🚨 Tottenham's injury CRISIS, Palace delight, Arteta's message, Pochettino's HUGE challenge, Brighton boosted, Rashford unhappy and more

Today's football headlines all in one place for you, featuring Arsenal, Tottenham and much more!

Nov 11, 2023

Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks for reading and hope you enjoy today’s round-up!

Today’s top stories:

EXCL: Arsenal’s top transfer target identified
Evan Ferguson commits his future to Brighton
Juve’s support for Nicolo Fagioli
Emma Hayes’ reason for quitting Chelsea Women
Plus more from Man City, Newcastle and Real Madrid
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Arsenal

Mikel Arteta sent a clear message to Aaron Ramsdale in case the England keeper has thoughts of moving on because of a lack of game time [Pictures from Hayters]:

Fabrizio Romano has the truth on rumours linking Aaron Ramsdale with a switch to Chelsea.
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry highlights problem for key man [CBS Sports]

Barcelona

Fabrizio Romano unpicks the latest news concerning whether Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo are staying at Barcelona or not.
Vicente del Bosque’s damning criticism of Xavi’s Barcelona [Cadena SER]

Bayern Munich

Bayern are closing in on deal to sign 17-year-old talent Nestory Irankunda, here we go! The winger, born in 2006, will join the Bavarian giants in 2024 from Australian side Adelaide United. Fee verbally agreed is £3m fixed plus add-ons.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Evan Ferguson on his new contract with the Seagulls: “I’m delighted to have committed my future to this great club and looking forward to building on what we’ve done so far together.” The club wanted to increase Ferguson’s salary after he signed a new deal until June 2029. A key part of their project.
Evan Ferguson bluntly replies to question about playing for Ireland instead of England [talkSPORT]

Chelsea

Chelsea confirm Christopher Nkunku’s absence for the Man City game — sources expect him back beginning of December. Chalobah, Chilwell, Carney, Fofana, Lavia, Nkunku all still not available.
Mauricio Pochettino spoke about the challenges Chelsea face against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side, and how the rivalry against him has always been a healthy and respectful one stretching right back to their playing days [Pictures from Hayters]:

Mauricio Pochettino had some good news on one of Chelsea’s long-term absentees: “Roméo Lavia is close to returning as he was training today. Hopefully next week he will be involved with the team, then we can assess when he can help the team.”
He also spoke about Reece James and his recent injury problems, Pochettino noted: “It’s never the decision of the player in these cases; it’s about the medical, sport science and coaching staff taking the decisions. He's desperate to go the national team. He wanted to go. But we will take the best decision for him.”
On Nico Jackson’s goalscoring record: “It will be a process. I haven’t changed my view about him. He scored three goals, it should have been six. Keep calm, be relaxed. With time, he will score goals. He will be less nervous and approach games in a different way.”
On how well Cole Palmer has settled at the club: “We are so happy with Cole Palmer, we trust him for the present and future. He’s a clever guy that has adapted really quick. He needs to improve, but he's showing great quality. He’s a key part of our project.”
On how near to match fitness Christopher Nkunku is: “Nkunku told me: 'coach, I want to be ready after international break against Newcastle.’ It's close. He's doing really, really well. We are so happy with Christopher and his recovery, very professional.”

Chelsea Women’s legendary manager, Emma Hayes, explains the reason why she is bowing out of her job whilst she’s still at the very top [Pictures from Hayters]:

Si Phillips does a deep dive to address the Winstanley/Emma Hayes story.
Moises Caicedo reveals last minute phone call from a Chelsea player convinced him to join the club [90Min]

Crystal Palace

Official: Eberechi Eze signs a new long term deal at Crystal Palace valid until June 2027. “I’m now in my fourth season with the club and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’m loving every moment. Hopefully the fans can expect more of the same in the future.”

Rumours continue to swirl around Eze’s Palace colleague, Marc Guehi, and Fabrizio Romano has the latest news on the England international.
Palace line up move for goal-machine but face competition from London rivals [90Min]

Juventus

Nicoló Fagioli has signed his new contract at Juventus, valid until 2028. It’s a longer deal than before as the club show their support to him after his gambling addiction was made public and he was subsequently banned until May because of an illegal betting scandal.

