Fabrizio Romano's Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham transfer update: 'Verbal agreement', 'medical tests' scheduled
With the first weekend of Premier League football in the books, clubs now have a better idea of what they still need heading into the final weeks of the summer transfer window. While friendlies can help shape squads, competitive football is the clearest indication a manager can ask for.
We saw mixed fortunes for London clubs, with Arsenal and Brentford winning, Tottenham drawing, and Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Ham all lost. As attention turns back to getting deals over the line, we have rounded up all the latest from transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano.
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Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with Aaron Ramsdale expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window
“Arsenal have already reached verbal agreement with Spanish GK Joan García on personal terms,” Romano said. “He’s the priority target for Arsenal to replace Aaron Ramsdale if he leaves in final 10 days. Espanyol are aware of #AFC interest but no official bid yet, depends on Ramsdale.”
Nketiah bid
On the outgoings front, Arsenal have finally received some concrete interest, and indeed a bid, according to Romano, for Eddie Nketiah, with the striker up for sale this summer.
Romano tweeted: “Nottingham Forest have sent bids for both Santiago Giménez and Eddie Nketiah, initial proposals rejected. #NFFC will end up signing only one striker but talks continue on both sides to make decision soon.”
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Chelsea look closer to signing Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid than they are to selling Conor Gallagher to the Spanish club. Romano has said: “João Félix day at Chelsea, plan confirmed. He’s travelling to London today for medical tests and contract signing, deal valid until June 2030 It will include an option for further year. João, excited to return to Chelsea as it’s all agreed also with his agent Mendes.”
He added in a separate tweet: “Details of Conor Gallagher deal with Atlético will not change, same as last week. Chelsea to receive €42m guaranteed fee, Conor has already all contracts ready and sealed… valid until June 2029. Medical also already done, formal steps to follow from Tuesday.”
Fulham to close deal
Sander Berge looks set to return to the Premier League after back-to-back relegations with Sheffield United and then Burnley. Fulham are said to be closing in on a deal, with Marco Silva getting more midfield reinforcements.
Romano tweeted: “Sander Berge, in London to complete formal steps of his move to Fulham from Burnley for £20m initial fee plus £5m add-ons. Medical tests booked and all set to proceed.”
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There has been plenty of speculation over the future of West Ham star Edson Alvarez, who could still leave this summer, according to Romano. He said: “Edson Alvarez, expected to be back in the squad for West Ham against Crystal Palace if all goes to plan. There are still clubs interested in Alvarez for final days of transfer window but no formal bids so far.”
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