Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has given updates on some of the biggest headlines of the day, with Real Madrid, Arsenal and Alexander Isak among the talking points.
Spurs denied by Real Madrid for Nico Paz
Romano says that Tottenham are now out of the running for Nico Paz, despite offering Como €70 million. Real Madrid are now poised to sign the Argentine for €10m next summer – so what’s happened?
Romano explains on YouTube: “Nico Paz on the pitch is wonderful. He’s a special player and scored a wonderful free kick against Lazio, but Real Madrid have control of the player. Officially, he’s a Como player but Real Madrid have matching rights, 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back clause for 2026 for €10 million. He’s probably worth €50,60,70m.
“Tottenham Hotspur, after missing out on Eberechi Eze in midweek, presented an official bid to Como via intermediaries. That was worth more than €70m package, add-ons included.
“Real Madrid sources tell me the answer was very clear. The player wants to stay at Como this season. Como want to keep the player, even if the opportunity was there for big money – but remember, they’d only take 50%. So it was going to be €30-35m add-ons included.
“But Nico Paz wants to stay with Como and work with Cesc Fabregas. Although the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Tottenham was a big chance but Como, Cesc Fabregas and the chance to play on a regular basis was perfect for him. So he decides to stay but also because Real Madrid have told Como that they will compensate them in the player.
“The relationship between the clubs is excellent. It’s very likely that Nico Paz will join Real Madrid in 2026. They told Como they would match any bid for Paz. So the Nico Paz to Tottenham is over for now.”
Arsenal bid
Arsenal have some big decisions to make in the days ahead with regards one of their fringe players, which could prompt the Gunners to go back into the transfer market.
“Porto are coming big for Jakub Kiwior, the Arsenal centre-back. They tried in July but the bid was rejected. I expect Porto to try again. They really want him; they want to attack for Kiwior,” Romano says.
“If Kiwior leaves, Arsenal could go for a new centre-back. They’d go for a left-footed player because if Zinchenko leaves, too, they could add a player who can play as a centre-back and a left-back when needed.”
Hincapie says goodbye to Leverkusen
One of the players Arsenal have been linked with is Piero Hincapie, and Romano says the centre-back is primed to become the latest big name to leave Bayer Leverkusen.
He explains: “Piero Hincapie has a release clause of €60m at Bayer Leverkusen. He was seen over the weekend crying after the game. He could be ready for an exit in the last week of the transfer window. There’s interest from the Premier League. Tottenham tried a few weeks ago, but it was not possible. Let’s follow the situation.
“There’s a lot of interest in the player. Let’s see if someone reaches the €60m. Left-footed, one of the most interesting defenders around.”
Porto reject Rodrigo Mora bid
Rodrigo Mora has attracted attention from the Saudi Pro League but will not leave Porto unless his release clause is matched.
Romano explains: “There was a bid from Al-Ittihad proposed to sign this 18-year-old talent, one of the best talents around, for €63m, plus 10% economic rights. Porto president Andre Villas-Boas said no because he’s been very clear: the player only leaves with the release clause paid. That’s €70m. Al-Ittihad are not proceeding at the moment. Despite the chance of having the chance to generate more money in the future with this bid, Porto have said no thanks. Rodrigo Mora was keen on a move.”
Isak back in Newcastle training this week?
Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Liverpool has been given additional spice with the battle between the clubs over the future of Alexander Isak, who continues to go on strike to try to force a move.
Romano explains: “Newcastle and Liverpool is coming, and it’s going to be an important moment because it’s going to close this story. From Tuesday, we’ll understand more.
“Newcastle, internally, hope that after the game, Isak will return to training. They want to convince Isak to be back in training following the game on Monday. Liverpool remain in position. They want Isak and will attack for Isak.
“This story completely depends on Newcastle. They’re ones who decide and will try to keep the player. Internally, Newcastle hope Isak will be back in training this week.”
