{"id":15433,"date":"2026-07-08T16:37:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T16:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15433"},"modified":"2026-07-08T16:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T16:37:23","slug":"fabrizio-romano-transfer-news-tchouameni-to-man-utd-chelsea-official-bid-baleba-latest-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15433","title":{"rendered":"Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Tchouameni to Man Utd, Chelsea official bid, Baleba latest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p>                                             7 Jul 2026 07:05 BST                                                                                            <span class=\"article-publish-date__separator\">|<\/span><br \/>\n                                                8 min read                                                                                    <\/p>\n<figure class=\"large-img\">\n                                                <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/97bf3dd3-1c5c-4472-a39f-29541af67e00\/w=1200,h=675,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/97bf3dd3-1c5c-4472-a39f-29541af67e00\/w=640,h=360,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Fabrizio Romano, Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/97bf3dd3-1c5c-4472-a39f-29541af67e00\/w=1200,h=675,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO <\/figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"author\">\n<figure class=\"author-thumb\">\n                                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"not_specified\" class=\"\" width=\"112\" height=\"112\" alt=\"Cameron Smith\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/footballcritic\/miatgxl3mmf30nktvbwt\/w=112,h=112,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\"\/>                                                    <\/figure>\n<div class=\"article-author-info\">\n<div class=\"article-author-name\">\n<p>                                                        Cameron Smith<br \/>\n                                                                                                                    <span class=\"article-author-separator\">|<\/span><br \/>\n                                                            <span>Digital Content Producer<\/span>\n                                                                                                            <\/div>\n<p class=\"article-author-desc\">\n<p>                                                        Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020                                                    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"google-favorite-cta__icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 48 48\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"#EA4335\" d=\"M24 9.5c3.54 0 6.71 1.22 9.21 3.6l6.85-6.85C35.9 2.38 30.47 0 24 0 14.62 0 6.51 5.38 2.56 13.22l7.98 6.19C12.43 13.72 17.74 9.5 24 9.5z\"\/><path fill=\"#4285F4\" d=\"M46.98 24.55c0-1.57-.15-3.09-.38-4.55H24v9.02h12.94c-.58 2.96-2.26 5.48-4.78 7.18l7.73 6c4.51-4.18 7.09-10.36 7.09-17.65z\"\/><path fill=\"#FBBC05\" d=\"M10.53 28.59c-.48-1.45-.76-2.99-.76-4.59s.27-3.14.76-4.59l-7.98-6.19C.92 16.46 0 20.12 0 24c0 3.88.92 7.54 2.56 10.78l7.97-6.19z\"\/><path fill=\"#34A853\" d=\"M24 48c6.48 0 11.93-2.13 15.89-5.81l-7.73-6c-2.18 1.48-4.97 2.31-8.16 2.31-6.26 0-11.57-4.22-13.47-9.91l-7.98 6.19C6.51 42.62 14.62 48 24 48z\"\/><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0 0h48v48H0z\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"google-favorite-cta__text\">Make us your Google favourite<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories, including the latest on<\/p>\n<h2>Aurelien Tchouameni to Man Utd?<\/h2>\n<p>Manchester United remain interested in signing a new central midfielder and they have been heavily linked with a move for Aurelien Tchouameni.<\/p>\n<p><center class=\"p-1 light-grey-bg\">Article continues under the video<\/center> <\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Real Madrid the only way to eventually consider signing a new midfielder, despite all the stories about Enzo Fernandez, which were denied by the club, and despite links with other midfielders, is to sell a player first,&#8221; Romano told his <b>YouTube channel<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is not enough to sell Nico Paz. It is not enough to sell Dani Ceballos. Jesus Vallejo is leaving on a free transfer. That is still not enough to create the space required. Real Madrid would need to move another player before adding a new midfielder to Jose Mourinho&#8217;s squad.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is why we are seeing so many questions and reports about Tchouameni again. What I have always said, and what I still maintain today, is that internally at Man Utd, Tchouameni has always been considered the perfect midfield signing. They see him as a top player with an elite mentality and world-class quality. He is viewed as the ideal replacement for Casemiro.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe issue comes down to two points. The first is his salary. Tchouameni earns a very high salary at Real Madrid, and Man Utd have already made it clear to people close to the player during contacts over recent months that the only way a move could happen would be on different financial terms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe second issue is Real Madrid. At the moment, Man Utd have received no green light from Real Madrid to negotiate for Tchouameni. They have not received any indication from Madrid suggesting it is time to sit down and reach an agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Romano continued: \u201c&#8221;Tchouameni would certainly be a dream signing for Man Utd. He is a player they admire and value highly. However, the situation remains complicated because of his salary and because everything depends on Real Madrid&#8217;s decision.