Updated: 13 Jul 2026 06:54 BST |
7 min read
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest updates on the summer transfer window, including Aston Villa’s move to hijack Newcastle’s deal for Johan Manzambi, Arsenal’s plans to replace Leandro Trossard and the latest on Vinicius Junior’s contract talks at Real Madrid.
Aston Villa hijack Newcastle deal for Joan Manzambi
Romano revealed that Aston Villa are on the verge of beating Newcastle United to the signing of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, despite the Magpies already agreeing a fee with the Bundesliga club.
“Keep an eye on Aston Villa because they have been very attentive to the situation of Joan Manzambi,” Romano said.
“Newcastle and Freiburg had a verbal agreement on a €60 million transfer fee. Club to club, the deal had been agreed for three or four days.
“But Newcastle were waiting on the player. The message they kept receiving from Manzambi and his representatives was that they wanted to wait until Switzerland’s World Cup campaign had ended before making a final decision.
“To Newcastle, that answer already sounded a little strange. They were very confident because the agreement with Freiburg was done. They were planning the medical, the travel and the contract signing.
“Then Aston Villa entered the race. Villa are ready to match Newcastle’s proposal, offer the player a better financial package and Champions League football. They are now close to reaching a full agreement with all parties to bring Manzambi to Villa Park under Unai Emery.
“The hijack is on the verge of being completed because my understanding is that Newcastle are leaving the race. They believe the player is not going to commit. They waited for an answer, but the player kept taking his time, so this move is no longer happening.”
Newcastle agree deal for Arsenal talent Kieran Thompson
Although Newcastle look set to miss out on Manzambi, Romano says they have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects.
“Sixteen-year-old winger Kieran Thompson is going to become a Newcastle player,” Romano said.
“The deal has been agreed. He’s coming from Arsenal’s academy.
“Arsenal were trying to agree a new contract with him. There was interest from several clubs in England and abroad, but Newcastle have now agreed the deal.”
Arsenal line up Christos Tzolis as Trossard exit nears
Romano also explained that Arsenal are preparing for the departure of Leandro Trossard, with Besiktas closing in on a deal.
“I told you in the previous video that Leandro Trossard to Besiktas could be completed in the next few days,” Romano said.
“The deal is very close. Arsenal will receive €20m, made up of €18m plus €2m in add-ons.
“If Trossard leaves for Besiktas, Arsenal will immediately accelerate for a new winger.
“One of the names being discussed internally is Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. Arsenal are already in contact with his representatives.
“Tzolis is keen on joining Arsenal. Another club tried to enter the race over the last few days and asked whether they could advance negotiations, but the answer from the player’s camp was that they are waiting for Arsenal.
“So Tzolis is giving priority to the Gunners as a serious option if they need to replace Leandro Trossard.”
Morgan Rogers remains Arsenal’s priority target
Romano stressed that Tzolis is not Arsenal’s main objective, with the club still determined to land Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
“Don’t forget that Arsenal still want to sign a top, top winger,” Romano said.
“With all respect to Tzolis, who is an interesting player with potential, Arsenal want a top-level winger.
“The top name on their shortlist remains Morgan Rogers.
“Everything on the player side is already discussed and advanced. Arsenal have made progress over the last month on the contract, salary and personal terms.
“But they still have work to do with Aston Villa, who are asking for £130 million (€150m).
“Arsenal will now try to understand if there is room for negotiation.
“They also appreciate Bradley Barcola, but Liverpool are interested in him too, so it’s going to be a very interesting summer for wingers.”
Real Madrid working to resolve Vinicius Junior contract
Romano also addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Vinicius Junior, insisting Real Madrid want to resolve his future as quickly as possible.
“Many people asked me about Vinicius Junior,” Romano said.
“First of all, when I told you in the last video that Aurelien Tchouameni had already signed a new contract and another player would also sign a new deal soon, I was not talking about Vinicius.
“Vinicius is a separate case. If I had been talking about him, I would have mentioned him directly.
“Real Madrid are working on another important extension, but I’ll tell you more at the right moment.
“With Vinicius, there will be discussions with his representatives because Real Madrid want to clarify his situation this summer.
“I already told you two weeks ago, while Vinicius was still at the World Cup with Brazil, that this was the club’s intention.
“They don’t want to reach November, December, January or February with Vinicius entering the final year of his contract. They don’t want media speculation or a situation where they could risk losing the player on a free transfer.
“They want to resolve everything over the next couple of weeks.
“The desire of Vinicius is to stay and the desire of Real Madrid is to keep him. Florentino Perez wants Vinicius to remain part of the club’s long-term project.
“But there is an important financial discussion. They still need to agree the numbers, especially the salary. That is the crucial point in the negotiations.”
Camavinga determined to stay at Real Madrid
Romano also dismissed suggestions that Eduardo Camavinga is preparing to leave the Bernabeu.
“My understanding is that, despite fresh calls from Premier League clubs, Eduardo Camavinga still wants to fight for his place at Real Madrid,” Romano said.
“Now it will be important because he will work with Jose Mourinho during pre-season. We have to see how the relationship develops between Mourinho and Camavinga.
“But the player’s desire is to stay at Real Madrid.
“If Real Madrid eventually tell him he has to leave, we will see what happens.
“At the moment, though, Camavinga wants to stay and fight for his place.”
Atalanta offer Ederson new contract after Manchester United collapse
Romano says Atalanta are now determined to keep Ederson following the collapse of his proposed move to Manchester United.
“I told you the deal collapsed with Manchester United,” Romano said.
“Ederson has now left England and is on holiday after the World Cup.
“From next week, Atalanta will speak with his agents to offer him a new contract.
“They are happy to have him back because they believe he is a top midfielder and fully fit.
“They want to show their trust in the player despite Manchester United walking away from the deal.
“Of course, we’ll have to see what the player decides because he only has one year left on his contract and there could be many opportunities for him.”
Marcus Rashford to report for Manchester United pre-season
Romano finished by reiterating that Marcus Rashford is expected to report back to Manchester United once England’s World Cup campaign is over.
“As soon as England return home after the World Cup, Marcus Rashford will have direct conversations with Michael Carrick,” Romano said.
“But Rashford has already confirmed that he is available to start pre-season with Manchester United.
“So the news I gave you two weeks ago is still 100 per cent confirmed. Rashford will begin pre-season with Manchester United.
“Then, if a proposal arrives, Rashford and United will consider it. But as things stand, he will report back for pre-season.”
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