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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Chelsea agree deal, Man Utd target 'wants' move, Olise truth

24 May 2026 09:03 BST | 8 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Xabi Alonso, Michael Olise

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Valentin Barco, Ederson and Michael Olise.

Andres Iniesta begins coaching career in Dubai

The summer transfer window opens in less than a month and in addition to player signings, managerial appointments are also being made, as confirmed by Romano in his latest YouTube video" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJzVJmFRNaE" target="_blank">his latest YouTube video.

“Exclusive news from the last hours - Andres Iniesta will start his professional career as a manager,” he said. “Good luck to Don Andresa, who is going to become the coach of Gulf United in Dubai. New opportunity for Andres Iniesta.

“The legendary midfielder from Albacete is ready for a new chapter in his life. One of the best players ever to play the game is now becoming a coach.”

Michael Olise to Bayern truth

Michael Olise has been heavily linked with Real Madrid in recent months, but Bayern Munich have no intention of selling him and Jose Mourinho’s presence at the DFB-Pokal final was not related to a possible move for the Frenchman.

Romano admitted: “José Mourinho was in attendance tonight at the DFB-Pokal, the German Cup, with Bayern playing there. However, the understanding at the moment is that it is not linked to any move or transfer negotiation.

“It is simply José Mourinho travelling to watch matches. It is something he loves to do to follow the development of teams, managers and players, but not specifically to negotiate for anyone.

“Also, many questions on whether Michael Olise could be a dream target for Real Madrid. Forget about that. I already told you a few months ago, and today Uli Hoeneß, the Bayern president, confirmed the situation. Mourinho can keep even five eyes on Olise, but even with five eyes he is not going to Real Madrid. Bayern will not sell this summer. It is not a topic of €150 million, €180 million or €200 million. He is not leaving.”

Chelsea complete Valentín Barco deal

Chelsea are set for a busy summer transfer window and they have now reached a full agreement to sign Strasbourg midfielder Valentino Barco, who will become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era.

“There is a ‘here we go’ for Chelsea,” Romano revealed. “Chelsea have completed the signing of Valentín Barco, the Argentinian midfielder, leaving Strasbourg and remaining in the same group under parent club Chelsea. He did very well at Strasbourg. It was a very smart investment made by BlueCo.

“You probably remember Valentín Barco as a player coming from South America with huge expectations. He started as a left-back before moving to Europe with Brighton and Sevilla. He had opportunities but was never able to perform at the right level.

“Then he arrived at Strasbourg and started playing as a midfielder. He has been doing fantastic work there. He is also highly appreciated by Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni. Chelsea now have everything in place for Valentín Barco to become an addition to the squad of Xabi Alonso.

Valentin Barco, Strasbourg

“Let’s see what Chelsea decide to do with Barco, but the player had several opportunities. There was an important German club really interested in him, but Barco wanted Chelsea. He wanted to trust the BlueCo project and the Chelsea way.

“So Valentín Barco is set to become one of the first new faces at Chelsea in this summer transfer window. Obviously, do not forget what I told you about Xabi Alonso. Xabi will be involved and will be part of the conversations. He is going to play a major role in deciding who leaves, who stays and which experienced players could be added to the squad.”

Man Utd want Ederson and Sandro Tonali

Manchester United are set to sign at least two new central midfielders this summer and Romano has provided an update on a possible transfer agreement.

“I keep receiving many questions on Ederson because Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino said on Friday that Ederson did not play because the club are in conversations with a very important club from abroad. That was the story discussed by the Atalanta manager.

“The reality, guys, is that as I told you, Man Utd have been on a mission in recent days in Italy to discuss several topics. One player they really appreciate is Sandro Tonali. His agents are based in Italy while Tonali is obviously playing at Newcastle United. Man Utd believe Tonali is extremely expensive at the moment. The price remains the issue, but the appreciation from Man Utd for Tonali is very clear.”

Ederson, Atalanta

Romano continued: “Ederson is the complete opposite because he is on the market. Ederson wants to go to Man Utd and what I understand, and what I can tell you today, is that he is giving total priority to Man Utd. Despite another club calling in recent days to ask about the price tag and possibility of signing him, Ederson wants to wait for Man Utd.

“So United are in conversations with Ederson’s agents and with Atalanta. However, they are still waiting for Man Utd to say okay, let’s go ahead and close the deal. That has not happened yet, so everyone is waiting for the next step. Ederson wants Man Utd. Atalanta are also waiting for the green light from United.

“There are ongoing conversations, but as I told you, United have several midfield options under consideration. For sure, Ederson would be really tempted and very happy to join Man Utd eventually.”

Elliot Anderson latest

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is also wanted by Man Utd, but Romano has confirmed that Manchester City are among the frontrunners for his signature too.

“Do not forget that a top target for both Man Utd and Man City is Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest,” the transfer expert said. “Forest are staying in the Premier League and their end-of-season review is coming, so discussions are ongoing about several situations.

“What I can tell you on Elliot Anderson is that the price will be extremely high. More than £100 million is what Nottingham Forest want. Man City are absolutely in the race. They have been leading the race for months and are prepared to offer big money for Elliot Anderson. However, we have to see if they can match Nottingham Forest’s demands because it is a really expensive signing.

“Man Utd also really like the player. Internally, he is considered one of the best options, but once again the issue is the price. Conversations will continue to understand where Anderson is going. Man City are pushing strongly on the player's side and are ready to offer important money to the player, but everything depends on Nottingham Forest.

Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest

“So let’s follow this story because it is going to be a very interesting one. The interest from Man City in Elliot Anderson has not changed despite Pep Guardiola leaving. Nothing is changing there. Man City and Enzo Maresca had already agreed internally on considering Elliot Anderson as a top target.

“They also have other names on the list in case the deal does not happen. We also have to see what happens with Rodri. Players such as Enzo Fernández, Sandro Tonali and others have also been discussed internally at Man City. So they have several names under consideration, but this is the current situation for both Man City and Man Utd.

Man Utd sales

Finally, in addition to incomings, Man Utd are also expected to finalise several player sales during the upcoming summer transfer window.

“Important days are coming because Man Utd also continue working on exits,” Romano confirmed. “Rasmus Højlund has gone to Napoli on a permanent deal, bringing in an extra €44 million for Man Utd. They also need to clarify the situation of Marcus Rashford.

“What I can add is that for Manuel Ugarte, Man Utd have been very clear with the player’s camp. They want Ugarte to leave. I already told you in March and April that Ugarte could leave Man Utd this summer. What I can tell you now is that the club have made their position absolutely clear. They want to create space in midfield in order to bring in extra players. It could be two signings, it could be three.

“At the moment, the Ugarte situation is completely clear. Man Utd want to find a solution. Italian clubs and Turkish clubs have shown interest for some time. Even last summer, clubs from Italy and Turkey were interested in Manuel Ugarte.

“Man Utd hope opportunities will emerge because they want to refresh the midfield, with both Ugarte and Casemiro potentially leaving. They want the possibility to add at least two midfielders, and maybe three if the right opportunities arrive. That is the plan for Man Utd.”