🚨 Osimhen to Arsenal or Chelsea? Plus Luiz bid likely, Icardi one to watch, Fulham seal dramatic victory, potential exits from Stamford Bridge & more
Today's headlines, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - your essential round-up of the biggest football headlines. Thanks as always for reading, and enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
AC Milan are in advanced talks to seal the agreement with 2008 born top talent Francesco Camarda to sign his first professional deal in March. Camarda will turn 16 then he will be able to sign. Despite Borussia Dortmund and more clubs showing an interest, Camarda only wants to play for AC Milan.
AC Milan are among multiple clubs tracking Liberia 2006-born midfielder Divine Teah. Milan, Sporting, Bayer Leverkusen are all keeping close eye on him. The talented youngster was recently included in the Guardian’s top 60 talents of Next Generation for 2023.
Al Hilal
Will we see Al Hilal turn to the market to replace the injured Neymar? Fabrizio Romano takes a look here.
Arsenal
Are Arsenal as good as they were last season? Jamie Carragher gives some interesting analysis as he explains why he can’t see them winning the league [Pictures from Sky Sports Monday Night Football]
Victor Osimhen to Arsenal? Reports suggest this surprise move could be on!
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has made it clear he doesn’t want Douglas Luiz to leave, saying: “Douglas is playing very good and his commitment is amazing. I want him here. I am very happy with him and I want to keep him, of course. I think he’s happy with us too.”
Atletico Madrid
Nahuel Molina is set to sign new long term deal at Atletico Madrid valid until June 2028. His new contract will also include release clause worth €70m. Molina is a key part of the Atleti project for present and future.
Barcelona
Xavi: “I feel protected by the club. I talk to the president often and to Deco. They know how we work and I feel that I have all their confidence. I firmly believe that we will play well again and get the results. If I didn’t believe in it I wouldn't be here.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta: “We are with Xavi. 100% guaranteed, our support will be total. He’s our manager and we are proud to have him as a coach.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern have reached an agreement to extend Sven Ulreich’s contract until June 2025. It’s all done. “I have a good feeling that we'll be able to announce it soon. Maybe in the next few weeks, before Christmas,” said Bayern director Christoph Freund.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund striker Donyell Malen has decided to change agent as he signed with SEG group. Malen is currently under contract at BVB until June 2026.
Bournemouth
Chelsea
Victor Osimhen remains a target for Chelsea, and they also want a centre-back - more info from Fabrizio Romano here.
Armando Broja has been linked with Fulham, but it could depend on other deals - Fabrizio Romano has the details here.
Noni Madueke could also be facing some doubts over his Chelsea future.
There’s still nothing done or agreed between Chelsea and Corinthians for Gabriel Moscardo. There’s no deal in place at this stage - interest is still there and has been since August, but the race remains open.
Mauricio Pochettino on the possibility of signing another striker in January: “It’s something we are going to analyse between the owners, the sporting director and of course the coaching staff. If we decide to go for some players that can improve or can add some qualities that maybe we don’t have, or maybe to keep the same squad. I think we are really open.”
Fulham
Late drama at Craven Cottage yesterday as Willian won it for Fulham from the penalty spot. FT Fulham 3-2 Wolves [Pictures from Sky Sports]
How likely is it that Fulham could sign Armando Broja this January?
Galatasaray
Inter Milan
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta: “We are in talks with Lautaro and his agent to get new deal sorted, we're very calm. I believe that there will be no issues in the negotiations as Lautaro wants to continue here, talks are underway.”
Inter remain optimistic and confident on completing the signing of Tiago Djalo as a free agent for June 2024. Negotiations are underway and Inter want Tiago to be their first signing for next season.
Liverpool
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Manuel Akanji, saying: “What a signing Man City has done… wow. He can play full-back, central defender, holding midfield. When he arrives in final third, he has ability to make passes, he’s fast, he’s strong. What a player Txiki Begiristain has brought me here.”
Pep Guardiola on Kevin de Bruyne’s recovery from injury: “If he said he returns January, it's January. Football, he’s not 21 anymore — time runs, unfortunately injured and has to recover well, prepare well and we're not expecting after one week to be perfect.”
Manchester United
Antonio Silva is on Manchester United’s list since September, as previously revealed. He’s being scouted and is highly rated. Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba are also both still on Man Utd’s future list. A top centre back will join in 2024, but it’s more likely to happen in the summer than in January.
Goncalo Inacio is another name linked with Man United, but could they face competition for his signature?
Bruno Fernandes on Kobbie Mainoo: “He’s the man of the match. For his age he has so much qualities. He sees things before others. He is comfortable with the ball and never makes a mistake. Kobbie put in a great performance yesterday, for sure. Very good!”
Napoli
Newcastle United
PSG
Luis Enrique has once again praised Ousmane Dembele, saying: “I keep insisting on my point: Ousmane Dembele is the most influential football player in the world. No doubts. He doesn’t care about mistakes. He keeps going, he loves to try. He doesn’t listen to criticism… he always generates good things.”
Real Madrid
Real Madrid insist they’re not in active talks to sign Mauro Icardi for the January transfer window, despite rumours. Icardi’s excellent performances haven’t gone unnoticed around Europe but Real are denying that kind of plan.
Icardi looks back to his best, so could he be one to watch for January?
Swansea City
Swansea City have completed the signing of 34 year old free agent Yannick Bolasie on a short-term deal.
Tottenham
Wolves
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil: “You can call me and tell me I’m wrong, you can also apologise, you can send me flowers if you like… but the difference from 22 pts to 15 is huge”. “It damages the lives of our fans, the players, my reputation as someone making my way at a big club”.
Should we be expecting transfers from Saudi league to the Premier League in the January window?