Transfer Updates: Romero, Mastantuono, Diamonde, Ascencio – all in the news
The transfer market is set to go into an overdrive following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup as football clubs especially in Europe and other parts of the world prepare for the new soccer season.
Player movements and possible contract extensions are expected to be at the front burner of activities with Morgan Elliott’s $116 million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City setting up the tone for other clubs.
To whet the appetite of transfer news and gossip mongers, FirstDailySports highlights the latest football transfer news making the rounds on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Madrid sanction Mastantuono’s loan exit
Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid has reportedly given the green light for the loan exit of Argentine youngster, Franco Mastantuono.
The club now coached by Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho will allow the player leave the club on loan with no buy option clause.
Reports say Madrid favours a straight loan for the player who is now in a similar position as Endrick in January with more than five clubs in Spain and abroad said to be interested in his services.
Read Also: How 2026 World Cup became football’s most lucrative tournament
Inter Milan working on possible deal for Cuti Romero
Italian Serie A club Inter Milan are eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cuti Romero who has been offered as option during talks for defender Djed Spence.
Inter are working on a possible deal as direct talks with the player’s camp expected to follow soon, after the club held talks with Spurs recently.
Reports say Barcelona are also considering the Argentina born player (who is holidaying after the World Cup) as an option should one of the centre backs leave Camp Nou.
Nottingham Forest close in on Ousmane Diomande deal
English Premier League (EPL) club Nottingham Forest are confident of acquiring the services of Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon after tabling an official bid.
Reports say the offer tabled by Forest is around €40 million in total package with add-ons included which is way below the player’s €80 million release clause.
Contract negotiations are currently underway with the centre back’s camp, as Forest advanced their intention to secure the player’s signature.
Raúl Asencio considers Real Madrid exit
Spanish professional footballer Raúl Asencio is considering a move away from Spanish club Real Madrid after fearing he may have limited playing time under new coach, Jose Mourinho.
Madrid are said to be open to the player’s exit which could be on a permanent basis or on loan depending on proposals but exit also depends on player’s decision.
Reports reveal that Ascencio’s exit had already been planned since June with José Mourinho not considering the player as a good fit for his style and tactics.
Luca Modric agrees AC Milan contract extension
Old Croatian war horse Luca Modric has refused to retire from football after verbally agreeing to sign a new deal at Italian club AC Milan.
The legend continues his sojourn on the field of play as he has accepted to sign a new short term deal at Milan after speaking to new head coach Rúben Amorim.
Nico Zaniolo signs new deal at Udinese
Italian international striker Nicolò Zaniolo has signed a new deal at Udinese today valid until June 2029 plus option until 2031.
The Zebras fought tooth and nail to keep the player at the club after his excellent first season wearing the colours of the team.
Despite reports of misconduct the club denied that the player has never missed training ahead of the new season.
Zaniolo who moved on loan to Udinese from Galatasaray at the end of the 2024/25 season with an option to buy, which was activated after a successful season, has had loan spells with Aston Villa, Atalanta, and Fiorentina in the past.
