🚨 Chelsea to discuss star's future soon, Arsenal striker links, new Man Utd CB target, plus Richarlison and Spurs return to form
Today's football headlines, featuring Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd, Spurs and more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing - hope you enjoy your daily dose of transfer news and headlines all in one handy round-up, delivered ad-free and straight to your inbox as always!
Today’s top stories:
Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri scored FIVE goals in one game for Arsenal Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup. FT Arsenal 7-1 Crewe Alexandra [Pictures from Arsenal/YouTube]
Barcelona
Xavi on defeat at home to Girona: “The mistakes in defence have taken their toll on us. They are the important details.”
Ilkay Gundogan felt similar, saying: “Today we lost because of defensive problems. Collectively, we didn’t defend as expected.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern director Christoph Freund when asked about January transfer window: “It certainly won’t be boring. A lot will happen.” Bayern are expected to complete two or three signings in January.
Which positions are Bayern looking to strengthen, and what’s the latest on Ronald Araujo? Fabrizio Romano has the full details here.
Thomas Tuchel on reports about direct call with Ronald Araujo: “I won’t comment on that in any direction. We only talk about our players. I also spoke to my mother on the phone and there were no reports of it!”
Chelsea
Noni Madueke’s Chelsea future is set to be discussed soon - more details from Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column.
Mauricio Pochettino on the defeat at Everton: “I’m really disappointed. This was a game to play and to win. It's a problem we need to check.”
Pochettino has also called for January signings: “We need to talk and to try and improve in the next transfer market.”
Another blow could be the injury to Reece James, with Pochettino saying: “Reece James felt something in his hamstring. It's not so nice for him to suffer another injury. He is an important player for us.”
Pochettino on the return of Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia: “We will see. The last step is always the most difficult thing. They are so close, but at the same time we had a small delay, but we hope that they can be involved soon.”
Endrick was one step away from joining Chelsea, his father Douglas has said: “We received an invitation from Chelsea, from the owner, and we went there to see the club and the country. We saw Chelsea play against Arsenal and we had the opportunity to see the coach, the facilities, Jorginho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva. They explained everything to us. We were introduced to the person who would help us settle in. She showed us the house we would live in, the school that Endrick would attend, the church we would attend. Everything was in order for us and Chelsea … However, everything was twisted at the last moment: I can’t say 100% because I hadn’t signed yet, but the agreement was closed. I had already thought that I would live in London with all that cold weather. But then, at night, my son’s representative called and said that the owner of Chelsea withdrew from the deal because the price they would have to pay for Endrick would inflate the market. It was €60m in total for a 16-year-old boy who would arrive in the country almost two years later. …then, Real Madrid arrived.”
Everton
What a finish and what a moment this was for Everton youngster Lewis Dobbin as he fired home his team’s second goal against Chelsea! FT Everton 2-0 Chelsea [Pictures from X/Everton FC]
Girona
Girona go on top of La Liga with 38 goals scored, 20 conceded after their remarkable 4-2 win away against Barcelona last night. Incredible job by Michel, his players and the board.
Liverpool
Two Liverpool players made the Premier League team of the week!
Will we see Liverpool try again for Joao Palhinha in January?
Manchester City
This lovely curled finish by Bernardo Silva brought Man City level against Luton yesterday as they survived a first-half scare to come back and take all three points. FT Luton 1-2 Man City [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland injury: “He has a bone stress reaction in his foot and after the last game he felt it. He can’t play. I don’t know how long he’s out. Week by week, day by day, we will see what happens.”
Manchester United
What’s the latest on potential changes to the board at Old Trafford?
Erik ten Hag: “As a squad, we are not good enough to be consistent and we have to work as a squad to improve that. In this league if you are not playing on the highest levels, you get killed. I’m annoyed, disappointed, definitely. I expected something different yesterday.”
Man United midfielder Casemiro has now started training on the pitch as he steps up his recovery from injury. He’s getting closer - important news and a welcome boost for Erik ten Hag.
Marseille
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang really looks back to his best for Marseille this season, and he bagged himself two more goals yesterday! FT Lorient 2-4 Marseille [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Palermo
Palermo scored a goal of the season contender yesterday - watch this stunning long-range lob from Brunori against Parma! FT Parma X-X Palermo [Pictures from Fox Sports]
Roma
What a lovely move and great finish this was as Romelu Lukaku scored for Roma against Fiorentina! FT Roma 1-1 Fiorentina [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Tottenham
Tottenham finally got back to winning ways against Newcastle, and Richarlison also finally hit form with two goals! FT Tottenham 4-1 Newcastle [Pictures from Sky Sports]