27 May 2026 06:49 BST |
8 min read
Major transfer developments involving Joao Pedro, Julian Alvarez, Anthony Gordon and Toni Rudiger headline the latest update from Fabrizio Romano as clubs prepare for a busy summer window.
AC Milan target Andoni Iraola as Fiorentina appoint Fabio Grosso
Romano began with a quick round-up of the managerial market, confirming movement in Italy and fresh interest in Andoni Iraola.
“Fabio Grosso will be the new Fiorentina manager in Italy,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“But also in Italy, AC Milan are trying to tempt the manager, the now former Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, replaced by Marco Rossi at Bournemouth. With the offer from Crystal Palace still on the table, after the calls from Bayer Leverkusen, he still has several options.
“Also AC Milan, after the decision to fire Massimiliano Allegri, are trying to tempt Iraola. There was a meeting in London a few days ago between AC Milan’s most important people and Iraola, directly with the manager and his lawyer.
“Let’s see if Iraola decides to open the doors and to give an opportunity to AC Milan, to Crystal Palace, to Leverkusen, or if he wants to wait for different chances. But for sure, Andoni Iraola is a name to follow in the next days on the managerial market.”
Enzo Maresca set for Manchester City
Romano then revealed that Manchester City are ready to officially begin the Enzo Maresca era following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
“Manchester City started thinking in December: ‘OK, Enzo Maresca is the manager to take as soon as Pep decides to go.’ And this is the direction they’re going in,” Romano said.
“And now everything is absolutely completed, done, sealed. Enzo Maresca is the Manchester City manager. The contract is OK. Length of the contract is OK, 2029. The salary is agreed.
“The transfer strategy has already been discussed between Hugo Viana, the director, between the board of Manchester City and Enzo Maresca himself.
“Congrats to Man City for what they did for Pep Guardiola. It’s been an amazing weekend for City to celebrate 10 years of Pep Guardiola, 20 trophies and incredible work by the Catalan manager. But now it’s going to be the Enzo Maresca era here.
“Everything set to be announced quite soon. Zero doubts. Man City never considered Vincent Kompany or any other manager, also because Kompany is going to stay at Bayern. But for sure the situation remains quite clear. The intention of Manchester City is to announce Enzo Maresca very soon.”
Manchester City continue Elliot Anderson push
Romano also provided a fresh update on Manchester City’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson despite continued interest from Manchester United.
“Don’t forget that Manchester City also keep pushing to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest,” Romano explained.
“They are aware of Manchester United still calling and calling, but Manchester City are still pushing.
“I told you in March that they’ve always been favourites to sign Elliot Anderson. They remain on it. They have already made some approaches because they want to offer a really important contract to the player.
“Man City believe they can really tempt Elliot Anderson, and this has not changed. Also with Enzo Maresca, City are going for Anderson. It’s not only with Guardiola.
“Now, with Maresca, City are still going for him. Let’s see what happens with Nottingham Forest, with Manchester United still trying and calling.”
Toni Rudiger signs new Real Madrid deal
Romano then confirmed that Toni Rudiger is staying at Real Madrid after reaching an agreement over a new contract.
“Antonio Rudiger is going to stay at Real Madrid. Agreement done today. Exclusive story from the afternoon,” Romano revealed.
“Agreement closed between Antonio Rudiger and Real Madrid. It’s done. One more season for the German defender at Real Madrid.
“Rudiger had plenty of options. The Saudis wanted him one year ago and were still interested in the player. From Italy. There were Italian clubs calling for Rudiger, but the answer of the player was always priority to Real Madrid, desire to continue at Real Madrid.
“And now the agreement is done, is closed. Toni Rudiger will sign a new one-year contract at Real Madrid.
“Part of the Madrid policy, one year for who is over 30, apart from some rare exceptions like Thibaut Courtois.
“There are also many questions on Kylian Mbappe, but absolutely nothing is happening. No news on Vinicius, but the news on Real Madrid is on Toni Rudiger, who is going to be officially staying at the club with one more year of contract.”
Barcelona interested in Joao Pedro
Attention then shifted to Barcelona, with Romano explaining that sporting director Deco has been working behind the scenes regarding Joao Pedro.
“Tonight Deco, the Barcelona director, returned from England. He’s been in England on a mission to discuss about several things,” Romano said.
“Deco was asked many questions. He said: ‘We are working, we are working on bringing in new players.’
“This was the answer of Deco when asked about Joao Pedro. Did you go to England to close Joao Pedro? The answer was no. ‘I know Joao Pedro’s camp very well.’
“I told you already, Deco already wanted to sign Joao Pedro when he was at Brighton, but it was not possible and Chelsea were very good, smart and fast to sign Joao Pedro.
“But what I can tell you is that at the moment Chelsea’s stance remains: we want to keep Joao Pedro. Chelsea’s message remains: Joao Pedro is a crucial part of the project.
“So that’s the stance of Chelsea. And you can imagine after a tough season without European football and with a new coach, ambitious coach, like Xabi Alonso, Chelsea have all the intention to keep the player at the club.
“So it’s going to be difficult for Barcelona to break this wall for Joao Pedro. Any news or changes, we will let you know.”
Julian Alvarez future remains open
Romano also insisted that Julian Alvarez has no intention of signing a new contract at Atletico Madrid.
“I will tell you more about the Julian Alvarez situation this week,” Romano explained.
“What I can confirm to you is what I reported here on the channel two days ago: Julian Alvarez has no intention to sign a new contract at Atletico Madrid. That’s for sure.
“There are lots of rumours about him: Julian signing a new deal, Julian being offered money – it’s not about seven, eight, 10, 12 million. Julian Alvarez will not sign a new contract at Atletico Madrid. That’s 100% decided.
“So for sure, Julian has no intention to put pen to paper. Now, more to say on Julian in the next days. I will keep you posted about that.
“But for sure, the situation of Julian Alvarez remains absolutely open. All doors are open. So the situation of Julian Alvarez remains absolutely one to watch because when a player doesn’t want to sign a new contract, probably the direction is already clear.”
Anthony Gordon attracting major interest
Romano finished by highlighting Anthony Gordon as one of the major names to watch this summer amid growing interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Premier League clubs.
“Don’t forget on the market this summer the name of Anthony Gordon,” Romano said.
“Because the name of Anthony Gordon is a name we have to keep in mind. We absolutely have to keep in mind because I expect him to leave Newcastle. I expect movements around Anthony Gordon.
“Barcelona, I have to tell you this, Barcelona are really big, big, big fans of Anthony Gordon. Even in the recent internal meetings they had, Anthony Gordon’s name, from what I heard also in the recent days, so it’s a matter of hours, days, the name of Anthony Gordon has been mentioned several times.
“So Anthony Gordon is really highly rated at Barcelona.
“Then there are also Bayern, who met the agents of Anthony Gordon several times, so Bayern are in the mix. And English clubs also calling and trying to understand what’s going to be the price, how is the situation with Newcastle.
“But Anthony Gordon is for sure one of the big names to follow in the next days.”
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