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe first step must be Real Madrid telling Man Utd that the player is available for sale. Until then, patience is required, but the appreciation from Man Utd is absolutely confirmed, exactly as I have always mentioned here on the channel.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/37820f25-23b4-46fc-6f7a-dc224c6d0100\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/37820f25-23b4-46fc-6f7a-dc224c6d0100\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/37820f25-23b4-46fc-6f7a-dc224c6d0100\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Andrey Santos wanted<\/h2>\n<p>In addition to Tchouameni, Man Utd have also been tipped to pursue a deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos and he is firmly on their radar.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAndrey Santos is also a possibility for Man Utd, although he is obviously a completely different profile of player,\u201d Romano said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo not forget that Man Utd remain busy with their midfield plans. They are waiting for the verdict on Ederson&#8217;s medical, and then they will decide how to proceed in midfield following the injury to Manuel Ugarte.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Andrey Santos, Man Utd have been in contact with the player&#8217;s agent. This is not the first contact because discussions began a long time ago, back in February and March. Man Utd held two meetings with Giuliano Bertolucci, the Brazilian agent who represents Andrey Santos, so there is already a good relationship between the club and the player&#8217;s camp.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is a genuine possibility. He is also a player Christopher Vivell knows very well from his time at Chelsea before joining Man Utd&#8217;s management team. He is definitely one of the names on the shortlist.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt the moment, Chelsea have not received any bid from Man Utd, but he remains one of the midfield options being considered. As I mentioned yesterday, Chelsea are prepared to let Andrey Santos leave if they receive a very good proposal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey are not desperate to sell because they believe he is a talented player with significant potential. However, if an important offer arrives, certainly much higher than \u00a320 million or \u00a330 million, Chelsea could consider his departure. That makes Andrey Santos one to watch over the coming weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/fcea63d0-d9a2-4da2-7ae9-9e6d90199400\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/fcea63d0-d9a2-4da2-7ae9-9e6d90199400\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Andrey Santos, Chelsea\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/fcea63d0-d9a2-4da2-7ae9-9e6d90199400\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Andrey Santos, Chelsea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Carlos Baleba&#8217;s Man Utd stance<\/h2>\n<p>Meanwhile, Carlos Baleba remains interested in joining Man Utd, but talks with Brighton &#038; Hove Albion aren\u2019t underway.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCarlos Baleba would love the opportunity because he already agreed personal terms with Man Utd one year ago. He was ready to join even without European football, so you can imagine how keen he would be now,\u201d Romano revealed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, at the moment Baleba and his representatives have not received any fresh contact from Man Utd. While Tchouameni continues to be discussed internally, and while Andrey Santos is a player they have spoken about with his representatives and included on their shortlist, the Baleba situation is currently much quieter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMan Utd know the player would be extremely interested in joining, but they have not returned with a new approach or submitted a proposal to Brighton. For now, that story is cold.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf negotiations for other major targets collapse, then the situation could change, but at this stage it is simply the player&#8217;s desire to move and nothing more.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/dc4ebca1-1d0a-4fe2-2787-49d40f8f6400\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/dc4ebca1-1d0a-4fe2-2787-49d40f8f6400\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Carlos Baleba, Brighton\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/dc4ebca1-1d0a-4fe2-2787-49d40f8f6400\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Carlos Baleba, Brighton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>PSG transfer domino<\/h2>\n<p>Paris Saint-Germain are set for a busy summer, with a number of incomings and outgoings due to be sanctioned before Deadline Day.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEverything is progressing as expected because Kang-in Lee will become a new Atletico Madrid player. Here we go. The agreement between Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain was completed today,\u201d Romano admitted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe paperwork, contracts and all the formal steps will take a few more days, but Atletico Madrid will pay a package worth up to \u20ac40 million. The player agreed to the move some time ago.