🚨 Saka scores AGAIN, Kane's stunning record, De Bruyne Saudi links, Man Utd to discuss star's future, Mbappe's signing-on fee, and more

Feb 25, 2024

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Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy!

Today’s top stories:

Arsenal have scored 25 goals in their last six games in Premier League after the winter break - they are on fire, and so is Bukayo Saka with eight goals and one assist in his last seven games. Saka’s superb run saw him match this record.

And what a finish this was by Saka as Arsenal gave the perfect response to their defeat against Porto in midweek. FT Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Ramsdale to Chelsea stories are emerging again - here’s what Fabrizio Romano had to say on the saga in his exclusive column.
Eddie Howe was full of praise for Arsenal after yesterday’s game.

Unai Emery: “We are building all together a winning mentality — fans and team. As tempting as it can be to think of the injuries and setbacks as an excuse, we have a no excuse culture at this football club. We must be ready to win.”
Nicolo Zaniolo’s Aston Villa future has not been decided yet - latest from Fabrizio Romano’s column.

What a superb team move this was by Barcelona, finished off by Joao Felix. FT Barcelona 4-0 Getafe [Pictures from ViaPlay Sports]
Raphinha: “It doesn’t bother me to compete with Lamine Yamal, rather it’s an honour to compete with him. He will be one of the best players in the world, we’ll make each other better. In a team like Barcelona, competition must always be present.”

Harry Kane has made it 27 goals in 23 games in Bundesliga as Bayern player - what a debut season he’s having in Germany!
Thomas Tuchel on his future after links with Barcelona and Man United: "Nothing’s going to happen with me before the end of the season. I have a very high professional expectation of myself and that’s completely dedicated to Bayern Munich until the end of the season.”
Eric Dier on Thomas Tuchel leaving Bayern in June: “It’s disappointing. He brought me here...We have a good relationship. Regardless of that, it’s a pity because he’s a very good coach.”
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen on decision to fire Tuchel: “We’ve seen in the past few games that things are not working. That’s why we decided to go separate ways in the summer. The team is now just as responsible as the coaching staff.”
Bayern are set to announce former RB Leipzig director Max Eberl as part of their new board structure for the future. Club CEO Dreesen: “More competence and quality in management can only be good. I believe we will achieve a lot together as a team.”

Antonio Nusa’s move to Brentford will not happen - it remains off after issues in January. The deal was verbally agreed, while his medical was also done in England but it’s now definitely collapsed. There are several European clubs keen again on signing Nusa - from the Premier League and elsewhere.

Roberto De Zerbi on $10m signing Valentin Barco: “It’s difficult to understand if he is ready or not, as always with young players from different country. We have to give Valentin some time to understand our style.”

Oliver Glasner wins his first game in charge as new Crystal Palace manager — it’s the first time it happens since Alan Pardew in 2015. And there was a clear and massive impact by Brazilian talent Matheus Franca coming off the bench.

Alex Iwobi scored this dramatic stoppage time winner for Fulham away at Manchester United, while earlier in the game Calvin Bassey scored the first Premier League goal of his career at Old Trafford. FT Man Utd 1-2 Fulham [Pictures from X/Fulham FC]
Fabrizio Romano on why Marco Silva stayed at Fulham.

Getafe president Angel Torres on Mason Greenwood: “He’s crazy about staying another year here with us. He feels very good, it’s a matter that Manchester United have to decide with new ownership.”

Jurgen Klopp: “You can make of my celebrations what you want. I heard the discussions, that Mikel Arteta over-celebrated the win against us. That definitely did not come from me. Everybody can do whatever. I didn’t invent fist-pumps and I don’t have the copyright on it.”
Next Liverpool manager latest as two new names are linked with the job…

Phil Foden scored the winner as Manchester City edged their way past Bournemouth. FT Bournemouth 0-1 Man City [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Pep Guardiola: “Phil Foden has already become a top class football player. Before he was a little boy and now he is a world class top player. He’s so good. He can play everywhere but especially in central positions he is really good.”
Kevin De Bruyne to Saudi could be one to watch again in the summer - more info in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.

Erik ten Hag on the defeat to Fulham: “The team showed big character to fight back, we deserved the equaliser and went for the win - we showed big personality and character. You have to see the bigger picture. The bigger picture looks very good.”
Bruno Fernandes was NOT happy after the final whistle…
Was Kylian Mbappe ever a realistic target for Man Utd?
Ten Hag on Antony: “He has to prove a point, but he will do that. He has a big potential, he hasn’t shown it lately, but I know what his talent is. It’s about proving his talent. But here at Man United, you always have competition.”
Mason Greenwood’s future - what’s the latest? Fabrizio Romano provided us with his info in his latest column.
Ten Hag on Omari Forson as he made his first start for Man Utd: “I see him in training with very good skills, Omari is doing well. We have options to fill in those positions. It’s not set Marcus Rashford has to play as a centre-forward.”
Gleison Bremer to Man Utd transfer interest has been confirmed!

Eddie Howe on the defeat at Arsenal: “We need to see it again before I make rash statements - but we were not where we needed to be, whether that was psychological or technical. We just weren’t there.”
Is Eddie Howe’s job at Newcastle safe? Fabrizio Romano has the latest in his exclusive column.

The Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid saga is entering its final stages - latest from Fabrizio Romano’s column.
Carlo Ancelotti confirms that Endrick will not stay at Palmeiras on loan: “He will be part of our first team. Endrick will be with us, obviously.”
Ancelotti on Toni Kroos’ contract being due to expire in June: “He’s very responsible and he has a very clear idea for his future. He wants to stop when he will no longer have the level. I think he will continue, but he doesn’t need my advice.”
Could Real Madrid bring Casemiro and Raphael Varane back to the club?
Antonio Rudiger is back available for Real Madrid and will be included in their squad to face Sevilla tonight.