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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea done deal, Barcelona eye Rodri, Real Madrid next move
4 Aug 2026 08:18 BST |
8 min read
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Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Trevoh Chalobah, Rodri and Franco Mastantuono.
Fulham double deal
Following the appointment of former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa, Fulham have been heavily linked with several Los Blancos stars and a double deal has now formally been announced.
“Real Madrid have completed a double deal with Fulham, with the official announcements now arriving for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios,” Romano said.
“Gonzalo Garcia joins Fulham in a deal worth €40 million, plus €2 million in add-ons. Real Madrid have also secured a 30% sell-on clause and matching rights, meaning they will retain a degree of control over the player's future.
“The difference between a buy-back clause and matching rights is important. With a buy-back clause, the player must return to the club if that option is activated. With matching rights, Real Madrid will always be informed if another club submits an offer for Gonzalo Garcia, but the player will be free to decide whether he wants to return to Real Madrid or continue elsewhere.”
Current ETV
Gonzalo García
F (C), AM (L)
Fulham
Gonzalo García
F (C), AM (L)
Fulham
ETV Range
€21.9M - €26.7M
Romano continued: “Cesar Palacios has also completed his move in a deal worth €10 million, with a sell-on clause and matching rights included. He becomes a new midfielder for Arbeloa, and the same matching rights apply to his future.
“Both players have signed their contracts, and both transfers are now officially completed.”
Franco Mastantuono set for loan exit
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also set to sanction the loan exit of Franco Mastantuono amid their continued pursuit of Yan Diomande.
“Who will be the next player to leave Real Madrid? According to my information, the next one will be Franco Mastantuono,” Romano admitted.
“Everything is progressing regarding Franco Mastantuono's departure. River Plate made the first approach, hoping to bring him back on loan so he could continue his development in familiar surroundings and become a key player once again in Argentina.
“However, Real Madrid's response was very clear. They want the player to remain in Europe rather than return to South America. Their priority is for him to continue adapting to European football.
“Now, ahead of interest from clubs in France and Spain, Fiorentina are leading the race.
“Fiorentina are one of several Italian clubs interested in Franco Mastantuono, but they are currently pushing hardest to secure the player on loan from Real Madrid. Discussions are continuing over how the player's salary will be covered during the loan spell.
“The deal is progressing, and Franco Mastantuono could be the next departure from Real Madrid. The club are expected to be very busy over the coming days, not only with new arrivals but also with outgoing transfers, which remain a major priority at this stage of the market.”
Rodri transfer latest
Real Madrid have already strengthened their midfield with the signing of Bernardo Silva this summer, but they remain eager to land his former Manchester City team-mate Rodri.
“Let's spend a few minutes discussing the Rodri situation because, as I've been telling you in every video, there are two sides to this story,” Romano began.
“On one side, there is Real Madrid. The club are in official negotiations with Manchester City over Rodri. Real Madrid are also in contact with the player's representatives, and Rodri remains keen on making the move.
“So why has there still been no agreement between Real Madrid and Man City? Why is the deal not done? Why is there still no 'Here We Go'?
“The answer is quite simple. When the official club-to-club talks began last week, Man City decided not to rush into completing the transfer.
“Instead, they wanted to delay negotiations because they believed more clubs could enter the race for Rodri. Man City wanted to understand the player's final decision and also assess whether other clubs would make a move. That has always been their strategy.”
Romano added: “Man City believe that Barcelona could also become interested in Rodri.
“That is why there have been so many rumours over the last 24 to 48 hours linking Rodri with Barcelona. Internally, Man City feel that Barcelona could enter the race, especially following Frenkie de Jong's injury, which may create an opportunity for them to strengthen in midfield.
“Ultimately, it will be Rodri's decision. Barcelona may have the opportunity to present their project, but Rodri will decide whether he wants to consider it or whether his only destination is Real Madrid.
“Rodri will obviously be the key figure in this story. That is why Man City refused to complete the transfer immediately with Real Madrid. They wanted to wait and see whether any additional clubs would enter the race before making a final decision. So, for now, we simply have to wait and see how the situation develops.
“However, one point has remained consistent throughout this story. Rodri has always indicated that Real Madrid is his preferred destination. Only Rodri himself can change the direction of this transfer, depending on the decision he makes over the coming days.”
Ferran Torres responds to PSG interest
Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres has been heavily linked with an exit in recent weeks and Romano has confirmed that a move will happen if he expresses his desire to leave Camp Nou.
“Now let's move to Barcelona because today we finally heard from Ferran Torres,” the transfer expert said.
“For the first time since becoming one of Spain's heroes at the World Cup by scoring against Argentina, Ferran Torres has spoken publicly. Speaking to NBC, he was asked about interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
“He said that when top clubs want to sign you, it is always positive. He also explained that if Barcelona want to keep him, then everything comes down to discussions. According to Ferran, the club must show that they truly value him, and that is the most important factor. He also added that in football you never know what can happen.
“So Ferran Torres did not come out and say that he is definitely staying at Barcelona. He did not publicly close the door on a transfer. Instead, he kept every option open.
“The reason is that his representatives are continuing discussions with PSG. The French champions remain very interested in the player and believe Ferran Torres is a realistic target during this transfer window.
“Barcelona's position is very clear. They will only allow Ferran Torres to leave if the player personally tells the club that he wants a new challenge.
“If Ferran Torres informs Barcelona that he wants to begin a new chapter elsewhere, then the club will not force him to stay. Otherwise, Barcelona do not consider Ferran Torres to be for sale.
“So everything depends on the player's decision, while PSG remain firmly in the picture and this is a situation that deserves close attention over the coming days.”
Trevoh Chalobah joins Como
Chelsea are prioritising player sales following a busy start to the window and Trevoh Chalobah is set to become the latest star to leave the club on a permanent deal.
“Now, let's move on to another exclusive update because Trevoh Chalobah to Como is now a 'Here We Go’,” Romano confirmed.
“The agreement has been completed for a fixed fee of €30 million, plus a further €6 million in add-ons. A sell-on clause has also been included as part of the agreement.
“Trevoh Chalobah will earn €4 million net per season with Como, completing an important move for both the player and the Italian club.
“Chelsea continue to work on several outgoing transfers during this window, and Chalobah will now have the opportunity to play UEFA Champions League football with Como. The defender has been keen to experience Italian football for several years, and he will now do so under the management of Cesc Fabregas.”
Napoli pushing to sign Benoit Badiashile
In addition to Chalobah, Chelsea are also eager to offload Benoit Badiashile and he could also be set to move to Serie A before Deadline Day.
“Keep an eye on Benoit Badiashile because Napoli are genuinely interested in signing the defender,” Romano said.
“Napoli are already in discussions with the player's representatives and are keen to reach an agreement. The main issue still to be resolved concerns the structure of the deal. Napoli would prefer an initial loan, so further talks between the two clubs will be required to determine whether Chelsea are prepared to accept that formula.
“Interest from Napoli is concrete, and Chelsea could continue generating income from player sales to Italian clubs before the transfer window closes.”
PSG confident in Mika Godts race
Finally, Romano provided a major update on PSG’s pursuit of Ajax winger Mika Godts.
“Following the official bid, negotiations with Ajax are continuing. Talks remain active, with intermediaries also involved in the discussions, and PSG are increasingly optimistic that an agreement can be reached. The deal is progressing well.
“From the player's side, the agreement is already in place, confirming the exclusive information reported earlier.
“Attention has now shifted to the club-to-club negotiations with Ajax, who have already started considering possible replacements, including Noa Lang and other options for the new winger who could succeed Mika Godts.”
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