🚨 Arsenal optimistic over Odegaard deal, truth about Mitoma-Man City links, three big names who rejected Saudi approaches, Kane's dig at Spurs, and more
All today's biggest football headlines, featuring Arsenal, Man City and more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - your essential transfer round-up, delivered ad-free and straight to your inbox as always. Thanks for reading, and enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
Al Arabi
Qatari side Al Arabi now hope to get the Marco Verratti deal sealed by next week. Verratti was not in Doha this week yet, still waiting to plan for travel. An agreement was reached with PSG ten days ago for a fee close to €45/50m, final details to be clarified on player side.
Arsenal
Arsenal are optimistic about a new contract for Martin Odegaard - more exclusive info here.
Nicolas Pepe has finally left for Trabzonspor - full details here.
Barcelona
Manchester City asked about Alejandro Balde’s situation in May/June — but it was never concrete negotiations as Barcelona always considered Balde as an untouchable player. New deal for Balde, valid until June 2028 as he’s a crucial player for Barca’s future.
TWO Barcelona players rejected big proposals from Saudi clubs this summer - full info here.
Bayern Munich
Harry Kane: "We wanted to win at Spurs... but if you went a couple of games without winning it wasn’t a disaster. At Bayern you HAVE to win every game. After winning 3-1 and 4-0 first two games... there was talk about not being too happy about way we played! Top club mentality.”
Brighton
Kaoru Mitoma is being linked with big moves but Brighton want him to sign a new long-term contract - more info here.
A reminder below of why Mitoma has become one of the most highly regarded players in the Premier League!
Chelsea
Chelsea have been linked with another elite young talent from Brazil - full details here.
Elye Wahi on Chelsea: “I did not want to sign for Chelsea just for the sake of it. Frankfurt was close — and more than Chelsea. They had to wait for Randal Kolo Muani’s departure and waiting for it was too complicated.”
John Terry on Mason Mount: “Mase is proper Chels through and though. There always two sides to a story, I know the other side to it. I’m not going to air that now but there’s another side to the story. Let’s not be too harsh on Mason when he comes back.” via @siphillipssport.
Germany
Hansi Flick on his job being in danger: “I still feel I’m the right man for Germany job. But I also know that football is dynamic… so I can’t predict what happens next. Me and my staff, we’re doing our best to prepare the squad in perfect way.”
Juventus
Juventus are planning to discuss a new contract with Adrien Rabiot in the next few months. His current deal expires in less than one year, June 2024. Rabiot accepted to stay this summer despite many proposals but Juve plan to discuss a new deal as soon as possible.
Manchester City
Manchester City asked about Alejandro Balde’s situation in May/June — but it was never concrete negotiations as Barcelona always considered Balde as an untouchable player. New deal for Balde, valid until June 2028 as he’s a crucial player for Barca’s future.
Man City have also been linked with Kaoru Mitoma, Marc Cucurella and Warren Zaire-Emery - full exclusive info here.
This Man City player said NO to Saudi Arabia this summer - more info here.
Manchester United
Sofyan Amrabat was Manchester United’s top midfield target this summer, but they also asked about a Plan B in the final days of the window - more info here.
Amrabat also rejected two other Premier League clubs as he waited to join United - full details here.
How big a concern is Jadon Sancho’s personality after recent reports? Latest details here.
John Terry on Mason Mount: “Mase is proper Chels through and though. There always two sides to a story, I know the other side to it. I’m not going to air that now but there’s another side to the story. Let’s not be too harsh on Mason when he comes back.” via @siphillipssport.
Newcastle United
Official, completed. Talented 2007 born winger Trevan Sanusi joins Newcastle from Birmingham City. Newcastle won competition to sign Sanusi as more than five clubs were involved in the race.
Tottenham
Harry Kane: "We wanted to win at Spurs... but if you went a couple of games without winning it wasn’t a disaster. At Bayern you HAVE to win every game. After winning 3-1 and 4-0 first two games... there was talk about not being too happy about way we played! Top club mentality.”
Trabzonspor
Nicolas Pepe has joined on a one-year deal after leaving Arsenal on a free - more here.
Was this Pepe’s best goal in an Arsenal shirt?
Udinese
Roberto Pereyra was a free agent until today… as he has now reached an agreement with Udinese to return and sign short term deal. The former Watford and Juventus midfielder turned down approaches from Turkey and Brazil as he’s set to re-join Udinese. Done deal.
Villarreal
Official, confirmed. Pacheta has been appointed as new Villarreal head coach to replace Quique Setien. Raul remains as Real Madrid Castilla manager, as expected.
Wolves
Julen Lopetegui wants to wait for a new opportunity in Premier League despite Villarreal (Pacheta will be the new head coach) and Lyon links. Lopetegui is currently not keen on Liga or Ligue 1 opportunities as he wants to stay in Premier League after his experience at Wolves.
For all the very latest transfer news, read caughtoffside.com