🚨 Kylian Mbappe scores SCREAMER plus update on Real Madrid links, Jadon Sancho issues request to Man Utd, plus latest on Arsenal links with PL duo
Today's football headlines, featuring Man Utd, Arsenal and the latest on Kylian Mbappe...
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing. Thanks as always for reading and hope you enjoy today’s newsletter, brought to you ad-free and straight to your inbox as always! :-)
Today’s top stories:
Conor Gallagher is still not close to signing a new Chelsea contract
Plus more news at Real Madrid, Tottenham & Man Utd, including Fabrizio Romano with the latest on Jadon Sancho…
AC Milan
Official, confirmed: AC Milan have brought Matteo Gabbia back to the San Siro from Villarreal, where he had been on loan this season.
AC Milan have Palmeiras full-back Vanderlan on their list as one of the players they appreciate for the summer. Unlikely to have extra UE spot in January as they want Matija Popovic. Galatasaray and Rennes are also interested and want to bid for Vanderlan now.
AC Milan goalkeeper Lapo Nava has signed a new long term deal until June 2027.
Arsenal
Brentford know they’re in a strong position for Arsenal target Ivan Toney - more details from Fabrizio Romano here.
Pedro Neto is being linked with Arsenal again - can a deal be done in January?
Crystal Palace interest in Eddie Nketiah is genuine. They are also still considering PSG’s Hugo Ekitike. However, Arsenal view Nketiah as part of their plans and offers won’t be entertained unless Arsenal find another striker in January, which is not guaranteed.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United are closing in on deal to sign Norwegian centre-back Stian Gregersen from Bordeaux. An agreement is in place between clubs on $2m fee, player discussing personal terms now then time to travel for medical and contract signing.
Barcelona
First call for Vitor Roque, travelling with Barcelona squad to face Las Palmas waiting for La Liga’s approval on registration.
Xavi: “I haven’t spoken to Aleix Garcia. I don’t know if we can sign any other player because we depend on Fair Play. Messinho from Palmeiras? I haven’t seen much of him, to be honest. We are focused on other things now.”
Xavi: “Haaland or Mbappe? We can’t think of Haaland or Mbappe to join Barca now. We can’t afford these players, unfortunately. I’m happy with the players I have. We need to reach our best level as at this club we need to be always at top level.”
Benfica
Marcos Leonardo to Benfica, here we go! An agreement in place with Santos for Brazilian striker after initial bid on Tuesday. The fee is expected to be €18m fixed, with no add-ons. Marcos Leonardo has already accepted. Documents to be checked then signed.
Borussia Dortmund
Donyell Malen could leave Borussia Dortmund this January, or on in the summer. January remains a concrete possibility, which is why Malen recently decided to sign with SEG as new agency. In case Sancho joins Dortmund, Malen’s exit could become more likely waiting for proposals.
Ultimate 2024 January Transfer Window Guide
Brazil
Jose Mourinho: “No one has called me or my agent from Brazil to become the new head coach of the Selecao.”
Chelsea
Conor Gallagher has still not signed a new Chelsea contract - here’s what it means for his future.
Chelsea have announced that they’ve recalled Andrey Santos from loan at Nottingham Forest. The plan is still the same as a decision was made early December - the club plan to look at new solutions for Andrey believing he’s a top talent with big potential, but he needs to play on a regular basis.
Chelsea talent Alex Matos had medical tests at Huddersfield Town yesterday - a loan deal will be sealed and sealed right afterwards, as expected.
Josh-Kofi Acheampong has signed his first professional deal at Chelsea today, as club statement confirmed. The agreement will be valid until June 2026 - a two year and half deal.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace interest in Eddie Nketiah is genuine. They are also still considering PSG’s Hugo Ekitike. However, Arsenal view Nketiah as part of their plans and offers won’t be entertained unless Arsenal find another striker in January, which is not guaranteed.
Girona
What drama from Girona last night as they scored in stoppage time to beat Atletico Madrid and stay level on points at the top of La Liga! FT Girona 4-3 Atletico Madrid [Pictures from Viaplay Sports]
Hajduk Split
Hajduk Split sign Nikola Kalinic as free agent on a five month contract… on €1 salary. Yes, €1! Director Mindaugas Nikolicius said: “This was easiest deal in my three years at Hajduk — it’s 1€ salary. Nikola returns with one aim, help Hajduk to win the title after 19 years.”
Inter Milan
Tajon Buchanan will land in Milano later today in order to complete his medical tests and sign in as a new Inter player. Club Brugge will receive €7m plus add-ons from the sale.
Olympique Marseille have sent a formal loan proposal to Inter to sign Lucien Agoume. Loan deal also includes buy option clause. Talks ongoing on both player and club side.
Juventus
Juventus keep following Felipe Anderson’s situation at Lazio, as he’s out of contract in June. Felipe remains on Juve’s list as reported back in December.
