23 Jun 2026 08:01 BST |
8 min read
Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Marco Palestra to Inter
Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari, is closing in on a move to Inter Milan despite rumoured interest from Chelsea, as per Romano.
The transfer expert told his YouTube channel: “On Italian talent Marco Palestra, many of you have been asking whether there is any possibility of English clubs entering the race and attempting to hijack Inter’s move for the right wing-back.
“Palestra has been one of the most exciting talents in Serie A this season and was voted Defender of the Season despite operating primarily as a right wing-back. There is significant interest in the player, but it is important to clarify the current situation.
“Palestra’s agent is in Milan today to try to finalise the deal with Inter. Personal terms have already been agreed, the player wants to join Inter, and Inter are closing in on an agreement with Atalanta worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
“At the moment, Inter are fully in control of the situation. Over recent weeks, the club that attempted to enter the race more actively than Manchester City was Chelsea.
“Chelsea had an interest in Marco Palestra and he was one of the players under consideration. However, Chelsea never submitted an official bid and never made any formal proposal.
“As I have mentioned previously on my Italian YouTube channel, he was one of the names being monitored. However, the player is currently negotiating only with Inter.
“Inter are negotiating with Atalanta and that is the reality of the situation. We are talking only about interest from other clubs, with nothing more concrete at this stage. That is the clarification regarding the rumours that have been circulating in England over the last few hours.”
Aurelen Tchouameni to Man Utd?
Manchester United remain in the market for another new central midfielder after finalising a deal for Ederson, and Romano has confirmed that Aurelien Tchouameni is on their radar.
“If Man Utd had the opportunity to choose the ideal replacement for Casemiro, internally the name mentioned most often would have been Aurelien Tchouameni.
“He is viewed as the perfect defensive midfielder, with elite quality, top-level European experience and all the characteristics Man Utd are looking for. The interest is absolutely genuine.
“However, there are two major obstacles. The first is that Real Madrid have not opened the door to Tchouameni’s departure.
“The second issue concerns salary. Tchouameni earns a significant wage at Real Madrid and matching those financial demands has not been part of Man Utd’s plans.
“There is no doubt that Man Utd admire the player enormously. They consider him a perfect fit and appreciate him at the highest level. At the same time, it is important to be realistic. Any deal depends on Real Madrid’s position regarding a possible exit, while salary expectations remain a significant factor.”
Morgan Rogers remains Arsenal’s priority
Morgan Rogers continues to be linked with a move from Aston Villa to Arsenal and Romano has revealed that he remains their top summer target.
“I keep mentioning Morgan Rogers as Arsenal’s number one target. He is their top priority and they have made very positive progress in discussions with the player.
“Arsenal are working hard on a deal to sign Rogers from Aston Villa. Conversations and negotiations are ongoing, and the move is a very concrete possibility.
“On the player’s side, things are progressing very well. The next stage concerns negotiations between the clubs. It is still early in those discussions, so there is no final agreement on valuation or structure. However, there is no doubt that Rogers is the player Mikel Arteta wants most.
“Arsenal are prepared to make a major investment and the player is very attracted by the project.
“The club won the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final before losing on penalties. The feeling between Morgan Rogers and Arsenal is extremely positive.
“The focus now is on reaching an agreement with Aston Villa. Discussions will continue soon, but my expectation is that Arsenal will spend the opening phase of the summer transfer window concentrating heavily on Morgan Rogers.”
Bradley Barcola attracting Premier League interest
PSG winger Bradley Barcola has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, and a Premier League transfer could take place this summer.
“Many of you have also been asking about Bradley Barcola,” Romano said. “Barcola is certainly on Arsenal’s shortlist and remains one of the wingers appreciated by the club.
“At the same time, Liverpool are also monitoring the situation closely. They have liked the player for a long time and he was already on their shortlist in 2025. He remains on that shortlist for 2026.
“The situation remains completely open and much will depend on what Paris Saint-Germain decide to do.
“One important point to clarify is that, despite various reports suggesting Barcola will definitely stay at Paris Saint-Germain, my understanding is that negotiations over a new contract are currently completely on standby.
“Paris Saint-Germain and Barcola are not making progress on a new agreement, which is why his future remains one to watch during this transfer window.
“We will have to see what happens regarding valuation, Liverpool’s position, Arsenal’s interest and whether additional clubs decide to enter the race.”
Enzo Maresca joins Manchester City
Manchester City have already appointed Enzo Maresca, despite the lack of an official announcement, as per Romano.
“Another point that requires clarification concerns Enzo Maresca,” he said. “Many of you have been asking whether compensation between Chelsea and Manchester City was agreed. There is absolutely no doubt regarding the overall situation.
“Enzo Maresca became Manchester City’s new manager one month ago, immediately after Pep Guardiola’s departure.
“Manchester City completed all documentation and agreements at that time, with Maresca signing a three-year contract. He is fully involved in every aspect of the club’s transfer strategy this summer.
“Maresca is participating in discussions regarding incoming signings, player departures and contract renewals. He was also involved in decisions surrounding new contracts for Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku, providing his approval as part of the process.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that Enzo Maresca is Manchester City’s head coach and he is working under a three-year agreement.”
Cody Gakpo and Tottenham interest
Spurs have been linked with a surprise move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, and the Dutchman is understood to be on their radar.
“It is true that Tottenham appreciate Gakpo and he is one of the players they admire,” Romano revealed.
“As I mentioned a few weeks ago, his situation was beginning to attract attention because several clubs are interested. However, any potential move depends entirely on Liverpool’s plans.
“Liverpool have not made a final decision and are not currently opening the door to his departure. The club have also been very pleased with his performances at the Club World Cup.
“Liverpool and their new manager, Anthony Raiola, will assess the situation together before making any decision regarding Gakpo’s future. As things stand, Liverpool are not negotiating his exit.
“There is interest from Tottenham, but all parties are waiting to understand Liverpool’s intentions regarding the Dutch winger.”
Nico Schlotterbeck injury setback
Finally, Romano confirmed the injury that Nico Schlotterbeck suffered at the World Cup may end speculation of a summer transfer.
“The injury has now been confirmed and, as a result, Schlotterbeck will not play again at the World Cup,” the transfer expert said.
“As I mentioned previously, this injury could also have consequences for any potential transfer this summer. He has a release clause and there had been reports linking him with Real Madrid as well as other clubs.
“However, those stories are now expected to cool down because the player is injured and that situation is unlikely to facilitate a summer move for Nico Schlotterbeck.”
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