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Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Man Utd in Fernandes talks, Cucurella update, Alvarez to Real Madrid?

9 Jun 2026 07:35 BST | 7 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Mateus Fernandes, Marc Cucurella

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 Mateus Fernandes, Marc Cucurella and Julian Alvarez.

Juventus goalkeeper update

Juventus are in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, but a deal to sign top target Alisson has been blocked by Liverpool, as per Romano.

The transfer expert told his YouTube channel" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rixEFfyflIU" target="_blank">his YouTube channel: “Juventus are targeting a top goalkeeper for the summer transfer window. The club want to bring in an important goalkeeper despite not playing Champions League football next season.

“Juventus initially tried to sign Alisson Becker and were close to reaching an agreement with the player. However, Liverpool decided to stop the deal. The decision was made by the club's management, who have no intention of allowing Alisson to leave.

“This is not about the transfer fee. It is a technical and leadership decision. Liverpool do not want to lose another key figure in the dressing room and have therefore blocked any possibility of Alisson's departure.

“Juventus have now moved on to alternative targets and there are two names very high on their shortlist. The first is Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

“Juventus have already made contact to understand the conditions of a potential deal, including the transfer fee and salary. Martinez earns a significant salary and Juventus are taking that into consideration. Martinez is the club's preferred option. Juventus want to sign the 2022 World Cup winner and will now try to reach an agreement with both the player and Aston Villa.

“The alternative is Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur FC. Vicario was previously a target for Inter Milan before the Italian club decided to continue with their current goalkeeping situation. Juventus are now considering both possibilities and the situation remains one to watch.”

Man Utd in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United have finalised a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer and they have now turned their attention to bringing Mateus Fernandes to Old Trafford too.

“There have been many questions about Matheus Fernandes and I can tell you there is strong interest in the midfielder from several clubs,” Romano confirmed. “There are interested clubs in England, there have been rumours involving Real Madrid, and there are more teams monitoring the situation.

Mateus Fernandes, West Ham

“I can guarantee two things. The first is that Man Utd are in direct conversations with the player's representatives. Over the last 48 hours, Man Utd have made contact with the agents of Fernandes and have started discussions regarding the potential cost of a deal, including both the transfer fee and salary package.

“The second important update concerns the valuation set by West Ham United. According to my information, West Ham want £85 million to allow Fernandes to leave this summer.

“He is expected to leave because he is not a player for the Championship, but West Ham are very clear about their asking price.

“We now have to see which club is prepared to meet those demands. Man Utd are certainly very interested and, after completing the Ederson deal, Fernandes could become the next priority.”

Sandro Tonali latest

Sandro Tonali has also been linked with a move to Man Utd, but the Newcastle star is no longer one of their top midfield targets.

That is according to Romano, who admitted: “In the case of Tonali, the appreciation remains, but at this stage the deal is not considered advanced or particularly concrete. The overall cost of the operation, including both salary and transfer fee, is currently viewed as too high.

“As things stand today, Man Utd are relatively cold on the possibility of signing Tonali.

“Tonali could be an option for Manchester City, although their current focus is on Elliot Anderson. Anderson is also highly appreciated by Man Utd, who continue to monitor the situation.

“Tonali is attracting interest from several clubs. Arsenal have made enquiries in recent days and remain involved in the race.

“There is a possibility that more clubs could enter the competition for Tonali, making this a situation that could become very interesting over the coming weeks.”

Sandro Tonali, Newcastle

Marc Cucurella update

Marc Cucurella has been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit in recent weeks and reports in the Spanish press suggest that he has asked to leave the club this summer amid significant interest from La Liga. However, a final decision has not yet been made, as per Romano.

“At the moment it is still early and patience is required. However, if a suitable proposal arrives for both the club and the player, the possibility of Cucurella leaving Chelsea this summer remains open,” Romano said.

“Chelsea are not under pressure to sell and remain fully in control of the situation. A strong offer would be required to open the door to a transfer.

“There is significant interest in Cucurella from Spain and the feeling is that a move back to his home country would be the most likely outcome if he decides to leave Chelsea.

“Spanish clubs currently appear to be more concrete possibilities than any links with other English clubs.

“This could include developments involving FC Barcelona, although nothing is advanced at this stage. The presence of Alejandro Balde means there is currently no active move.

“Meanwhile, Atletico de Madrid have always admired Cucurella. Key figures within the club have long been fans of the player and he remains on their radar. Once again, any potential move would depend on the right proposal arriving for both Chelsea and the player.”

Marc Cucurella, Chelsea

Julian Alvarez to Real Madrid?

Finally, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with their arch-rivals Real Madrid in recent days, but Romano has poured cold water on such rumours.

“Real Madrid continue to be one of the busiest clubs in the market following the re-election of Florentino Perez,” he said.

“We have already discussed many of the club's ongoing situations. Antonio Rudiger is expected to receive an official contract extension soon and there are several other matters being worked on behind the scenes. One of the main talking points remains Julian Alvarez.

“I am told there has been no comment from the player's camp regarding reports linking him with Real Madrid. There has also been no official comment from Real Madrid themselves.

“However, Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of Julian Alvarez, has publicly stated that nobody from Real Madrid has contacted them regarding the player. The agent's position is very clear. According to him, no approach has been made and they have no information regarding any move from Real Madrid.

“Atletico de Madrid are also not commenting on the situation. We now have to wait and see what Real Madrid decide to do. The club continue to assess different opportunities in the market.

“One important point to remember is Florentino Perez's public position on major transfers. He has repeatedly stated that Real Madrid will always approach the selling club first before speaking to players.

“He described this as the correct way to conduct business and reinforced the club's traditional approach to transfer negotiations. So we will see what happens next. It promises to be another very interesting week in Madrid.”