Exclusive: Nagelsmann Chelsea, Garcia Arsenal, new contract for Man Utd star & more – Fabrizio Romano

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Arsenal

Despite rumours about Arsenal, I’m not aware of negotiations for Eric Garcia. At the moment, Barca are counting on him and he also had an excellent game as defensive midfielder yesterday; not time for negotiations now. Let’s see if it could change for Financial Fair Play in the summer.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery: “Joao Felix deal in January was not totally impossible for us, but he wanted to play for a team in the Champions League. He has a high salary and Chelsea paid a lot of money for that. I like him but we were never really in the running for him.”

Barcelona

Despite rumours about Arsenal, I’m not aware of negotiations for Eric Garcia. At the moment, Barca are counting on him and he also had an excellent game as defensive midfielder yesterday; not time for negotiations now. Let’s see if it could change for Financial Fair Play in the summer.

There has always been interest in Ansu Fati from the Premier League but he wants to succeed at Barca, so at the moment the situation is quiet. As for Lionel Messi and the potential impacts on Financial Fair Play, there’s not even an official bid from Barca to Messi yet; so we have to wait and see before understanding their plans.

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen are preparing documents and contracts to get Arthur deal sealed very early, the agreement will be valid for the next five years. The highly-rated Brazilian talent has already accepted all the conditions of the deal, as reported yesterday.

Medical scheduled in the next days, full agreement between clubs on €7m fee — contract until 2028.

Bayern Munich

Joao Cancelo didn’t start for Bayern vs Dortmund today. Club director Hasan Salihamidzic: “The coach made that decision today but Joao is a top player that we need. For sure Cancelo will get his games.”

Thomas Tuchel on Bayern: “There’s still room for improvement. Why did I accept this job? The desire and excitement of the task prevailed over everything. To be able to play all titles, to be close to my family, this team – that mix was what made me come here.”

Burnley

Burnley are monitoring Austrian centre back Emanuel Aiwu — club’s scouts were in attendance in Italy yesterday to follow Cremonese vs Atalanta.

Chelsea

It was another disappointing result and performance for Chelsea yesterday as they lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa. We’ll have to see what the Chelsea board will decide, and they will speak internally about Graham Potter’s future. They have always protected their manager, but this now looks like something to keep an eye on.

Julian Nagelsmann is a manager that Chelsea board always appreciated, he’s considered a future top coach. Pressure is growing again on Potter after Aston Villa game, not because of Nagelsmann being available but because Chelsea board expect different results.

Could Nagelsmann also be an option for Tottenham? Click here to find out more!

Graham Potter after the disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa: “We have to accept the result and do better. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have a fantastic game on Tuesday against Liverpool to put it right. The stats are positive, I think the team game everything — the intention was there. I’m responsible for the result, the boys gave their best again.”

Unai Emery: “Joao Felix deal in January was not totally impossible for us, but he wanted to play for a team in the Champions League. He has a high salary and Chelsea paid a lot of money for that. I like him but we were never really in the running for him.”

Inter Milan

Inter CEO Marotta: “Lukaku loves Inter, it’s very clear. Of course he’s on loan, he will return to Chelsea and then we will make a decision all together. It’s early to say what’s gonna happen with his future. I hope Romelu’s next performances will be good.”

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp really wanted Aurelien Tchouameni one year ago, yes; but I’m also sure Real Madrid have not changed their mind on Tchouameni and they consider him a key player for present and future. I see him staying at Real Madrid this summer, despite some recent speculation to the contrary.

Liverpool look set to be in the race for this Bundesliga wonderkid this summer – click here to find out more!

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola: “Julian Alvarez, exceptional player. City made an incredible signing for this price.”

Manchester City paid €18.5m with taxes for Alvarez… and also rewarded him with a new deal and improved salary until 2028.

Could Man City lose Shea Charles to Borussia Dortmund? Click here to find out more!

Manchester United

I can confirm Luke Shaw has a full agreement on a new deal with Manchester United until June 2027. He has accepted days ago and Erik ten Hag approved the deal as he’s big fan of Luke performances and attitude. It’s almost done.

Luke Shaw in action for Manchester United

Do Manchester United need Champions League football to attract the best players? Erik ten Hag has had his say: “We have to be in Champions League. This is clear. Casemiro won everything, Champions Leagues but also he’s willing to come — even when we were playing in Europa League. Man Utd attracts people, they want to be part of this club. But we have to be in UCL.”

Napoli

Official, completed. Juan Jesus signs new deal with Napoli valid until June 2025. Contract also includes an option for further season.

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti on the Brazil job: “The reality is that Brazilian national team want me — and this makes me delighted, happy. But I want to fulfil and respect my contract. I love Real Madrid. Retiring after Madrid? I can’t confirm it today. I’ll stay here until Real Madrid let me.”

Ancelotti on Asensio, Ceballos, Modric and Nacho out of contract in June: “We are not thinking about my future or the player’s future — the players are not thinking about the contract renewals. Full focus on the games. We can win titles.”

Jurgen Klopp really wanted Aurelien Tchouameni one year ago, yes; but I’m also sure Real Madrid have not changed their mind on Tchouameni and they consider him a key player for present and future. I see him staying at Real Madrid this summer, despite some recent speculation to the contrary.

Roma

There is nothing new on Paulo Dybala’s future because right now he wants to 100% focus on Roma as they fight for Europa League, but also for a Champions League place and it could be crucial to decide his future. As recently revealed, there will be release clauses active this summer, but I’m sure he’s focused on Roma now.