12 May 2026 08:05 BST |<\/span> Cameron Smith Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020 <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the managerial merry-go-round ahead of this summer, including the latest on Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho.<\/p>\n Real Madrid are in the midst of turmoil and president Florentino Perez is keen to bring Jose Mourinho back to the club to fix the situation after an impressive campaign at Benfica.<\/p>\n Speaking in his latest YouTube video<\/b>Romano said: \u201cI keep insisting on the Jose Mourinho story and Real Madrid. Do not follow the public statements. Follow the reality behind the scenes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reality behind the scenes is that Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid are in advanced conversations. Talks are taking place. The project is being presented. Discussions are ongoing. The deal between Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid is absolutely on.<\/p>\n \u201cMy understanding, with maximum respect to those saying it depends on Mourinho, is that this depends on Florentino Perez. If Florentino decides to send an official proposal to Jose Mourinho, Mourinho would be ready to take the Real Madrid job. According to my information, Mourinho is not rejecting Real Madrid.<\/p>\n \u201cIf this does not happen, it will be because Real Madrid decided not to move forward. Jose Mourinho is ready for the Real Madrid opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n Xabi Alonso is one of the most high-profile managers available on the market and despite rumoured interest from Liverpool, a move to Chelsea now seems to be on the cards instead.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the big stories of the day concerns Xabi Alonso, and I am receiving many questions about the situation. I told you in my video two days ago, and I have been repeating it on the channel for the last two or three months, that Xabi Alonso and Liverpool are not in conversations,\u201d Romano confirmed.<\/p>\n \u201cI know there have been stories coming out of Germany about Xabi Alonso to Liverpool, with claims that he favours taking the job and is in talks with Liverpool. Xabi Alonso has never had any sort of contact with Liverpool during 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you this two days ago, and now the news is everywhere, but I keep insisting there is nothing between Xabi Alonso and Liverpool apart from appreciation for the person and former player. There is a very good feeling and a strong connection, but in terms of negotiations and official approaches there has been absolutely nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cLiverpool have not made any contact with Xabi Alonso. Liverpool are trusting Arne Slot and continue to support him fully.<\/p>\n \u201cIf something changes towards the end of the season, I will be here to let you know. At the moment, Xabi Alonso is not even talking to Liverpool. His lawyers and representatives are not talking to Liverpool either. Liverpool are supporting Arne Slot and are not speaking to other coaches.\u201d<\/p>\n Romano continued: \u201cMany of you have been asking me today about Xabi Alonso and Chelsea. What I can tell you is that the reason behind all these stories in the last 24 hours is that those close to Xabi Alonso have opened the door to a move to the Premier League.<\/p>\n \u201cThe real change in the story is that Xabi Alonso is now open to trying a chapter in the Premier League. Xabi Alonso would even be open to taking the Chelsea job if both parties can find the right way to move forward together.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why you are seeing many stories today. However, according to my information, Chelsea are still deciding who they want as manager. They want to be very careful with the internal process as they determine the right man following the decisions involving Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.<\/p>\n \u201cMy understanding is that Chelsea are still discussing the matter internally. There is also Andoni Iraola who, like Xabi Alonso, is rejecting proposals from abroad because he wants to continue in the Premier League. He wants to remain a Premier League manager next season.<\/p>\n \u201cSo Chelsea are assessing all the possible candidates and all the potential names for the managerial position. Chelsea want to be one hundred per cent sure before going all in for a manager. They want to make certain they have the right man for the job.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why Chelsea and Xabi Alonso will have conversations before deciding the best way to move forward regarding the managerial position.\u201d<\/p>\n Alonso has also been linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City, but former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the runaway leader for the role instead.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite reports linking him with Tottenham and Manchester United in January, Enzo Maresca was never talking to any other club apart from Manchester City,\u201d Romano revealed.<\/p>\n \u201cI maintain what I have been telling you. When Maresca was asked about Manchester City, he said he feels recharged and ready for a new chapter. He did not want to comment directly on Manchester City and instead said they will assess all possibilities between now and the end of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cBut remember this clearly. Enzo Maresca is the manager wanted by Manchester City for the moment Pep Guardiola decides to leave. Whether that is in summer 2026 or summer 2027, Manchester City want Maresca. Manchester City believe he is the right man for the job.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have seen links with Xabi Alonso. You have seen stories about Vincent Kompany returning to Manchester City as manager. But the name Manchester City want is Enzo Maresca.<\/p>\n \u201cNow it depends on Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. The club remains very happy with Pep Guardiola, but the situation depends entirely on Pep himself. When Pep decides to go, Manchester City will go all in for Enzo Maresca.\u201d<\/p>\n Mikel Arteta is close to securing a historic Premier League and Champions League double, but regardless of how this season ends, he is set to be rewarded with a bumper new deal by the Arsenal board, as per Romano.<\/p>\n The transfer expert said: \u201cDo not forget that Arsenal remain intent on getting a new deal done for Mikel Arteta in the summer. That remains the feeling internally.<\/p>\n \u201cArsenal want Arteta to sign a new contract with the club. Initial conversations already began earlier in 2026, but the focus will be on completing the agreement after the end of the season so Arteta can remain focused on competing for titles.<\/p>\n \u201cThe intention is to offer Arteta an improved contract with an increased salary.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, Romano confirmed that Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is on the verge of officially signing a new deal at the club.<\/p>\n \u201cHansi Flick, after winning La Liga back to back with Barcelona, is now ready to put pen to paper on a new contract at the club until June 2028,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cA two-year extension plus an additional one-year option has been agreed. The deal is done and Flick will stay at Barcelona.\u201d<\/p>\n Ornstein confirms ‘positive’ Chelsea talks: Xabi Alonso makes preference clear<\/b><\/p>\n The 10 superstars set to dominate the 2026 summer transfer window<\/b><\/p>\n Transfer Rumours: Chelsea favourites to sign striker as Man Utd learn Kroupi ‘concern’<\/b><\/p>\n Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.<\/p>\n The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:<\/p>\n \u2022Google Play<\/b><\/p>\n \u2022App Store<\/p>\n Cameron Smith is a Digital Content Producer for FootballTransfers, having joined the team upon its inception in November 2020.
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\n Digital Content Producer<\/span>\n <\/div>\nJose Mourinho to Real Madrid update<\/h2>\n
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Xabi Alonso latest<\/h2>\n
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Enzo Maresca to Man City?<\/h2>\n
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Mikel Arteta to receive new Arsenal contract<\/h2>\n
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Hansi Flick and Barcelona<\/h2>\n
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