Luton Town
Fulham and Crystal Palace are now following Luton Town’s CB Teden Mengi for the future. He has become one of PL promising youngsters by leading U-21 players with the highest percentage of defensive duels won in Europe’s top 5 leagues this campaign.
Andros Townsend has signed a new long-term contract with Luton. Townsend: “Obviously I'm delighted - three months ago I thought my career was over. So from going to begging around the world just for a trial to being offered a longer contract is a dream come true.”
Manchester City
Zack Steffen has already completed medical tests as a new Colorado Rapids player. He leaves England next week in order to join the MLS side on a permanent deal from Manchester City. The deal is 100% sorted.
Manchester United
Jadon Sancho has informed Manchester United that he wants to be allowed to join Borussia Dortmund as soon as possible - Fabrizio Romano has more in his column here.
How genuine are the Man Utd links with Crystal Palace star Michael Olise?
Interest from Manchester United in Dan Ashworth is real. He’s really appreciated by INEOS, but at the moment Newcastle are still insisting to continue with Ashworth as part of their project. He’s happy at Newcastle and focused on them, and ultimately the decision will be up to him.
After Victor Lindelof, Manchester United have activated the option to extend the contract of Aaron Wan-Bissaka until June 2025. The extension is on the verge of being completed. Man United were planning with Hannibal, AWB and Lindelof’s contracts to be extended.
Marseille
Olympique Marseille have sent a formal loan proposal to Inter to sign Lucien Agoume. Loan deal also includes buy option clause. Talks ongoing on both player and club side.
Monaco
Thilo Kehrer to AS Monaco, here we go! Deal now agreed as club exchanged documents overnight. Kehrer will travel for medical later today. It’s a loan deal worth €500k fee with buy clause to become mandatory for €11m. All details are now approved by West Ham.
Napoli
Victor Osimhen looks likely to stay at Napoli until the summer, but could he reach a pre-agreement on personal terms with a new club this January?
Napoli keep working on the Lazar Samardzic deal with Udinese as negotiations are advancing to crucial stages. There are positive feelings on both club and player side. Meanwhile, Napoli's first signing Pasquale Mazzocchi is set to undergo medical tests after joining on €3m deal.
Gio Simeone could be one to watch among strikers in potential domino in late January. Cholito could leave Napoli in case of good proposal as he’s currently struggling with game time despite his performances. His relationship with Napoli remains good but it’s an open situation.
PSG
What a lovely passing move and what a finish from Kylian Mbappe as PSG beat Toulouse in the Trophee des Champions last night. FT PSG 2-0 Toulouse [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Kylian Mbappe: “I didn’t make my decision but we have an agreement with the president Al Khelaifi so it means that all parties are protected. Focus is on the team, not on my situation. In 2022, I didn’t know my decision until May…If I know what I want to do, I shouldn’t let the decision drag on. It wouldn’t make any sense.”
Real Madrid
Antonio Rudiger headed in Luka Modric’s corner for a well-worked winner against Mallorca last night. FT Real Madrid 1-0 Mallorca [Pictures from Viaplay Sports]
Carlo Ancelotti: “It shouldn't be surprising that Jude Bellingham didn’t score… just remember that he’s a midfielder. The fact that he scores goals is an added bonus.”
Ancelotti: “Arda Guler is very calm, he’s our present and future. He’s young, calma. He’s very happy to be back. He’s just 18, We all have to be patient. Little by little. He will have his minute.”
Real Madrid are working behind the scenes on Kylian Mbappe, but when could we learn his decision on his future?
Roma
Jose Mourinho: “No one has called me or my agent from Brazil to become the new head coach of the Selecao.”
Sheffield United
Ben Brereton Diaz to Sheffield United, here we go! An agreement has been reached on a loan deal until June. Brereton Díaz will travel in the next 24 hours for medical tests and to sign his contract. There’s no buy option clause included, he’ll return to Villarreal in June.
Tottenham
Tottenham and Genoa have a new round of talks already scheduled to advance on the Radu Dragusin deal. The initial verbal proposal from Spurs is around €23m while Genoa’s asking price is €30m. Contacts will continue soon. Ange Postecoglou is still convinced: he wants Dragusin.
West Ham United
Thilo Kehrer to AS Monaco, here we go! Deal now agreed as club exchanged documents overnight. Kehrer will travel for medical later today. It’s a loan deal worth €500k fee with buy clause to become mandatory for €11m. All details are now approved by West Ham.
Saudi clubs have approached West Ham for Nayef Aguerd. Roma and AC Milan have also made enquiries but financially not possible as West Ham will NOT accept loan proposals. Aguerd is very happy in the Premier League.
Wolves
Wolves are advancing in talks to sign Mario Lemina’s brother Noha from Paris Saint-Germain. The agreement is at the final stages as Lemina’s loan to Sampdoria will be terminated soon. The loan deal is likely to include an option to buy clause.