedro Neto could become an option for Spurs.”

© IMAGO - Pedro Neto: Heading for Man City or Spurs

Tottenham continue Cody Gakpo talks while targeting two wingers

Spurs remain active in the market as they pursue multiple attacking additions, with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo among them.

Romano confirmed: “Tottenham want to sign two wingers this summer and Cody Gakpo remains another top target.

“They have already explored the move, but it is not easy because Liverpool want to keep Gakpo and consider him a very important player.

“Tottenham have made contact with people close to the player to understand the cost of the deal and whether it would be possible to bring him to Roberto De Zerbi's squad.

“So this remains one of the most interesting winger situations to follow.”

Current ETV

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

Cody Gakpo

F, M (L)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€56M - €68.4M

Chelsea close in on Pep Chavarria after planned exits

Chelsea are preparing more transfer activity after focusing on player sales.

“Chelsea are going to have a busy August,” Romano said. “They have already signed Welbeck, Henderson and others, but now they are preparing several outgoings.

“Trevoh Chalobah is expected to leave in a deal worth €30 million plus €6m in add-ons and a sell-on clause. Benoit Badiashile is leaving and I also expect Tosin Adarabioyo to leave.

“The player to watch over the next few hours is Pep Chavarria.

“We revealed earlier this week that Chelsea had improved their bid, and it is now worth around €19m plus add-ons to Rayo Vallecano.

“The deal is very close. An agreement is already in place with the player. Xabi Alonso wanted Pep Chavarria because he knows him very well and has followed him closely.

“I think this deal is happening. The 'here we go' is imminent and Pep Chavarria is expected to become Chelsea's next signing.

“He is not a very young player, but he is at the right stage of his career and ready to make an immediate impact.”

Tottenham not close to Nicolas Jackson despite rumours

Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, is not close to leaving Chelsea for Tottenham. Romano says:

“Tottenham are exploring the possibility of signing a striker this summer.

“They have discussed several names internally, including Omar Marmoush.

“For Nicolas Jackson, despite reports over the last 24 hours, there is nothing close or imminent with Tottenham.

“He is not a priority and there are no advanced negotiations. He is simply one of several names discussed internally.

“Don't forget Aston Villa's interest in Nicolas Jackson. Villa consider him one of their priority targets, but everything depends on how much they can spend.

Current ETV

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€35.7M - €43.6M

“They have already signed Alejandro Garnacho on loan from Chelsea, so they cannot take another Chelsea player on loan during this transfer window.

“That means any move for Jackson would have to be permanent, and the finances will determine whether it is possible.

“Another important factor is Unai Emery's relationship with Jackson. They worked together at Villarreal, have an excellent relationship and Emery would love to work with him again.”

Arsenal on verge of Bruno Guimaraes signing

Arsenal, meanwhile, are rapidly closing in on Bruno Guimaraes.

“Bruno Guimaraes and the people around him are simply waiting for Arsenal and Newcastle to make the final call so he can travel for his medical and sign his contract,” Romano said.

“The deal has been at the final stages for several days. The only outstanding issue is the payment structure between Arsenal and Newcastle. The transfer fee should be around £75 million.

“It is really imminent. Bruno reached an agreement with Arsenal weeks ago and is only waiting for the call.

“It could happen tonight or tomorrow. At any moment we could be ready to say 'here we go'.

“Mikel Arteta has wanted Bruno Guimaraes for a long time. This summer he identified him as one of his top priorities during discussions with sporting director Andrea Berta.

“He is expected to become Arsenal's next major midfield signing.”

Real Madrid remain calm over Yan Diomande transfer

Romano insists there is no doubt the RB Leipzig defender will become a Real Madrid player, having given the ‘here we go’ for the move days ago.

“I'm hoping Yan Diomande is feeling well because there has been a lot of discussion over the last few days,” he said.

“I keep saying the same thing: Yan Diomande will play for Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid will sign him. We are simply waiting for the formal steps to be completed, but I have no doubts about this deal.

“Today there were fresh contacts involving Real Madrid, the player's representatives and RB Leipzig to obtain permission for the player to travel, complete his medical and sign his contract.

“Trust me, this is not about illness or public statements. It is about the reality of the situation.

Current ETV

Yan Diomande

F (RL), M (L)

RB Leipzig

Yan Diomande

F (RL), M (L)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€33.1M - €40.4M

“The reality is that Yan Diomande will wear a Real Madrid shirt this summer.

“We are just waiting for Leipzig to give the green light. There were fresh contacts today and I believe it is only a matter of a very short time.”

Nottingham Forest join Tijjani Reijnders race

One final transfer story is beginning to develop ahead of the coming days.

“Keep an eye on Tijjani Reijnders because Nottingham Forest are interested. That could become one of the next major transfer stories over the coming days,” Romano concluded.