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe next two targets for Atletico Madrid after Alex Grimaldo, as I mentioned previously, are Kang-in Lee, who is arriving very soon, and Morten Hjulmand. Atletico Madrid are therefore very busy strengthening the squad, but the Kang-in Lee deal can now be considered complete.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cPSG are creating space for the attacking signings they want to complete. As I revealed exclusively two weeks ago, the agreement with Maghnes Akliouche is not an issue. The player is extremely keen on joining PSG, and Monaco are fully aware of his desire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMonaco and PSG remain in negotiations. Monaco have already rejected two approaches from PSG, not only because of the financial package but also because they believe Premier League clubs could become involved in the coming days or weeks.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt the same time, the player continues to prioritise PSG. Akliouche wants the move, and the possibility of seeing Kang-in Lee join Atletico Madrid while Akliouche joins PSG as part of the same transfer domino is becoming more concrete with every passing hour.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/be8bd30f-d3ab-42e9-2279-a73242e36d00\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/be8bd30f-d3ab-42e9-2279-a73242e36d00\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Maghnes Akliouche, Monaco\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/be8bd30f-d3ab-42e9-2279-a73242e36d00\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Maghnes Akliouche, Monaco<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Chelsea transfer latest<\/h2>\n<p>Finally, Romano provided an update on Chelsea\u2019s possible transfer business.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRegarding Granit Xhaka, we clarified over the last few days that Sunderland do not want to sell the player. It is not about the transfer fee. It does not matter whether the offer is \u00a38 million, \u00a310 million, \u00a312 million or \u00a320 million. They simply do not want to sell, and Chelsea respect that because they have a good relationship with Sunderland.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe situation is therefore completely cold and not simply on standby. Instead, Chelsea are closely monitoring Pep Chavarria. The player is ready to join Chelsea and has already agreed personal terms. The left-back from Rayo Vallecano is now waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom what I understand, Chelsea are preparing to submit a new official bid in the coming days. They will return with a fresh proposal, and Chavarria could become Chelsea&#8217;s next full-back signing after Marco Palestra on the right.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor Chelsea, do not forget the name Maxence Lacroix either. Contacts continue regarding a move to Stamford Bridge. For now, patience is required because Crystal Palace will only allow one of their key players to leave if they receive the right fee and secure a suitable replacement first.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat remains the situation with Lacroix, but Chelsea continue working behind the scenes to complete the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Related stories:<\/h2>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Build The FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122: LEGO\u00a9 releases stunning football-inspired collection<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Arsenal Transfer News Today: Bruno Guimaraes deal accelerates as offer ready<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Chelsea Transfer News Today: Deal announced as talks for \u20ac50m wonderkid confirmed<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Man Utd Transfer News Today: Galactico targeted as midfield rebuild begins<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Transfer Rumours: &#8216;Serious&#8217; Crysencio Summerville move as Man Utd make shock decision<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Premier League summer transfers 2026: All the Done Deals<\/b><\/p>\n<h2>The FootballTransfers app<\/h2>\n<p>Check out FootballTransfers&#8217; new app for all of football&#8217;s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.<\/p>\n<p>The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:<\/p>\n<p><b>\u2022Google Play<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u2022App Store<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-footer-author\">\n<div class=\"article-footer-author__header\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"article-footer-author__thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/footballcritic\/miatgxl3mmf30nktvbwt\/w=112,h=112,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\" alt=\"Cameron Smith\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"article-footer-author__bio\">\n<p>                Cameron Smith is a Digital Content Producer for FootballTransfers, having joined the team upon its inception in November 2020.&#13;            <\/p>\n<p>            View full bio\n    <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>7 Jul 2026 07:05 BST | 8 min read \u00a9 IMAGO Cameron Smith | Digital&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15433"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15433\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}