🚨😱 Arsenal star eyed for SHOCK move, Chelsea playmaker links, PSG trigger deal, Man Utd star's dilemma, worry for Spurs, and more
Today's football headlines all in one place for you, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and 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:
Plus more from Arsenal, Man City and Real Madrid
AC Milan
Former AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has revealed: “We tried to sign Leo Messi. I wanted him, we called for it but after 10 days we understood it was just impossible. He’s wonderful player, we tried but it was not possible for us.”
Porto president Pinto Da Costa on Mehdi Taremi being available as a free agent in June 2024: “He has received €10m per year salary offers from other clubs… it’s impossible to match that. AC Milan came up last summer with ridiculous proposals that weren't even worth talking about.”
📰 AC Milan are interested in Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile and are also considering Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior as an option in that position (Calciomercato)
Al Hilal
Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus: “There are things I don’t control. I train, I look, I try, I move, I help the team. The goal is inevitable. I believe it’s not my strong point, but I score goals and I’m there to score goals. When I come back, it will happen. I work quietly, I’m not one to respond to criticism.”
This video of William Saliba trying to name former Arsenal players has been doing the rounds - watch out for one pretty hilarious guess in particular! [Pictures from NBC Sports Soccer]
Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann: “UEFA has a lot of money and they can’t get everything sorted… so we know if there was a goal or not. We need to demand more from UEFA. If they want us to play more matches, then we ask for more technology.”
Barcelona
Barca director Deco: “It’s impossible to replace Gavi. There’s no player on the market with his skills, his mentality. It’s wrong to discuss about replacing Gavi as it’s not possible. We will not find a replacement in January.”
There’s one surprise name linked as a potential Gavi replacement - Fabrizio Romano takes a look at the story here.
Barca director Deco on Vitor Roque: “The incorporation of Vitor will be based on Fair Play. Depending on what we generate, we would do it. With Gavi’s injury, a new scenario arises and we are going to evaluate it based on what we can do. We are seeing.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have been linked with Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, but recent reports suggest the Gunners want to discuss a new contract with the Japan international.
Brighton
Chelsea
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is said to be greatly appreciated by Chelsea - more info from Fabrizio Romano here.
What a goal this was from Kvaratskhelia last season - would you want to see him in the Premier League? FT Sassuolo 0-2 Napoli [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Christopher Nkunku is preparing for his return to action after a lengthy injury layoff - he’s now very, very close to being available again for Chelsea.
Fulham
📰 Fulham are interested in Fluminense midfielder Andre and now look to be ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for the 22-year-old Brazilian (Evening Standard)
Germany
Julian Nagelsmann: “I don’t regret taking Germany NT job, I’m enjoying it. We have to work our way out of this situation with everything we have. I’m sad, but not frustrated. The defeats hurt. Now we have to talk less and do more on the pitch.”
Hajduk Split
Talented midfielder Rokas Pukstas (born 2004) has agreed to sign a new long term deal at Hajduk Split. An agreement until June 2027 has been reached and it will be signed and sealed soon. Many European clubs are monitoring Pukstas who’s one to watch for USMNT future 2026 squad.
Manchester City
Man City rejected three loan bids in August for Oscar Bobb, including one from Lazio.
Discussing his situation, Bobb said: “I was never planning to leave Man City on loan. New deal? My agents and the club take care of contract talks… would be cool staying at City for all my life.”
Manchester United
Is Antoine Griezmann really a target for Manchester United? Fabrizio Romano has the latest details in his column here.
Luke Shaw has returned to training as he’s now set to be back with the first team. Crucial player for Erik ten Hag, limited to only two games so far this season, so it’s great news for Manchester United.
Ghanaian MP Isaac Adongo has apologised for mocking Harry Maguire last year!
📰 Andre Onana is yet to decide if he will go to AFCON with Cameroon this January, but some sources fear he’s at risk of punishment if he doesn’t go. He has not set a deadline for his decision and is still considering his options (The Athletic)
📰 Manchester United are ready to follow Chelsea’s model by hiring multiple sporting directors. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a major overhaul of the recruitment department. Paul Mitchell and Dougie Freedman are under consideration while Paulo Maldini has also been mentioned as a potential candidate (talkSPORT)
Napoli
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain have now activated the buy option clause to sign Goncalo Ramos on a permanent deal after he initially joined on loan in the summer. They’re set to pay a €65m fixed fee to Benfica plus €15m in add-ons.
Porto
Porto president Pinto Da Costa on Mehdi Taremi being available as a free agent in June 2024: “He has received €10m per year salary offers from other clubs… it’s impossible to match that. AC Milan came up last summer with ridiculous proposals that weren't even worth talking about.”
Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho: “Re-joining Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti? Florentino is super smart. He already has a super manager, why thinking of another? I’m Madridista and I hope Ancelotti will stay there. He’s the perfect coach for Real Madrid.”
Mourinho on Ancelotti and Brazil links: “I think only a crazy person like me can leave Real without the club wanting to. I left even though Real and Jose Sanchez wanted me to stay. I’m sure that Carlo will decide to stay as soon as Florentino Perez calls him.”
Roma
Jose Mourinho: “I think one day I will join Saudi Pro League. I think I will go and coach there, yes. But that day won’t be tomorrow or after tomorrow…”
More here from Fabrizio Romano on Mourinho’s future and Saudi links.
Croatian talent Fabijan Krivak (born 2005) will not join AS Roma on €3m deal — despite recent reports. Understand he’s set to sign new long term deal at NK Lokomotiva until June 2026, agreement reached.
West Ham United
Pablo Fornals has been linked with Barcelona, but what’s the truth? More from Fabrizio Romano here.
Could West Ham turn to Timo Werner to solve their problems up front?