🚨 Gundogan SHOCK, multiple Chelsea deals almost done, major Arsenal updates, Man Utd loan bid, Vardy scores vs Tottenham, & more

BIG updates at Chelsea and Arsenal, plus a surprise possible solution to Man Utd's midfield problems...

Good morning everyone! Welcome to another Daily Briefing, with all your essential football headlines in one place and delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy! :-)

Today’s top stories:

• Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs discuss Chelsea on the Debrief podcast

• Charles Watts with the latest Arsenal transfer news in his exclusive column

• Matteo Moretto is back with more La Liga and Serie A transfer news

• Jamie Vardy scores as Leicester draw against Tottenham

• Plus more from Man Utd, Man City and PSG

AC Milan

• Divock Origi has the green light to leave AC Milan on a free transfer in the final weeks and he’s ready to find new club. Origi will definitely leave and is considering options in Qatar, Saudi and also some MLS teams who are interested for January.

Arsenal

• Gary Neville has explained why he’s convinced this will finally be Arsenal’s year in the title race. Who do you think will be champions this season? [Pictures from Sky Sports]

• Arsenal have already reached verbal agreement with Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia on personal terms. He’s the priority target for Arsenal to replace Aaron Ramsdale if he leaves in the last ten days of the window. Espanyol are aware of Arsenal’s interest but there’s been no official bid yet, it depends on Ramsdale.

• Mikel Merino to Arsenal should be done for around £30m - Charles Watts with more details in his latest exclusive column.

• Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay on Mikel Merino and Arsenal: “Merino was clear that he didn’t want to say he was renewing and then leave. It wasn’t a surprise to us. Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up. We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of La Real. When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes. We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided that he should not be called up (for the game on Sunday).”

• What does the Merino deal mean for Thomas Partey’s Arsenal future? Charles Watts takes a look in his latest exclusive column.

• Nottingham Forest have made a bid for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, with an initial proposal rejected. Forest will end up signing only one striker but talks continue on both sides to make decision soon.

• Charles Watts also has more on Nketiah and the Reiss Nelson transfer situation in his latest exclusive column.

• Aaron Ramsdale to Wolves? There’s surprise talk of a possible loan for the Arsenal goalkeeper…

Aston Villa

• 20-year-old talent Lamare Bogarde signed a new contract at Aston Villa yesterday as part of a long term project. Nottingham Forest had a bid rejected for Bogarde in June and he’s now signing a new deal at Villa Park.

Atletico Madrid

• Samu Omorodion doesn’t travel with Atletico Madrid squad for their opening La Liga game. He’s still not registered and his future remains open with several clubs interested after Chelsea deal off.

• Diego Simeone: “Joao Felix out tonight? Soon you will be informed, it’s about a transfer. I’ve already been informed about that.”

• Details of the Conor Gallagher deal with Atletico will not change, it’s the same as last week. Chelsea will receive a €42m guaranteed fee, and Gallagher already has all contracts ready and sealed. The deal is valid until June 2029, while his medical is already done, and formal steps will follow from Tuesday.