🚨 Haaland's stunning UCL record, PSG star to leave with PL clubs interested, Arsenal target's bargain clause, plus are Chelsea set to move for Brazil wonderkid?
The latest football headlines, featuring Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, PSG and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing - thanks as always for reading and hope you enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
Arsenal
Jakub Kiwior to AC Milan? Ben Jacobs has the latest info in his column here.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, meanwhile, will NOT be leaving and Arsenal want him to sign a new contract.
One more blow for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta reveals Fabio Vieira has been to see a specialist. Arteta said: “Vieira has undergone surgery on his groin yesterday and he will be out for weeks. We don’t expect him back this side of the winter break.”
Athletic Bilbao
Nico Williams on his contract due to expire in June 2024: “I’m happy here in Bilbao. Athletic fans can be relaxed, no worries.”
Atletico Madrid
This was one of the goals of the evening from Mario Hermoso, but did he mean it? Either way it found its way into the back of the net in some style! FT Feyenoord 1-3 Atletico Madrid [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Barcelona
Barcelona came from behind to beat Porto at home, with this lovely strike by Joao Cancelo undoubtedly the pick of the goals on the night! FT Barcelona 2-1 Porto [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Joao Cancelo: “My injury is not serious, I felt some pain but it should be all good to play vs Atleti. We have a wonderful group. This is a really great team, human side also top.”
Joao Felix: “I’m here to enjoy it to the fullest because the future is always uncertain, no one knows what happens. I hope to win trophies, which is what any player strives for. It’s to win trophies and I hope to end this year with some!”
Barcelona director Deco: “We decided to extend Xavi’s contract because we do trust him. No doubts. There is no discussion about him. But we are used to these things, there are always rumours around Barca when we don’t play well.”
No contract talks yet for Frenkie de Jong - Fabrizio Romano with the latest here.
Bayern Munich
Thomas Tuchel on Thomas Muller not being a regular starter: “Of course he’s not happy. But Thomas will always remain a special player. He knows that he always has the chance to start. He knows my respect for him. Thomas is a legend for Bayern. I understand the discussion.”
Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich have extended their contracts at FC Bayern until June 2025. Both deals were sealed yesterday.
Manuel Neuer: “I am happy to stay at FC Bayern for another year. After my long injury, I'm back again. We can achieve big goals in the next few years - and of course that includes the Champions League final in Munich in 2025.”
Borussia Dortmund
English youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens was on the score sheet as Borussia Dortmund enjoyed a hugely impressive win away to AC Milan last night - and a very tidy finish it was as well. FT AC Milan 1-3 Borussia Dortmund [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Donyell Malen has just changed agents - could he be one to watch on the market?
Chelsea
Chelsea are not expected to bid for Gabriel Moscardo as things stand, with PSG set to open talks over signing the Brazilian youngster from Corinthians.
Chelsea did show an interest in Gabriel Moscardo in the summer, but what’s changed? Fabrizio Romano has all you need to know in his column here.
Meanwhile, Chelsea moving for Marc Guehi can’t be ruled out, according to Ben Jacobs.
Alternatively, Fabrizio Romano has played down the Guehi to Chelsea links in his column here.
One clear priority for Chelsea is to offload this defender - details here from Ben Jacobs.
Liverpool
Thiago Alcantara wanted to stay at Liverpool despite Saudi interest in the summer, but has his situation changed? Details here from Fabrizio Romano’s column.
Manchester City
Phil Foden was among the scorers with this lovely finish as Manchester City came from behind to beat RB Leipzig in a thrilling contest at the Etihad Stadium. FT Man City 3-2 RB Leipzig [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Erling Haaland is the youngest player ever to score 40 Champions League goals - and he’s managed it in just 35 games in the competition.
Manchester United
Timo Werner’s situation has Manchester United on alert - full details here from Fabrizio Romano.
Ben Jacobs names the “most likely” player to leave Manchester United this January.
However, it’s NOT accurate that this Man Utd player is “unsettled” in England.
Newcastle like this Man United player but he’s deemed too important to sell.
Erik ten Hag on Kobbie Mainoo: “If players are good enough, they are old enough. We’re pleased, but it’s one performance. You have to do it on a consistent base. We are confident he can do it, but you have to prove it. Just enjoy it and don’t get distracted.”
Ten Hag on Facundo Pellistri: “Pellistri must become a starter and take that step forward. He has to make also a step from bench player, coming in and having a good impact, to a starting eleven player. We will see how quick that process will do.”
Newcastle United
While it was ultimately a difficult result to take for Newcastle, they did take the lead through Alexander Isaak, thanks to some brilliant play by Tino Livramento in the build-up. FT PSG 1-1 Newcastle [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Eddie Howe: “I don’t think that was a penalty. We know that when it hits a body part first and his hands are low, it's not a penalty. I feel really flat, but pleased with what the players have given.”
Newcastle have some targets in mind to replace Sandro Tonali, but is Ruben Neves one of them? Ben Jacobs with the latest info here.
Hugo Ekitike is NOT currently thought to be a priority for Newcastle, who are focused on other areas - more info here from Fabrizio Romano.
PSG
There was late drama in the game between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle as Kylian Mbappe equalised with this penalty in stoppage time. It was a controversial decision, and it denied Newcastle a famous win, with both teams still in the fight to progress into the knockout stages. FT PSG 1-1 Newcastle [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Paris Saint-Germain are set to open talks for Gabriel Moscardo — PSG are in the race and seriously interested in the 2005-born midfielder. Luis Campos has been following him closely for months. Despite rumours, Chelsea are NOT going to bid for Moscardo as of now.
RB Leipzig
Lois Openda has a superb record since he joined RB Leipzig, with 13 goals and 3 assists in 20 games for the club. He’ll also have a release clause in his contract worth around €80m, which is only valid from 2025.
This RB Leipzig star is desperate to leave - could the Premier League be his next destination?
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti when asked about new deal at Real Madrid: “I don’t speak about my future, sorry. Do I wanna stay? I don’t speak about it. I will give you an opportunity to ask me another question.”
Dani Carvajal: “The fixture list is very demanding, it’s difficult. At the end it’s us who play, we are NOT happy with the schedules. I totally agree with Carlo Ancelotti and everyone else who has said the same. It’s very difficult to travel every few days and play.”
Stuttgart
Tottenham
Rodrigo Bentancur is set to be out at least until February after he tore his ankle during the game against Aston Villa. Two months/two months and half is the expectation for Bentancur’s recovery. He was on 1st game in the starting XI after spending eight months sidelined due to injury.
Would really like to see Arsenal going in for Gabriel Moscardo if we can't get Douglas Luiz, which seems likely, let's be honest.