🚨 Man Utd in talks to sign PL star, truth about SHOCK Arsenal exit story, Liverpool eyeing ambitious PSG raid, Chelsea want €85m forward, & more
Today's round-up, featuring some world class talents who could be on the move...
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing! Thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)
Today’s top stories:
The TRUTH about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal future
AC Milan
Luka Modric is happy at AC Milan and the club are also pleased with the veteran midfielder’s performances, meaning he could now be likely to stay at the San Siro for one more year. (Alfredo Pedulla, Football Italia)
Arsenal
Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly is wanted by four Premier League clubs but he is not expected to be made available this January despite fears over making England’s World Cup place next summer. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Arsenal are yet to hold talks with manager Mikel Arteta over a new contract, despite his current deal being due to expire in 2027. (ESPN)
Arsenal are on the verge of finalising a major addition to their football operations department, with Maurizio Micheli agreeing to join the club’s recruitment team. (Fabrizio Romano)
Arsenal have rejected an approach for Martin Odegaard from Inter Milan, with the Gunners sending a clear message that their captain is not for sale. (Indy Kaila)
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay big for the signing of AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao, who could have a valuation of around €85m. (Fichajes)
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Barcelona
Lionel Messi on how he left Barcelona: “I was left with a strange feeling after leaving, because of how everything happened, because I ended up playing my last years without fans, because of the pandemic. After spending my whole life there, I didn’t leave the way I imagined, the way I dreamed. I imagined, as I said, playing my entire career in Europe, in Barcelona, and then, yes, coming here like I did, because that was my plan, what I wanted. And well, the farewell was a bit strange too, because of the situation, because of everything. But well, I think the fans’ affection will always be there, because of what I said, because of everything we’ve been through.”
Could there be positive news on the Pedri injury for Barcelona? Full story here!
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich face competition to sign one of their top winger targets - full story here!
Chelsea
Moises Caicedo is in line for a new Chelsea contract, with the Blues ready to reward the Ecuador international’s superb form with an improved deal to reflect his growing status. (Sky Sports)
Chelsea are in contact over signing Jonathan David, whose Juventus future is already in some doubt ahead of January. (Tuttosport)
Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly ready to pay big for the signing of AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao, who could have a valuation of around €85m. (Fichajes)
Axel Disasi is likely to leave Chelsea this January and Aston Villa are confident of a deal to bring their former loan signing back to the club. (Ekrem Konur)
Juventus
What does the future hold for Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus amid links with Premier League clubs? Full story here!
Leeds United
Former Liverpool and Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers is a leading candidate for the Leeds United job amid doubts over Daniel Farke’s future as manager at Elland Road. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool
Liverpool are eyeing an ambitious transfer move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, and could make a move for him in January, though his asking price would likely be as high as €130m. (CaughtOffside)
Ibrahima Konate is open to leaving Liverpool and the Reds could also set an asking price for him this January in order to avoid losing him for free next summer. (TEAMtalk)
Released audio reveals how Virgil van Dijk’s goal for Liverpool against Manchester City ended up being disallowed by VAR - full story here!
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has blamed Liverpool for Florian Wirtz’s struggles this season: “Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. They somehow don’t like to shoot the ball in. To be honest, the overall situation doesn’t make it easy for Flo either.” (Sky Sports)
This Liverpool star has spoken up on his future as he potentially nears the end of his time at Anfield - full story here!
Manchester City
Manchester City want Vinicius Junior but have learned that Real Madrid would set an asking price as high as €150m for the Brazilian forward. (Sacha Tavolieri)
Paul Scholes has explained why he thinks Manchester City are favourites over Arsenal in this season’s title race - full story here!
Manchester United
Manchester United have a concrete interest in Elliot Anderson and have made contact with Nottingham Forest over a potential deal for him this January. (Florian Plettenberg)
Manchester United are also interested in signing the Hertha BSC prodigy Kennet Eichhorn, with the 16-year-old already on the radar of other top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Florian Plettenberg)
Casemiro could sign a new Manchester United contract, with Ruben Amorim keen to keep the veteran Brazilian midfielder, though only if he’ll agree to take a pay cut. (talkSPORT)
Joshua Zirkzee has interest from Roma and West Ham, with both clubs calling about the Manchester United forward, though there has not yet been a final decision made on a potential departure this January. (Fabrizio Romano)
Benjamin Sesko’s injury doesn’t look like it should be serious enough to keep him out for six or seven months, but Manchester United are still waiting for confirmation on how long he’ll be sidelined. (Fabrizio Romano)
Ruben Amorim reportedly singled out Manuel Ugarte for strong criticism in Manchester United training at Carrington after his poor recent performances. (The Athletic)
Tottenham
Tottenham are one of the main suitors for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this January, but the Red Devils will insist on having a replacement through the door first. (TEAMtalk)
Jonathan David to Tottenham could be one to watch for January as there is already some uncertainty over his future at Juventus. (Tuttosport)
Tottenham have been contacted by a rival Premier League club about a possible January transfer window move for this first-team player - full story here!