Release clause confirmed, internal talks: Fabrizio Romano transfer rumours involving Man Utd and Arsenal

Manchester United are already hard at work preparing for next season as many of their stars continue to compete at Euro 2024 and Copa Ámerica. The Red Devils saw captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Diogo Dalot progress to the next stage of the Euros on Monday night after a dramatic Portugal penalty shootout win over Slovenia.

In the meantime, Erik ten Hag and the club’s recruitment staff will be working to bring new players to the club while balancing finances to make sure the club are in line with Profit and Sustainability rules. A disappointing Premier League season of last means the Red Devils likely need to add significant quality to the squad, but with more spending will come more pressure for Ten Hag, whether he gets a new contract or not, given the disappointments of last term. In the meantime, as the club eye new deals, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news from ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano.

Zirkzee chase

United continue to be linked with Netherlands and Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee. The winger is available for a manageable fee this summer, as has been confirmed by Bologna director Giovanni Sartori. He said: “Joshua Zirkzee has release clause into his contract and I believe he’s 99% going to leave the club”.

Amid that admission, Romano has said: “The clause is valid starting from today until mid August, worth €40m. Manchester United have been informed about €40m release clause of Joshua Zirkzee valid until mid August.”

He added: “United, discussing internally after talks with agents over salary/costs of deal. AC Milan, still there with contract agreed; commissions are the stumbling block. Manchester United in active talks with player’s camp also this week, discussing contract terms. United board discussing internally about it; AC Milan still not giving green light on commissions.”

Arsenal make Raya deal permanent

Arsenal are said to have wrapped up the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya for a fee of £27million, with the now former Brentford keeper having enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning the Premier League Golden Glove.

Romano reported: “Understand Arsenal have now formally activated the buy option for David Raya from Brentford. He’s Arsenal player on permanent deal for £27m as planned; it was already decided and now completed. Formal statement to follow but all done for Raya as key part of #AFC project.”

Morata to stay put

Elsewhere, former Chelsea star Alvaro Morata looks set to stay with Atletico Madrid despite receiving lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and being linked with a Serie A return. Romano tweeted: “Understand Álvaro Morata has informed Atlético Madrid of his intention to stay at the club next season. Morata has proposals from Saudi Pro League including Al Qadsiah, but he’s giving priority to Atlético once again. Atlético & Simeone, aware of Morata’s desire to stay.”

Morata is Spain’s starting striker at Euro 2024, ahead of Real Madrid frontman Joselu, captaining La Roja to a superb tournament so far. Luis de la Fuente’s men face hosts Germany on Friday in Stuttgart.