31 May 2026 17:05 BST | 7 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Michael Carrick, Mikel Arteta
© IMAGO
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 Ederson, Arsenal and Rafael Leao.
Rafael Leao to leave AC Milan
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has been linked with a San Siro exit for several years and he has now confirmed that he wants to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window, with his agent in talks with potential suitors already.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation in his latest YouTube video" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jisb5nC7Lg" target="_blank">his latest YouTube video, admitting: “One of the biggest breaking stories of the weekend is Rafael Leao deciding to leave AC Milan. This confirms something I have already been reporting on the channel. Now, however, it is the player himself who has taken a strong public position in a video interview.
“At this stage, there is no possibility of denying anything. Leao was very honest and open when speaking to Sport TV in Portugal. He said that AC Milan gave him the opportunity to grow, that the club gave him everything, and that he gave everything back to the club. However, he also made it clear that the time has come to move on, to embrace a new challenge, and to experience a different league.
“I believe that is a very important point because he is already making it clear that he wants to leave Italy and try something different. As a result, there is now expected to be movement in the market. His representatives have started conversations across Europe to understand the best possible solution.
“In terms of concrete options, only Turkish clubs have made approaches so far and started discussing figures, contract terms, salary, and a potential transfer fee. Clubs such as Galatasaray have shown interest, while there have also been enquiries from Fenerbahce to better understand the situation. At the moment, however, nothing is advanced or close to being finalised because Leao wants to assess whether other clubs are ready to enter the race.”
Romano continued: “There have been many questions regarding Barcelona. As of today, I am not aware of anything concrete between Barcelona and Leão. The player has been offered to Barcelona on several occasions, but there has been no concrete movement. It remains to be seen whether a Premier League club decides to explore the opportunity.
“What is certain is that the player has made it very clear, both privately and publicly, that he intends to leave AC Milan.
“There is also the Club World Cup on the horizon, where players can shine and potentially create new opportunities in the market.”
Rafael Leao, AC Milan
© IMAGO - Rafael Leao, AC Milan
Andoni Iraola set to join Liverpool
Liverpool have officially parted company with Arne Slot, and Romano has confirmed that Andoni Iraola is the clear favourite to replace him following his decision to leave Bournemouth.
“Andoni Iraola is fully expected to become the next Liverpool manager,” Romano admitted. “Liverpool still need time to hold discussions with agents and lawyers and to finalise the details of the contract, but internally the club have already made their decision.
“As I mentioned yesterday, Iraola is their first, second and third choice. I have seen several names linked with the role over recent days, but the reality is very simple. There are no alternative names under serious consideration. The target is Andoni Iraola and he is ready to take the position.
“He did not pursue opportunities at Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan or Crystal Palace because he was waiting behind the scenes for this possibility. Now that the situation has developed, he is ready to take over. I believe it is only a matter of time before we get the 'Here We Go’.”
Andoni Iraola
© IMAGO - Andoni Iraola
Arsenal’s summer plans
Arsenal were beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and they are set to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market as they look to bounce back next season.
“It is going to be a busy summer for Arsenal,” Romano confirmed. “In the coming days we will also discuss Paris Saint-Germain, who deserve congratulations and who will make some adjustments to an already outstanding squad. Arsenal, however, are preparing for a particularly important transfer window.
“Despite the disappointment of losing the Champions League final, it has still been a fantastic season. Winning the Premier League after 22 years and reaching a Champions League final represents a huge achievement. The club are very satisfied with the progress made.
“At the same time, they know there is room for improvement. I believe Arsenal could make three or four signings, depending on departures. There will certainly be movement in attack. I have already reported that a winger is an absolute priority. A striker is also a possibility, while additions in midfield and at right-back are being considered.”
Romano added: “Arsenal have been monitoring players since January. They did not identify the right opportunities during the winter window and therefore chose not to spend unnecessarily. This summer, however, they are expected to invest significant funds and strengthen the squad in key areas.
“The club see an opportunity because several Premier League rivals are entering periods of change. Liverpool are expected to have a new manager, Manchester City will have a new manager, and Chelsea will have a new manager. Arsenal, meanwhile, will continue with Mikel Arteta. They believe this continuity can be a major advantage as they look to build a winning era under Arteta.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO - Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Bernardo Silva latest
Bernardo Silva has left Manchester City as a free agent and he has been heavily linked with a Bosman move to Barcelona in recent days, and Romano has revealed that he is expected to play in La Liga next season.
“Turning to Bernardo Silva, the situation remains largely unchanged. His intention is still to have complete clarity on his future before the Club World Cup,” the transfer expert said.
“As a free agent, Bernardo can sign at any time, but he wants a clear direction regarding his next move. That direction remains La Liga. I can tell you that there is a 99.9 per cent chance that Bernardo Silva will play in La Liga next season.
“Despite offers from Major League Soccer and approaches from clubs in Italy, Bernardo sees his future in Spain. At present, he has two proposals on the table. They differ in contract length and financial terms, so he must evaluate both the sporting and financial aspects before making a decision.
“Atlético Madrid remain in the race and their proposal has been presented to Jorge Mendes, Bernardo's agent. Barcelona are also involved and remain in contact with both Mendes and the player.
“These are two very different projects. Barcelona have considerable competition in midfield, while Atlético Madrid could potentially offer Bernardo a more regular starting role. Barcelona are also at a different stage of their sporting project.
“Ultimately, the decision belongs to Bernardo Silva. Both clubs remain interested and continue to push for an agreement. More updates are expected in the coming days, but the destination is expected to be La Liga.”
Bernardo Silva, Man City
© IMAGO - Bernardo Silva, Man City
Ederson to Man Utd close
Manchester United want to sign at least two central midfielders this summer, and Atalanta star Ederson is expected to become their first signing of the upcoming window. However, a deal has not yet been finalised.
“Regarding Ederson and Man Utd, the situation is now highly technical,” Romano said. “Atalanta have officially confirmed Cristiano Giuntoli as their new director of football and also announced Ivan Jurić as their new manager. These appointments are important because they establish the people responsible for managing negotiations with Man Utd.
“Intermediaries continue to work on the deal and discussions have already reached a very advanced stage. On the player's side, everything is effectively agreed. What remains are the final details between the clubs.
"With new leadership now in place, particularly at sporting director level, Atalanta are in a position to finalise the agreement and complete negotiations over the financial structure of the transfer.
Ederson, Atalanta
© IMAGO - Ederson, Atalanta
"Contrary to some reports from Italy, the fee was never expected to exceed €50 million. Man Utd remain hopeful of completing the deal for around €40 million. Discussions continue regarding the final details, but unless something unexpected happens, I fully expect Ederson to become a Man Utd player.”
Romano concluded: “One final update concerns Harry Maguire. Reports from Italy have suggested that he could be an option for clubs in Serie A. However, my understanding is that Maguire is expected to remain at Man Utd.”
Cameron Smith
Written by
Cameron Smith is a Digital Content Producer for FootballTransfers, having joined the team upon its inception in November 2020.
View full bio