Fabrizio Romano's Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham transfer update: 'Final fee paid', deal 'almost done'

The new Premier League season is almost here, and transfers are now coming in thick and fast as managers look to finalise their squads before the first game of the new campaign. Clubs have until the end of the month to complete their transfer dealings, but the earlier the better in most cases.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are no exceptions, and they will be battling to wrap up deals over the next few weeks, as will the other London clubs. Here we have rounded up all the latest gossip from transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano.

Merino talks

Arsenal are still said to be battling to complete a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino with talks ongoing between the two clubs. Romano told GiveMeSport: “It’s getting closer. It’s not done yet. They still need some conversations with Real Sociedad in terms of payment terms and the structure of add-ons, so they still need to clarify some important parts of the deal with Real Sociedad.

“But the conversation between Arsenal and Real Sociedad is ongoing; at the moment, it’s all verbal exchanges, so still no official bid to close the deal.”

Chelsea make ‘decision’ on strikers

Chelsea are set to sell Armando Broja and David Dator Fofano are being tipped to leave Chelsea on permanent deals. It was reported that Fofana may leave on loan again, but Romano claims a permanent exit is more likely.

He wrote on X: “Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana are both expected to leave Chelsea on permanent transfer. Broja, not even in the squad tonight.”

Chelsea incoming

On the incomings front, Chelsea are preparing to announce the deal to sign Spanish youngster Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, with the La Liga giants bringing in Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez.

“Last piece of the domino will be Samu Omorodion to Chelsea,” Romano wrote. “Final fee paid by #CFC will be £34.5m. Small details of player’s terms negotiated right now but parties sure that will get done. Gallagher to Atléti and Julián Álvarez to Atléti, also already done as revealed.”

Tottenham deals

Tottenham are said to have agreed a deal to send Alejo Veliz on loan, while the deal involving Emerson Royal is close. Romano tweeted: “Tottenham are signing all docs for Alejo Véliz to join Espanyol on loan, NO buy option clause included. Back at Spurs in June. Next up: direct contact with AC Milan to seal Emerson Royal deal for €15m fee plus add-ons, almost there.”

He added: “AC Milan and Tottenham will have final round of talks to close Emerson Royal deal tomorrow. €15m plus add-ons package, Emerson’s on the verge of becoming new Milan player.”

Cajuste deal ‘close’

Elsewhere in London, Brentford are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Napoli star Jens Cajuste as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season of last.

“Brentford are closing in on Jens Cajuste deal from Napoli, almost done,” tweeted Romano. “Napoli will bid again to sign Billy Gilmour from Brighton and then talks will also advance for Marco Brescianini. Loan move for Cajuste with €12m buy clause that could become mandatory.”