Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal signing confirmed, Man Utd want Diomande, Messi to Barcelona?

Football news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on several major transfer stories ahead of this summer, including the latest on Piero Hincapie, Yan Diomande and Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi latest

Lionel Messi continues to be linked with a sensational return to Barcelona, but Romano has confirmed that talks are not ongoing in his latest YouTube video.

“It has been a very intense 24 hours around Barcelona and the discussion regarding a potential return of Lionel Messi. As we know, the presidential elections for Barcelona are approaching, and this is naturally a moment when many figures connected with the club – including legendary players and former managers such as Xavi – express their views and positions.

“Xavi Hernandez spoke in an interview with La Vanguardia and stated that the reality behind Lionel Messi’s potential return to Barcelona in 2023 was that president Joan Laporta stopped the move. According to Xavi, the return had been approved by La Liga and also by Messi himself, and it was not a financial problem.

“These comments immediately became a major talking point in Spain. Shortly afterwards, La Liga president Javier Tebas responded by denying that La Liga had approved any such operation, saying there was never a green light from the league.

“What I can say about the situation is that, beyond the statements we will continue to hear in the coming hours and days, there is an important clarification regarding the present and future. Barcelona fans often refer to the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club, but at this stage in 2026 this is not something that is being discussed internally.

“Regardless of who wins the upcoming presidential elections, a sporting return for Messi is not currently under consideration. The story people are debating relates to what happened in 2023, not to plans for the immediate future.

“In the future there could potentially be separate occasions, such as a farewell match or a special event to allow Messi to say goodbye properly to the Barcelona fans and the club. Those kinds of situations are different and could always be considered between the club and the player.

“However, when it comes to sporting decisions and the possibility of Messi playing again for Barcelona, I can guarantee that there are no ongoing conversations. At this stage in 2026, it is simply not a topic.”

Harry Kane contract talks

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has emerged as a possible target for Barcelona in recent months, but Romano has confirmed that a move to Camp Nou will not take place.

“Another topic around Barcelona concerns rumours linking Harry Kane with a possible move to the club, particularly in connection with the long-term future of Robert Lewandowski,” the transfer expert said.

“These rumours are circulating during a sensitive moment because of the presidential elections. When elections approach, candidates often present big names to the media and to supporters in order to outline their vision for the project.

“However, the concrete reality at this moment is that Harry Kane is in discussions with Bayern Munich regarding a new contract. The club’s leadership is fully involved in this process and they are working to secure an agreement.

“Kane is already under contract until 2027, but Bayern would like to extend that deal as soon as possible. Ideally, the club would love to complete the renewal before the World Cup in order to ensure everything is settled before the start of the 2026-27 season.

“Bayern are prepared to offer an important salary package to keep Kane at the club. Therefore the only active negotiations right now are between Bayern Munich, the player, and his representatives – including his brother, who manages his career.

“This decision will not be based only on financial terms. Kane will also consider family factors and his long-term future while evaluating the proposal.

“So while it is normal that clubs like Barcelona appreciate a striker of Kane’s quality, the only concrete negotiations taking place in March involve Bayern Munich working to extend his contract.”

Piero Hincapie to Arsenal confirmed

Piero Hincapie’s move to Arsenal last summer was a loan deal, however he will officially become their first permanent signing of the summer.

Romano admitted: “There are many questions about Arsenal and whether Piero Hincapie can already be considered the club’s first signing for the summer of 2026. The answer is yes.

“Hincapie will become an Arsenal player on a permanent basis this summer, and this had always been the plan. The structure of the deal is similar to what Arsenal did in the past with David Raya from Brentford.

“Arsenal initially arranged the deal in a way that resembled a loan with an option, but in reality the intention was always to complete a permanent transfer in the following summer window.

“Everything has already been agreed between the player and Arsenal, including a five-year contract. In practical terms, Hincapie already feels like a permanent Arsenal player.

“Bayer Leverkusen will receive a total package worth around €52 million, and the German club will also retain a 10% sell-on clause as part of the agreement.”

Romano added: “The formal announcement will arrive at the end of the season because of Financial Fair Play considerations and the gentleman’s agreement between the clubs.

“One of the key elements of the negotiation was Arsenal’s willingness to guarantee a permanent transfer. This was crucial because Tottenham were also interested and were prepared to sign the player immediately.

“Arsenal showed strong trust in Hincapie, and he has been performing very well. He can play both as a centre-back and as a left-back, and Mikel Arteta is very happy with him.

“There is therefore no doubt about the future – Hincapie and Arsenal will continue together.”

Tino Livramento to Man City latest

Manchester City are in the market for a new right-back and Newcastle United star Valentino Livramento is among their top targets, although negotiations aren’t underway yet.

“Today there have been many messages circulating online suggesting that a deal between Man City and Livramento is already advanced or close to completion,” Romano said.

“My information provides two clear points. Firstly, I do believe Man City will sign a new right-back during the summer transfer window because the club wants to strengthen that position.

“They already attempted to add a right-back last year but the opportunity did not materialise. However, regarding Tino Livramento specifically, what I am told today is very clear: there are currently no negotiations, no conversations and no concrete discussions taking place.

“Livramento was indeed a top target for City about a year ago. At that time there was no agreement with Newcastle, and since then there has been no renewed negotiation.

“My understanding is that since around June or July 2025 Man City have not returned to discuss the player either with Newcastle or with his representatives.

“So while the player is appreciated and was previously on the club’s radar, there is nothing advanced and nothing concrete at this stage.

“Man City are assessing several possible options for the right-back role. The club will evaluate the market carefully before deciding which player best fits their project. Therefore I do expect City to sign a right-back, but at this moment it is not guaranteed to be Tino Livramento.”

Man Utd want Yan Diomande

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has confirmed that a left winger will be pursued this summer and Romano has revealed that Yan Diomande is a top target for the Red Devils in 2026.

“Finally, let’s discuss Man Utd and their plans for the summer transfer window, particularly regarding the left-wing position,” the transfer expert stated.

“As previously mentioned, they are expected to strengthen several areas of the squad. Midfield will be an important priority, but the left wing is also a position that Man Utd are likely to address.

“One of the players who has been on Man Utd’s radar over the last six months is Yan Diomande.

“Diomande is attracting interest from multiple clubs across Europe. Teams in Spain are monitoring him, Paris Saint-Germain have been following his situation, and Tottenham were also interested a few months ago. This means there could be significant movement around the player in the coming months.

“It does not necessarily mean that Man Utd will sign him, but the club maintain a concrete interest.

“United scouts were present at the recent RB Leipzig match against Augsburg to watch Diomande in action. He scored in that game and he has been performing very well recently.

“Beyond the goals and assists, he is an electric winger – very quick, excellent in one-versus-one situations, and capable of creating problems for defenders.

“Several top clubs are monitoring him, but Man Utd’s continued scouting presence shows they are keeping a close eye on the situation.

“However, he is not the only option on United’s shortlist and they have several options for the left-wing position.

“So the recruitment team continues to analyse different options, but the interest in Diomande remains real.

“There will likely be significant movement around the player this summer, and Man Utd are among the clubs carefully tracking his progress.”

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