Liverpool

Liverpool have great belief in Darwin Núñez and Neil Jones has a deep dive on why that is.
Was Ibrahima Konate right to ‘flirt’ with Paris Saint-Germain? Neil Jones gives his honest opinion from a Liverpool point of view.

Neil Jones on why the Liverpool and Arsenal VAR complaints aren’t comparable.
Xabi Alonso is fast becoming one of the best coaches in Europe. Could he be Jurgen Klopp’s successor? Neil Jones looks at Liverpool’s chances.
Rival manager reveals he is ‘starting to dislike’ Jurgen Klopp [Kicker]

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola gave an update on Man City’s talisman, Kevin de Bruyne, during his pre-match press conference for the Chelsea game [Pictures from Hayters]:
Kalvin Phillips was rumoured to be a target for Juventus. Fabrizio Romano has the latest.
Manchester City could reignite interest in £80 million West Ham star [UOL]

Manchester United

Ten Hag on Rashford’s poor form: “Marcus is not happy. We are not happy. He has high expectations of himself. At the moment he is not in his best form but I know he will be back.”
Ten Hag on why Mason Mount isn’t playing: “He started the season and then got injured.. It interrupts the integration process. It was really a setback. Now he has to fight to get his place back. There are other players who are doing well.”

Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images

Ten Hag on a potential rift with Raphael Varane: “There’s no problem, no issue with Varane. It is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships. Last year, Varane was playing and Harry Maguire was on the bench. In this moment, Harry is playing very well and there is internal competition.”
Man United confirm Jonny Evans will be out of action for the next few weeks with injury. The Northern Ireland defender suffered a thigh strain in the first half of the match against Copenhagen.
Manchester United initiate contact regarding a January move for 22-year-old [FootballTransfers]

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe spoke about various matters during his pre-match press conference on Friday, including: “Rubén Neves? Yes, he’s a player we liked when he was at Wolves. I'm open to signings from anywhere if they're good enough and they make our team better. Saudi loan deals blocked? I will let you decide why those rules are coming in. No comment on that.”
Newcastle plotting bargain move for 23-year-old defender in January [90Min]

Real Madrid

19-year-old Nico Paz made his Real Madrid debut against Braga this week: "As soon as I came off the bench and saw the Bernabéu... my stomach turned. I got really overwhelmed. Madrid are special. You have to, you want to win. It's Madrid’s aura." Los Blancos believe Nico will be an important player for their future project.

On the verge of making his Real Madrid debut, Arda Güler has picked up another injury. Ancelotti: “Arda Güler got injured before Braga. He’s sad, it’s not a serious injury — it’s just a small setback. His previous injury in the meniscus affects all the other muscular problems he's having. Güler's future is not in doubt. He will have an amazing future. I told Arda: stay calm, no rush. It’s difficult when you’re injured as you see others playing… I understand his sadness & disappointment. We are supporting Arda. No rush here at Real Madrid.”
Carlo Ancelotti was asked about being jealous of Vini Jr, Rodrygo, Valverde and Camavinga’s contracts being extended: “Jealous? Why? No. Not at all. We have time to discuss my contract. The future of Real Madrid will be bright with those players. They’re very happy here.”
Real Madrid planning 2024 move for Erling Haaland after agent hint [AS]

Saudi Pro League

Cristian Tello is out of contract at Fateh Club in Saudi in June 2024, and he’s preparing for another new chapter as clubs are enquiring to sign him as a free agent. The former Barça winger has multiple options to consider.
Paolo Maldini is the main candidate to become a new Al Ittihad director as he considers a new chapter in Saudi Pro League. The former AC Milan director is set to decide his future soon with Al Ittihad, who recently fired Nuno Espirito Santo, a serious possibility.
Chicharito Hernández on new challenge: “I’m evaluating projects in MLS, Europe, Mexico and also Saudi Arabia. I came back stronger, more resilient and eager to continue enjoying football. My knee is great.” Chicharito is available as a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy.

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou gave reporters a run down of Tottenham’s injury woes during his pre-match press conference for the Wolves game [pictures from Hayters].

Paratici was desperate to bring Newcastle attacker to Tottenham [Football Insider]
The Australian coach has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for the third month in a row. Not bad for his first season in the English top-flight.

Villareal

Villarreal are confident of sealing an agreement with Marcelino as new head coach. The former Marseille manager is expected to be the replacement for Pacheta, fired on Friday.

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