6 May 2026 06:56 BST |
7 min read
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has delivered his assessment on the latest news, including done deals at Manchester City at Arsenal, Kylian Mbappe’s position at Real Madrid and the latest on the next Chelsea manager.
Foden signs new deal at Man City
Manchester City have shown faith in Phil Foden by tying him down to a new contract.
Romano explained on his YouTube channel: “Phil Foden is signing a new contract at the club, and I think it sends an important message from City.
“It has been a difficult season for Foden, but the club trust him. They believe in him for the present and the future. There was also a club outside England really interested in Foden, but City wanted to show total trust. Foden wanted to stay too.
“So the agreement is done with his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and Foden will soon officially put pen to paper because my understanding is that the contract is already signed and completed. Foden stays at Manchester City with a deal valid until June 2030, with an option for one more season until 2031.
“Agreement done, official statement to follow. And let me say this will not be the only new contract at Manchester City in the next weeks and months, because City are working on more. They are active on contracts and signings, and I will keep you posted soon.
“Of course, they still have to clarify the Guardiola situation for the end of the season. And do not forget my name here on the channel every week: Enzo Maresca. No one else. No Xabi Alonso, no other names. For me, only Maresca. That remains the case.”
Two loan deals turn permanent
Foden is just one deal completed by City this week. Pep Guardiola’s side have also completed a significant sale, while Arsenal have offloaded a player, too.
“Then, just quickly, on Manchester City, I wanted to add something else. Following Inter winning Serie A, Manuel Akanji’s deal will turn permanent. So today Akanji becomes an Inter player on a permanent basis from Manchester City for €15 million,” Romano said.
“And Jakub Kiwior is also turning permanent, from Arsenal to Porto, for 17 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons, plus €2m from any future sale, and with a €17m release clause in the contract at Porto.”
Manager news: Chivu in contract talks, Conte’s future in doubt, Terzic lands top job
Several major European clubs making new managerial appointments, with the headline news here that Antonio Conte could leave Serie A side Napoli after they failed to defend their league title in Italy this season.
Romano explained: “Cristian Chivu, after winning Serie A with Inter, is in negotiations to sign a new contract with an improved salary. So Chivu is expected to put pen to paper and sign a new deal at Inter.
“Then Antonio Conte is one to watch. There will be discussions with Napoli about the future plans, and soon Conte will talk with president Aurelio De Laurentiis about his future. That could be a crucial moment to understand what happens with Conte. At this stage, his future at Napoli is not guaranteed, so it remains open depending on how that meeting goes.
“Then we have the official one I told you about a long time ago: Edin Terzic is the new manager of Athletic Bilbao in Spain. The agreement is done until 2028, two years at the club for Terzic, who had plenty of possibilities after reaching the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund in 2024.
“Many rumours had Andoni Iraola as the top candidate, but the top candidate has always been Terzic. So Iraola remains on the market and would still love to continue in the Premier League. Terzic signs for Athletic Bilbao, and that is an important update.”
Next Chelsea manager: Will it be Xavi?
Romano has played down the chances of Xavi becoming Chelsea’s next manager.
“There have been many rumours coming from the English press today. I always say with maximum respect that everyone has their own information, but today the story was Xavi Hernandez in talks with Chelsea, with Chelsea making an approach to appoint him, with negotiations and discussions,” Romano said.
“My understanding, after checking this, is that there is nothing ongoing between Chelsea and Xavi. Zero. Nothing happened between Chelsea and Xavi as of today.
“That does not mean Chelsea are disrespecting him. It just means they are not talking to him right now. There are different candidates and different names on the shortlist.
“What is true about Xavi is that he would love to work in England. He feels ready for a new chapter after the important job he did at Barcelona, and he would be open to a Premier League future. He is similar in that sense to Andoni Iraola, who also wants to continue in England at the highest level.
“I can also reveal that Xavi was proposed to Manchester United back in January when they decided to part ways with Ruben Amorim, but United decided on Michael Carrick as interim coach, and now Carrick has big chances to continue at the club.
“So Xavi would love a Premier League move one day, but as of today there is nothing concrete between Chelsea and Xavi. Chelsea are still at the early stages of their manager search, talking to candidates and representatives and preparing the final shortlist.
“It is going to be a really important call for Chelsea because they cannot miss on the manager. They know that. Conversations will continue, but nothing is advanced yet, nothing is decided. Xavi is not in talks with the club at this moment.”
Mbappe and Real Madrid broken? The truth
Romano addressed the reports that Kylian Mbappe is in difficulty at Real Madrid. He admitted it is a difficult moment for the Frenchman, but he played down claims that the rift is irreparable.
“Is it true that the relationship with Real Madrid is broken? Is it true that the relationship with his teammates is broken? Guys, I would not exaggerate this,” Romano said.
“For sure, it is not the best moment between Mbappe and Real Madrid. That is a reality. And obviously, to see a player like Mbappe on holiday while the team is struggling is something that reflects the moment. But let’s not exaggerate.
“Let’s not say the relationship between Real Madrid and Mbappe is broken. Let’s not say it is over. Let’s not even mention a summer exit, because there is nothing about that. Nothing at all.
“It is a complicated moment for Real Madrid, but not only because of Mbappe. There are many complicated situations at the club. It is true that something happened in the dressing room between two players and Mbappe was not involved. It is true that the managerial situation is tense too, with Arbeloa likely to leave at the end of the season.
“So it is a moment of uncertainty at the club, knowing they will end the season with zero titles. It is complicated in general. But it is not only about Mbappe.
“The future of Kylian Mbappe, at least for this summer, is not in doubt. Real Madrid will restart with Mbappe. He will be part of the project next season for sure.
“So yes, difficult moment, absolutely. But not only for Mbappe. And his future is not in doubt.”
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