12 May 2026 08:05 BST |
7 min read
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the managerial merry-go-round ahead of this summer, including the latest on Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid update
Real Madrid are in the midst of turmoil and president Florentino Perez is keen to bring Jose Mourinho back to the club to fix the situation after an impressive campaign at Benfica.
Speaking in his latest YouTube video, Romano said: “I keep insisting on the Jose Mourinho story and Real Madrid. Do not follow the public statements. Follow the reality behind the scenes.
“The reality behind the scenes is that Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are in advanced conversations. Talks are taking place. The project is being presented. Discussions are ongoing. The deal between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid is absolutely on.
“My understanding, with maximum respect to those saying it depends on Mourinho, is that this depends on Florentino Perez. If Florentino decides to send an official proposal to Jose Mourinho, Mourinho would be ready to take the Real Madrid job. According to my information, Mourinho is not rejecting Real Madrid.
“If this does not happen, it will be because Real Madrid decided not to move forward. Jose Mourinho is ready for the Real Madrid opportunity.”
Xabi Alonso latest
Xabi Alonso is one of the most high-profile managers available on the market and despite rumoured interest from Liverpool, a move to Chelsea now seems to be on the cards instead.
“One of the big stories of the day concerns Xabi Alonso, and I am receiving many questions about the situation. I told you in my video two days ago, and I have been repeating it on the channel for the last two or three months, that Xabi Alonso and Liverpool are not in conversations,” Romano confirmed.
“I know there have been stories coming out of Germany about Xabi Alonso to Liverpool, with claims that he favours taking the job and is in talks with Liverpool. Xabi Alonso has never had any sort of contact with Liverpool during 2026.
“I told you this two days ago, and now the news is everywhere, but I keep insisting there is nothing between Xabi Alonso and Liverpool apart from appreciation for the person and former player. There is a very good feeling and a strong connection, but in terms of negotiations and official approaches there has been absolutely nothing.
“Liverpool have not made any contact with Xabi Alonso. Liverpool are trusting Arne Slot and continue to support him fully.
“If something changes towards the end of the season, I will be here to let you know. At the moment, Xabi Alonso is not even talking to Liverpool. His lawyers and representatives are not talking to Liverpool either. Liverpool are supporting Arne Slot and are not speaking to other coaches.”
Romano continued: “Many of you have been asking me today about Xabi Alonso and Chelsea. What I can tell you is that the reason behind all these stories in the last 24 hours is that those close to Xabi Alonso have opened the door to a move to the Premier League.
“The real change in the story is that Xabi Alonso is now open to trying a chapter in the Premier League. Xabi Alonso would even be open to taking the Chelsea job if both parties can find the right way to move forward together.
“This is why you are seeing many stories today. However, according to my information, Chelsea are still deciding who they want as manager. They want to be very careful with the internal process as they determine the right man following the decisions involving Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
“My understanding is that Chelsea are still discussing the matter internally. There is also Andoni Iraola who, like Xabi Alonso, is rejecting proposals from abroad because he wants to continue in the Premier League. He wants to remain a Premier League manager next season.
“So Chelsea are assessing all the possible candidates and all the potential names for the managerial position. Chelsea want to be one hundred per cent sure before going all in for a manager. They want to make certain they have the right man for the job.
“This is why Chelsea and Xabi Alonso will have conversations before deciding the best way to move forward regarding the managerial position.”
Enzo Maresca to Man City?
Alonso has also been linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City, but former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the runaway leader for the role instead.
“Despite reports linking him with Tottenham and Manchester United in January, Enzo Maresca was never talking to any other club apart from Manchester City,” Romano revealed.
“I maintain what I have been telling you. When Maresca was asked about Manchester City, he said he feels recharged and ready for a new chapter. He did not want to comment directly on Manchester City and instead said they will assess all possibilities between now and the end of the season.
“But remember this clearly. Enzo Maresca is the manager wanted by Manchester City for the moment Pep Guardiola decides to leave. Whether that is in summer 2026 or summer 2027, Manchester City want Maresca. Manchester City believe he is the right man for the job.
“You have seen links with Xabi Alonso. You have seen stories about Vincent Kompany returning to Manchester City as manager. But the name Manchester City want is Enzo Maresca.
“Now it depends on Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. The club remains very happy with Pep Guardiola, but the situation depends entirely on Pep himself. When Pep decides to go, Manchester City will go all in for Enzo Maresca.”
Mikel Arteta to receive new Arsenal contract
Mikel Arteta is close to securing a historic Premier League and Champions League double, but regardless of how this season ends, he is set to be rewarded with a bumper new deal by the Arsenal board, as per Romano.
The transfer expert said: “Do not forget that Arsenal remain intent on getting a new deal done for Mikel Arteta in the summer. That remains the feeling internally.
“Arsenal want Arteta to sign a new contract with the club. Initial conversations already began earlier in 2026, but the focus will be on completing the agreement after the end of the season so Arteta can remain focused on competing for titles.
“The intention is to offer Arteta an improved contract with an increased salary.”
Hansi Flick and Barcelona
Finally, Romano confirmed that Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is on the verge of officially signing a new deal at the club.
“Hansi Flick, after winning La Liga back to back with Barcelona, is now ready to put pen to paper on a new contract at the club until June 2028,” he said.
“A two-year extension plus an additional one-year option has been agreed. The deal is done and Flick will stay at Barcelona.”
Related stories:
Ornstein confirms ‘positive’ Chelsea talks: Xabi Alonso makes preference clear
The 10 superstars set to dominate the 2026 summer transfer window
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea favourites to sign striker as Man Utd learn Kroupi ‘concern’
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