🚨 Ivan Toney latest, Luka Modric uncertainty, SURPRISE Liverpool target, plus Gabriel Jesus on fire for Arsenal and more UCL highlights
Today's headlines, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and much more!
Good morning and welcome to another Daily Briefing - thanks so much for reading, and hope you enjoy today’s round-up!
Today’s top stories:
Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Actually, I don't care much about the records. I enjoy my time with Al-Nassr. We are working to be the strongest and the best team.”
Arsenal
What a finish by Gabriel Jesus, who was in superb form last night to also set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal in an important win. FT Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal [Pictures courtesy of TNT Sports]
Gabriel Jesus on his injury scare: “I felt something. Let’s see… I have a scan but I’m pretty sure it will be nothing. I did some tests with the physio, it looks not that big, but let’s see.”
Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus injury: “He felt something in his hamstring so let's see. He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because he's not a player that does that at all. We’ll have to wait and see in the next few days.”
Mikel Arteta on Kai Havertz: “We trust Kai, he’s player with tremendous quality that is going to help us to be better. We have confidence in Havertz.”
Barcelona
Ferran Torres: “I feel very good now, Xavi gave me trust and confidence. The nickname ‘shark’ is something that has had a lot of impact. It is something that was very much in the direction of my mentality. I’m proud to inspire who’s experiencing difficult moments.”
Fermin Lopez formally signed his new contract at Barcelona today — with president Joan Laporta. Four year deal sealed weeks ago. Release clause: €400m.
Bayern Munich
Harry Kane’s superb form for Bayern continues - that’s now 15 goals and assists in 10 games for his new club this season. FT Galatasaray 1-3 Bayern Munich [Pictures courtesy of TNT Sports]
Brentford
Who could replace Ivan Toney at Brentford? Full info here.
Chelsea
Thiago Silva will be out of contract in the summer, so what’s the latest on his long-term future at Chelsea?
There’s an encouraging update on Conor Gallagher’s future - full details here.
Chelsea have reportedly shown an interest in Federico Dimarco - more info here.
European Super League
Fulham
Official: Marco Silva has extended his contract with Fulham until 2026. “I feel that the business is not done yet, we’ve had two great seasons, and the goal is clearly there to sustain this Club in the Premier League.”
Could Fulham be in the race to sign this in-form goal machine?
Inter Milan
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta on Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco’s contract talks: “I can say that all our players told us that they want to stay and extend their contracts. We’re proud of Thuram as signing on free transfer, our director Piero Ausilio did great job there.”
Could Inter lose one of their most important players to the Premier League?
Liverpool
Are Liverpool set to sign another midfielder? Latest details here.
Lyon
Nicolas Tagliafico on being excluded from the Lyon starting XI: “I returned in good shape, I was ready — the manager decided not to play me and I accepted that. The coach also told me that he wasn’t happy with me going at the rugby game on free Friday night. I respect that, we keep going strong together.”
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola on Manuel Akanji: “What a signing in August 2022! We were so lucky to get him. We moved quickly to sign him. He’s a lovely guy, can play in two/three positions, central defence, right-back, holding midfielder. Open minded, so intelligent. It’s a joy to work with him.”
Kalvin Phillips could have a few options this January, but what’s the truth behind those links with Liverpool?
Manchester United
What a moment this was from Andre Onana! After a difficult start at Manchester United he redeemed himself last night with this brilliant penalty save in stoppage time! FT Man Utd 1-0 Copenhagen [Pictures courtesy of TNT Sports]
Onana on his save: “I’m just doing my job. We have to keep going like that, never stop.”
Harry Maguire after scoring Man Utd’s winner: “I'm really proud and pleased with the way I've acted over the last 6-12 months. I've been given an opportunity now and I just want to be here to help the team and get this club back to where it should be.”
📰 Jadon Sancho is considered unlikely to return to Borussia Dortmund this January, with Juventus strongly linked with the player (Sky Germany)
Newcastle United
📰 Newcastle could turn to Everton’s Amadou Onana as a signing in midfield to replace Sandro Tonali if he’s suspended for 10 months (The Athletic)
PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma: “I’m very happy at PSG. It’s a big family, the atmosphere is also great — the fans have always been great to me. I’m gonna give my best for PSG, as always.”
RB Leipzig
Yussuf Poulsen has signed new contract at RB Leipzig today — it will be valid until June 2026.
Real Madrid
Another game, another goal for Jude Bellingham - there is simply no stopping him at the moment! FT Braga 1-2 Real Madrid [Pictures courtesy of TNT Sports]
Carlo Ancelotti after the game: “Jude Bellingham is not at risk for El Clasico. He only had some minor discomfort, no serious injury.”
What’s going on behind the scenes with Luka Modric and Rodrygo Goes?
📰 Brahim Diaz is a target for Aston Villa and West Ham (Birmingham Mail)
Saudi Pro League
Douglas Costa plans to have a trip to Saudi Arabia in the next weeks in order to consider proposals and explore his next move options. Douglas has decided to leave LA Galaxy, as reported yesterday. The Brazilian winger is currently available as a free agent - more here.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Marino Pusic has officially signed his contract to become the new Shakhtar Donetsk manager, leaving Feyenoord with an immediate effect.
Stuttgart
Serhou Guirassy has a release clause in his contract at Stuttgart worth just €17.5m! The clause is valid already in January 2024, active in both winter and summer windows. Guirassy has scored 15 goals in 9 official games this season - more info here.
Tottenham
James Maddison: “Postecoglou told us on his first day that pressing high is a non negotiable at any stage of the game. He said after pre-season game: that’s how Tottenham have been in the past trying to protect a lead, but under me it’s a non-negotiable point to keep going.”
Udinese
Udinese are set to sack manager Andrea Sottil as the Pozzo family decided for change — after 0 wins in 9 Serie A games. Gabriele Cioffi is now on the verge of being appointed as new head coach.
Union Berlin
Leonardo Bonucci was not happy at all to start on the bench against Napoli last night as he joined Union Berlin this summer in order to play in the Champions League. Bonucci will clarify his situation with the manager Urs Fischer on Wednesday.
For all the very latest transfer news, read caughtoffside.com
Love Maddison’s comments!