Exclusive: Kane Man Utd truth, Chelsea transfer already done, Barcelona updates & more – Fabrizio Romano

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Ajax

Ajax have offered a new deal valid until June 2027 to top talent van Axel Dongel but there’s still no agreement, there’s gap between parties. Current contract expires in June; he could leave on a free. Top clubs around Europe are keen on signing him in the summer.

Arsenal

Arsenal director Edu: “I know there’s lots to do. I think we are in the middle of the process, there’s still a lot of things to do. But we are very happy and proud to see where we are at the moment as club.”

He added: “Trossard? We’re really happy with him.”

Barcelona

It’s still early to say what’s going to happen with Ousmane Dembele, Financial Fair Play will be crucial for Barcelona; but they really want to extend Dembele’s contract. Xavi is very happy with him, at this stage there’s nothing concrete with Premier League clubs.

There are some reports circulating about Chelsea and Newcastle wanting to sign Raphinha. I’m sure Barcelona are very happy with Raphinha, so, again, let’s see what happens with Financial Fair Play but Barca want to trust Raphinha for present and future and he loves the club.

Jorge Mendes will become new agent of Barcelona gem Lamine Yamal. Mendes will take care of the negotiations with Barca for the winger born in 2007. Barcelona are convinced of his value as professional contract will be discussed soon.

Bayer Leverkusen

Tim Steidten is now set to leave Bayer Leverkusen — time to part ways after almost 4 years at the club, was involved in Piero HincapieFlorian WirtzJeremie FrimpongEdmond Tapsoba transfers and more. Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs are informed on Steidten situation.

Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku is a new Chelsea player, the deal was signed in December, it’s all done. On July 1st he will officially join, but he can be considered a Chelsea player now. I don’t know when there will be an official statement, that’s down to the clubs.

Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta: “Lukaku deal? He will return to Chelsea as it’s straight loan, it’s part of the deal — then we will see. Lukaku is not in good condition yet, we are still waiting to see the real Romelu as we saw in the past.”

Josko Gvardiol remains among Manchester City’s top summer targets. He’s really appreciated by Pep Guardiola and by the board too. Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the race, but nothing is decided yet and there’s no release clause for this summer.

What’s the latest on David Raya and a potential move to Stamford Bridge? Click here for the full details!

Crystal Palace

I can confirm that a Saudi Arabian club approached Wilfried Zaha but also Premier League clubs and two more from extra-PL clubs. It’s not something concrete at this stage because it’s up to the player, and Crystal Palace have offered Zaha an important contract to stay.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta: “Lukaku deal? He will return to Chelsea as it’s straight loan, it’s part of the deal — then we will see. Lukaku is not in good condition yet, we are still waiting to see the real Romelu as we saw in the past.”

Juventus

Juventus have already denied any plan to terminate the contract of Paul Pogba following speculation in the Italian press. Of course Pogba has been unlucky with injuries this season, but I’m sure Juventus and Pogba both want to change the history and improve things next season.

Liverpool

Josko Gvardiol remains among Manchester City’s top summer targets. He’s really appreciated by Pep Guardiola and by the board too. Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the race, but nothing is decided yet and there’s no release clause for this summer.

Liverpool have also been scouting another top young centre-back – click here to find out who it is!

Manchester City

I learned an important lesson last night – never report stats while Erling Haaland is playing football! The Man City striker was in unbelievable form to put FIVE past RB Leipzig in a 7-0 win in the Champions League. That’s now 39 goals in 36 games in all competitions this season.

Erling Haaland: “I’ve told Pep Guardiola when I went off: ‘I would love to score a double hat-trick!’. But what can I do? I really love this competition, I love the Champions League.”

Pep Guardiola: “Haaland has unbelievable mentality. We’re so happy with this boy. We didn’t know him [before the signing] but Erling is always happy, always funny, he’s nice with his teammates. No one can compete with Erling, if we speak using the numbers.”

Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson is doing very well but, despite reports, at this stage I’m told Manchester City have different priorities, including Josko Gvardiol or Jude Bellingham who are both in the list but with lot of competition.

Josko Gvardiol remains among Manchester City’s top summer targets. He’s really appreciated by Pep Guardiola and by the board too. Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the race, but nothing is decided yet and there’s no release clause for this summer.

Joao Cancelo is focused on his loan with Bayern Munich, no decision has been made yet. There is a clause to make the move permanent, but it will be made at the end of the season. Real Madrid and Barcelona also discussed Cancelo in January but it was not possible for them to proceed, with Barca having issues with Financial Fair Play.

Manchester United

We’re hearing different things about Harry Kane each day – some media outlets say he’s close to Manchester United, then a few days later they’re prioritising other striker targets. All I can say for now is that Tottenham want to extend Kane’s contract – they will offer him a new deal and insist on keeping him, making him the face of their project. Still, it’s only March, so let’s see how things develop in the coming weeks and months.

Manchester United really like the player, but they know Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, so the only way for this to proceed is for Kane to push for a move to Old Trafford and for Tottenham to decide they’re ready to enter into negotiations. At the moment there is nothing concrete, United just appreciate the player, that’s all. We’ll see what happens in the summer.

Victor Osimhen and Mohammed Kudus are also on United’s list, and a few other forwards too, says Ben Jacobs – click here for more details!

Understand Manchester United are now considering offering a new contract to Facundo Pellistri before loaning him out next season. There’s no decision made yet on both sides, but concrete talks will take place in April to plan Facundo’s future.

Napoli

Stanislav Lobotka on his contract: “We are in concrete talks, we’re at good point of negotiations with Napoli — I want to stay.” New deal will be valid until June 2027 with an option to extend until June 2028.

Newcastle United

Newcastle have a genuine interest in this potential £40m signing from Arsenal – click here to find out more!

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson is doing very well but, despite reports, at this stage I’m told Manchester City have different priorities, including Josko Gvardiol or Jude Bellingham who are both in the list but with lot of competition.

Real Madrid

Eden Hazard: “I would like to stay at Real Madrid. I’ve always said it. I hope to play to show that I can still do it. People have doubts, but for me, I’m still here next year. I hope I can play for Real Madrid again.”

Carlo Ancelotti: “Hazard statement? He has been honest, we don’t talk much but the most important is to respect each other. I can guarantee that he can still help us at Real Madrid, for sure. I thank Eden as he’s always been respectful.”

Ancelotti: “Eduardo Camavinga is untouchable for us — also in the future I’m sure he will stay that way. He makes some mistakes but he plays such good games that everyone forgets about it — he’s untouchable.”

Tottenham

We’re hearing different things about Harry Kane each day – some media outlets say he’s close to Manchester United, then a few days later they’re prioritising other striker targets. All I can say for now is that Tottenham want to extend Kane’s contract – they will offer him a new deal and insist on keeping him, making him the face of their project. Still, it’s only March, so let’s see how things develop in the coming weeks and months.

Manchester United really like the player, but they know Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, so the only way for this to proceed is for Kane to push for a move to Old Trafford and for Tottenham to decide they’re ready to enter into negotiations. At the moment there is nothing concrete, United just appreciate the player, that’s all. We’ll see what happens in the summer.

Luis Enrique would be interested in becoming Tottenham manager if Antonio Conte leaves the club (Times)