🚨 Daniel Levy LEAVES Spurs, Messi scores for Argentina, Liverpool to try again for PL star, interest in City wonderkid, & more

Sep 05, 2025

Good morning everyone and welcome to your *FREE* Friday edition of the Daily Briefing! Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)

Today’s top stories:

Dinamo Zagreb are in advanced talks with AC Milan over the signing of Ismael Bennacer. Very advanced negotiations are taking place to bring the Algerian midfielder to Croatia. (Fabrizio Romano)
Monaco rejected a late approach from AC Milan for Thilo Kehrer. The Serie A giants made a move in the final days of the window, but there was no chance to let him leave as they couldn’t sign Axel Disasi as his replacement. (Fabrizio Romano)
Christopher Nkunku: “The first time I heard about AC Milan… it was special for me. I didn’t think too much, I said yes immediately. I just wanted to hear about the project — and it happened.”

Lionel Messi produced this quality finish as he hit a brace in what is expected to be his final appearance for his country on home soil. FT Argentina 3-0 Venezuela [Pictures from Universo]

Luiz Benedetti is emerging as a target for Arsenal and other top clubs, with the young centre-back impressing at Palmeiras. (Saikat Chatterjee, CaughtOffside)
“I find it quite startling that Mikel Arteta isn’t under pressure at Arsenal!” - Read more in Stan Collymore’s column here!

Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona look to be no closer to agreeing a new contract, with the Dutch midfielder set to become a free agent at the end of the season. (Mundo Deportivo)
Lamine Yamal’s injury doesn’t seem to be too serious, according to Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. (Cadena SER)

Cody Gakpo on Bayern interest: “From what I understand, they did come, but they ended up buying Luis Diaz. A transfer window like this can be hectic and stressful for a player and everyone around them. I don't have that problem anymore. It's difficult, because so much is happening. Other clubs are coming at you, but you might want to stay with your own club. Everyone deals with that in their own way, but it's definitely difficult. If the future is uncertain, it just becomes a very difficult story.” (ESPN)

Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian scored for Brazil - what a finish from close range! FT Brazil 3-0 Chile [Pictures from Premier Sports]

Chelsea are looking to sell Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi to Saudi Pro League clubs before the September 23rd transfer deadline. (Mark Brus, CaughtOffside)
Joao Pedro: “You can see Estevao from the streets. You can see he is natural. Tosin said to me: João, wow. Estevao is amazing! Playing for Brazil and Chelsea at 18, oh my God… He’s going to be like Vinicius.” (Evening Standard)
Ben Chilwell’s message after leaving Chelsea to join Strasbourg: “Chelsea fans, firstly thank you! We won the Champions League together, made a bond like l'd never have imagined and I met brothers for life on and off the pitch here. You helped me through the tough times, injuries, personal life, and gave me the best moments of my life. I'll never be able to thank you guys enough, looking forward to showing everyone my best see you soon. Chilly.” (Instagram)

Dinamo Zagreb are in advanced talks with AC Milan over the signing of Ismael Bennacer. Very advanced negotiations are taking place to bring the Algerian midfielder to Croatia. (Fabrizio Romano)

Real Betis rejected an offer from Eintracht Frankfurt for Sergi Altimira towards the end of the window. The proposal was worth €18.5m plus add-ons up to €22.5m on loan with mandatory buy clause. (Fabrizio Romano)

Former Fulham winger Willian has travelled to Brazil in order to undergo a medical with Gremio - he’s set to sign, it’s already a done deal for the 37-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool plan to try again for Marc Guehi in the January transfer window after Crystal Palace pulled the plug on their deal late on in the summer. (Daily Mail)
Cody Gakpo on Bayern interest: “From what I understand, they did come, but they ended up buying Luis Diaz. A transfer window like this can be hectic and stressful for a player and everyone around them. I don't have that problem anymore. It's difficult, because so much is happening. Other clubs are coming at you, but you might want to stay with your own club. Everyone deals with that in their own way, but it's definitely difficult. If the future is uncertain, it just becomes a very difficult story.” (ESPN)

Gianluigi Donnarumma: “Manchester City is the best club in the world. To be wanted so strongly by the best club in the world makes me proud, but also very emotional and happy.”
Nico O’Reilly is continuing to attract interest from clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe despite the expectation that he’ll sign a new contract with Manchester City. (Mark Brus, CaughtOffside)

Manchester United asked about Conor Gallagher, but Atletico Madrid said no to a loan proposal for the former Chelsea midfielder. (Fabrizio Romano)
Man United’s interest in Gallagher was first reported on six days ago, with Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace also among his suitors. (Mark Brus, CaughtOffside)
Harry Maguire is attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs but he’s informed them he plans to stay at Manchester United until his contract expires next summer. (Sun)
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir could still leave Man United as they’re open to offers for the goalkeepers from Saudi and Turkish clubs. (Sun)

Monaco rejected a late approach from AC Milan for Thilo Kehrer. The Serie A giants made a move in the final days of the window, but there was no chance to let him leave as they couldn’t sign Axel Disasi as his replacement. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle United have confirmed David Hopkinson as their new Chief Executive Officer. Hopkinson: “I am incredibly honoured to join Newcastle United at such an exciting time in the club’s history. This club represents something truly special. It has extraordinary history and heritage, incredibly passionate supporters, and ownership, players and staff who are committed to excellence.” (Newcastle official)

Real Betis rejected an offer from Eintracht Frankfurt for Sergi Altimira towards the end of the window. The proposal was worth €18.5m plus add-ons up to €22.5m on loan with mandatory buy clause. (Fabrizio Romano)

Daniel Levy has stepped down as Tottenham chairman, releasing an official statement saying: “I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community … I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”