🚨 Victor Osimhen revelation, Chelsea target could leave for FREE, Man Utd scout wonderkid, Arsenal target would welcome London move, and more
Today's headlines, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Today's top stories:
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale’s father has spoken about the player’s unhappy situation at Arsenal, but what does it mean for the goalkeeper’s future?
Fabrizio Romano also takes a look at those links with Ruben Neves and Julian Brandt in his exclusive column.
Ivan Toney would welcome a move to Arsenal or Chelsea - more from Ben Jacobs here.
Jorginho admits he’d like to return to Italy before the end of his career, saying: “I would like to return but I don’t know when the right time would be. I want to return yes, but I don’t know when, I feel I still have things to do at Arsenal. It always takes time when you change teams, but the first six months at Arsenal were not negative, on the contrary.”
Here’s the full audio from VAR as they allowed Anthony Gordon’s winner against Arsenal to stand - thoughts? [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has officially retired from professional football at the age of 36. He also represented Barcelona, West Ham and other clubs, and won 49 caps for Cameroon, representing his country at two World Cups.
Athletic Bilbao
Nico Williams’ agent: “His contract will expire in June. We should not forget that situation. Athletic know what Nico wants since long time but there’s still no formal bid on the table to sign new deal. We’re still waiting.”
Nico Williams: “The fact that great clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League clubs want me means I’m doing things well. For me, it's clear what decision I want. My agents are working on it.”
All you need to know about Nico Williams and links with Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid here.
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone on the suggestion that Joao Felix never gave his best for Atletico: “It’s unfair, he couldn’t give everything he would have wanted, I don’t think that’s it. He couldn’t. He gave what he could give. Today we see him well, with a more reactive intention to the loss of the ball, more active in attack, he was always talented, it is difficult for him to run meters back. Anything that happens well for Joao we will be happy at Atletico because it will be better for the club.”
Barcelona
Barcelona director Deco: “No doubts, we want to keep both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo also next season and for the future. They’re key players for us and they’re happy here. It’s still early but we will think about the negotiation, we are happy with both of them.”
Barca director Deco: “Of course Ansu Fati can return here, he’s on loan to Brighton. He’s young, he’s happy now. I think Brighton was good choice to play regular football, we’re following his progress. It’s up to his performances. But Ansu could return to Barca, for sure.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern director Christoph Freund: “Reports of talks not taking place with Leroy Sane over new deal are fake. This is the best Leroy Sane Bayern has had so far. He's one of the players on whom we want to build the future of the team.”
Joao Palhinha remains on Bayern list for January, director Freund confirms: “Of course he’s still on our radar! The club worked intensively on that deal, then… strange day of the transfer window. But we can't say yet what will happen.”
Bayern director Freund on stories involving Alphonso Davies: “Davies and Real Madrid is not my topic. I’m speaking to him about our plans with Phonzy here with us. We want Davies to stay and preferably long-term, this is the subject of our talks.”
Alphonso Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh on reports of decision not to sign new deal at Bayern to join Real Madrid: “That’s inaccurate. Right now, Phonzy is at Bayern Munich, that's where his focus is.”
Benfica
Brazil
A staggering game as Brazil Under-17s beat New Caledonia Under-17s 9-0 and registered an incredible 81 shots on goal, meaning they created a chance every 75 seconds on average!
Brighton
Barca director Deco: “Of course Ansu Fati can return here, he’s on loan to Brighton. He’s young, he’s happy now. I think Brighton was good choice to play regular football, we’re following his progress. It’s up to his performances. But Ansu could return to Barca, for sure.”
Chelsea
Is Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney more likely for Chelsea? Ben Jacobs with the latest info here.
Conor Gallagher on his future: “I’m sure that will get sorted out, everyone knows Chelsea is my club and I love playing for them. The fans are brilliant and I’m loving right now and I’m sure it will get itself sorted out.”
Fulham
Joao Palhinha remains on Bayern list for January, director Freund confirms: “Of course he’s still on our radar! The club worked intensively on that deal, then… strange day of the transfer window. But we can't say yet what will happen.”
Juventus
Official, confirmed: Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has extended his contract until June 2028. His salary has been increased, with the player supported by the club in this difficult moment - he’ll be back in May from ban due to gambling addiction.
Samuel Iling-Junior has been linked with Tottenham, but what’s the truth? More from Fabrizio Romano here.
How promising a talent does Iling-Junior look? Here’s a goal from last season, which he finished well after starting the move. FT Atalanta 0-2 Juventus [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Manchester City
Manchester City earned a Premier League record revenue of £712.8m for the 2022-23 financial year. This represents a £99.8m rise on their earnings last year.
Manchester United
Manchester United scouts were in attendance at Benfica game vs Sporting to follow Joao Neves - more from Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column here.
However, Fabrizio Romano is hearing about different priorities for United - more info here.
Jadon Sancho to Saudi Arabia? Ben Jacobs has the latest in his column here.
📰 Casemiro could be sold by Manchester United amid links with the Saudi Pro League (talkSPORT)
Napoli
Walter Mazzarri is the new Napoli head coach. Agreement sealed - valid until June 2024. The former Inter and Watford manager has signed the contract and was unveiled yesterday, replacing Rudi Garcia.
What’s the latest on Victor Osimhen’s Napoli future? Ben Jacobs has some exclusive info here.
Newcastle United
PSG
Ben Jacobs on why it could still be some time before we know for sure what Kylian Mbappe will decide to do next season.
RB Leipzig
Timo Werner seems to be facing an uncertain future - more on that from Fabrizio Romano here.
Emil Forsberg has verbally agreed to join New York Red Bulls in MLS from January. Deal in place, not signed/sealed but verbally agreed. Understand it will be a four year deal. Forsberg will leave RB Leipzig to stay in RB group with NY. Final steps to take place soon.
Real Madrid
Rodrygo Goes: “I didn’t get any offer from Saudi League. I’m not interested about Premier League rumours. To be honest I'm only thinking about playing for Real Madrid, nothing else. I love Real Madrid. It’s all perfect here. ”
Joselu on his future: “I hope to stay at Real Madrid and I’m ready to fight for that. It’s my main goal. I have responded quite well, scoring goals and giving the team points. Ancelotti has always been very direct and sincere with me.”