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Fabrizio Romano provides major updates on Cristiano Ronaldo, Arda Guler, Thibaut Courtois, Endrick and Chelsea’s interest in Bournemouth star Alex Scott.
Fabrizio Romano reveals what is really happening with Cristiano Ronaldo
Romano has clarified the situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo following his departure from the Portugal squad.
“Cristiano, in a very respectful way, decided not to make any further comments after the statement released on Wednesday about his situation with the Portuguese national team,” Romano claimed.
“On Wednesday afternoon, Cristiano left the national team camp. On Thursday, Cristiano returned to Saudi Arabia after spending a few days in Madrid.
“Someone said there was going to be an emergency meeting involving Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, the Federation and Jorge Jesus. That was not the case in terms of an in-person meeting.
“Cristiano wanted to respect once again his country and his national team by not commenting on anything else before the end of the international break because there are games and he loves Portugal, as he always shows.
“After that, we will understand more about the whole situation. Stay tuned because soon the situation of Cristiano will enter an important stage as we look to understand his future with Portugal.
“Talking about Madrid, when we say Cristiano, we think of Real Madrid. He was in Madrid with his family after leaving the Portuguese national team camp in Denmark a few days ago.”
Arda Guler’s new Real Madrid contract is done
Romano says Real Madrid have already reached a full agreement with Arda Guler over a new contract.
“I expect Real Madrid to make an official announcement for Arda Guler because everything, according to my information, is agreed,” he said.
“The new contract for Arda Guler at Real Madrid is done, closed and sealed, just waiting for the official procedures.
“So it will be up to Real Madrid to decide when to announce and when to unveil the new deal for Arda, with Florentino Perez and everyone at the club taking a picture, showing the shirt and making the official announcement and official pictures.
“But the agreement between Arda Guler and Real Madrid over a new contract is done, closed and sealed. I can confirm 100% that the deal is done.
“So Arda Guler stays on a longer contract. Contract extensions at Real Madrid are now a priority because the club is working on securing the players they already have for the long term.”
Real Madrid want Thibaut Courtois to stay beyond 2027
Romano also provided a firm update on Thibaut Courtois, whose current contract expires at the end of the season.
“One of the key players at Real Madrid is for sure Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian goalkeeper,” he said.
“I can tell you that Courtois is officially out of contract in summer 2027, at the end of this season, but my understanding is that Courtois and Real Madrid plan to continue together.
“Courtois, I can guarantee this, 100% will be Real Madrid goalkeeper in the 2027-28 season, so also next season and beyond.
“The idea of Real Madrid is to get the new deal done officially very soon, but the verbal agreement is almost there.
“So I have a new deal for Thibaut Courtois very soon, with Real Madrid working hard on contracts because obviously it is a big topic.
“It is something that for Real Madrid is absolutely part of the future.
“Look also at Barcelona. Raphinha will sign soon. Xavi Espart will sign soon. Marc Bernal will sign soon.
“So top clubs are working on better contracts for their players.”
Endrick’s Real Madrid future depends on his game time
Romano then turned to the speculation surrounding Endrick after the Brazilian striker struggled for opportunities at the start of the season.
“Many of you are asking me today about the situation of Endrick. What’s happening with the Brazilian striker? Why are there all these rumours in recent days about Endrick?” Romano said.
“Let me clarify one thing. It’s true that Endrick didn’t find space at the beginning of the season at Real Madrid. That’s the reality. The numbers say that.
“But at the same time, we should not forget that Endrick was not available for a long time at the beginning of the season. He had an injury and was recovering.
“So Endrick was not in the best condition possible to play football under Jose Mourinho.
“Then, in the summer, Endrick had three main possibilities. One was a loan to Aston Villa, another one was a loan to Roma and another one was a loan to Milan.
“Then there was also interest from Liverpool. Liverpool were keen on Endrick, but that’s it – they never presented any sort of proposal.
“So these three clubs were very aggressive. Liverpool were thinking of Endrick, even to buy Endrick at some point.
“But Real Madrid closed the doors to loan and permanent transfer approaches. For Real Madrid, it was not possible to touch the player.
“And when I say Real Madrid, it is Florentino Perez, people in the management and Jose Mourinho himself. Altogether, Endrick, his agency and Real Madrid decided to continue.
“Now, rumours are normal because Milan and Roma are still looking at players up front, and Endrick is a player they love at Milan and Roma, so there is no doubt about that.
“But when we talk about Endrick, let’s see what’s going to happen. I keep saying that October, November and December are three months of football ahead.
“So before saying Endrick is leaving, Endrick is going, we have to see how much he is going to play during these three months and what he will decide with Real Madrid.
“At the moment, the focus of Endrick is on Real Madrid. That’s important to say.
“Then what’s going to happen beyond December, and in the January window, depends obviously on what’s going to happen with his game time at Real Madrid.”
Chelsea made two bids for Bournemouth star Alex Scott
Romano has revealed that Chelsea made two official approaches for Alex Scott during the summer but Bournemouth refused to sell the midfielder.
“Let me mention also Alex Scott. Many questions on Alex Scott’s situation. What’s happening? What’s going to happen?” Romano said.
“On Alex Scott, what I can tell you is that Chelsea had one official approach and one official bid.
“So Chelsea tried in two different moments over the summer transfer window, but Bournemouth rejected them. Bournemouth never wanted to sell Alex Scott.
“The answer was the same to Chelsea, to Arsenal, and there were some calls from Liverpool. Several clubs were interested.
“Bournemouth always said no chance and that the player was staying there. So he was absolutely untouchable.
“In 2028 it could be a different story. Most likely in the summer, but let’s see what happens in January.
“At the moment, Bournemouth insist that they want the player to complete the season and then leave in summer 2028.”
Chelsea still see Alex Scott as their ideal midfield target
Despite failing to sign Scott, Chelsea remain firmly interested in the Bournemouth midfielder, according to Romano.
“At the moment, what I can tell you is that Chelsea are not forgetting about Alex Scott,” he said.
“Chelsea have Alex Scott in mind. Chelsea consider Alex Scott as a target.
“Chelsea believe Alex Scott is the ideal player in midfield to add to their squad. He’s a quality player, he’s English, he’s homegrown, so he is considered the ideal player in midfield.
“So Chelsea are on it for Alex Scott and in contact with people close to the player. Chelsea are working on it.
“Liverpool, Andoni Iraola knows the player so well. Liverpool have been in contact with people close to the player over the summer, but never put a bid on the table.
“So let’s see what’s going to happen also with Liverpool.
“Then Arsenal already invested in Bruno Guimaraes. So they have an interest in Alex Scott, of course, as a top midfielder.
“But at the moment, still nothing is advanced. Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation.
“So it’s going to be an interesting one to follow for 2028.
“If you ask me today, Chelsea are really thinking of Alex Scott.
“Still, because again, the whole summer Chelsea were interested in Alex Scott, then it was not possible to proceed.
“But the player Chelsea strongly considered, I will not be surprised if they are back for him, also with official bids in 2028.”
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