🚨 Osimhen's Premier League REVELATION, why Sancho to Juventus makes sense, Arsenal star could leave, Newcastle target wants PL move, and more
Today's headlines, featuring Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and much more!
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:
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale’s departure from Arsenal this January IS now a possibility - Fabrizio Romano has the latest details here.
Atletico Madrid
Alvaro Morata: “I didn’t consider to go to Saudi clubs. It was big proposal but not €50m as was said on the press. I wanted to stay at Atleti and win titles here, I also didn’t want to lose my place in Spanish NT.”
Diego Simeone on Joao Felix’s future: “Anything happening with Joao Felix in June will be great for us. If he stays at Barca, we will receive big amount of money. If he returns to Atleti, we have three years left on his contract to give us his contribution.”
Barcelona
Xavi: “I have no doubt that the criticism from the press affects the team. It has happened to me as a player and I see it now. An atmosphere of negativity is generated that harms us. Everything that is said affects the players.”
Barca director Deco: “Xavi has our total confidence. 200% guaranteed. I’ve no doubt that he’s the best coach for Barca and for this project. He accepted the challenge of coming at an important moment and is the perfect coach to rebuild.”
Deco on Robert Lewandowski: “Lewandowski has a contract and we are very happy with him. He’s one of the leaders of the team. I’m also sure there’s no issue between Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal. He’s the first one defending him.”
This was the situation that sparked some controversy - did Lewandowski intentionally snub Yamal here? [Pictures from beIN Sports]
Bayer Leverkusen
Top clubs from different countries are keeping close eye on Victor Boniface, who is doing fantastic at Bayer Leverkusen. He has 11 goals in 15 games in all competitions this season and won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award three times in a row.
Bayern Munich
Bayern president Herbert Hainer on Real Madrid and Alphonso Davies: “He’s with us under contract until June 2025, he’s one of the best fullbacks in the world. Of course we want to keep Davies and I hope he wants to stay also.”
Davies won’t be moving in January, but what about the summer?
Joao Palhinha on Bayern Munich interest: “I don’t know what will happen in the future. You know what happened in August but in any case, Bayern interest is source of pride. In my life, everything that happened has been for a reason and I’m facing the future with this ambition.”
Brazil
“I’ll just try to bring you happiness” - this was the first message from Endrick on his arrival at Brazil national team camp. He’s the youngest player ever called by Brazil since Ronaldo - just 17 years old.
Chelsea
Mikel John Obi during interview with Victor Osimhen: “Next season, I know you’re gonna come to Chelsea man! I’m telling you, I’m gonna be the agent to broker that deal. I’m gonna make sure that happens. We are crying out for someone like you — since Drogba left the club.”
Osimhen: “I don’t have a favourite PL team but I’ve two jerseys: Chelsea and Man United. Many friends of mine are Chelsea fans, few are Man Utd fans. Premier League is the most appreciated league by every African player — it’s a huge league.”
Fulham
Joao Palhinha on Bayern Munich interest: “I don’t know what will happen in the future. You know what happened in August but in any case, Bayern interest is source of pride. In my life, everything that happened has been for a reason and I’m facing the future with this ambition.”
How good a signing would Palhinha be for Bayern, and could Fulham replace this quality in midfield? [Pictures from Fulham/YouTube]
Girona
City Football Group director Ferran Soriano on Savinho: “He’s not leaving Girona. He’s staying here until the end of the season and probably beyond 2024. Savinho will stay, it’s part of the project.”
Italy
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti: “Destiny Udogie is not here because he is injured — that was not my technical decision.”
Juventus
Juventus asked for information on Jadon Sancho deal in recent days. He’s set to leave Manchester United in January, Juve are interested but only on loan plus part of salary covered by Manchester United. There are no negotiations yet as United would prefer to wait for permanent deal bids.
Would Juve be the right move for Sancho? Here’s Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive take on the deal.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has signed with CAA Stellar as new agency. …he already signed new contract at Juve last week — valid until June 2028 with increased salary. He’ll be back on the pitch in May after ban due to gambling addiction.
Manchester City
Bernardo Silva showed all his usual quality with this lovely move during Manchester City’s thrilling draw with Chelsea! FT Chelsea 4-4 Man City [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has withdrawn from Brazil after sustaining an injury to his left foot in the game vs Chelsea. Bento replaces Ederson, Brazil confirm.
Kalvin Phillips is an option for one of City’s Premier League rivals - more info here.
Manchester United
Juventus asked for information on Jadon Sancho deal in recent days. He’s set to leave Manchester United in January, Juve are interested but only on loan plus part of salary covered by Manchester United. There are no negotiations yet as United would prefer to wait for permanent deal bids.
Will Sancho go? Would it be the right move? Fabrizio Romano offers his take here.
Manchester United still want a new centre-back, but what does it mean for Raphael Varane’s future? Fabrizio Romano takes a look here.
Victor Osimhen: “I don’t have a favourite PL team but I’ve two jerseys: Chelsea and Man United. Many friends of mine are Chelsea fans, few are Man Utd fans. Premier League is the most appreciated league by every African player — it’s a huge league.”
There is no injury issue for Diogo Dalot. He has withdrawn from the Portugal squad as he and his partner are expecting a baby in the next few days. Dalot will be regularly available for the upcoming games.
There are, however, other injuries again for Manchester United. The club have confirmed that Christian Eriksen is suffering from a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for around a month. Rasmus Hojlund is suffering from a strain as club hopes he will return before the end of November.
Miami FC
Antonio Nocerino has signed in as new Miami FC manager with immediate effect - it’s set to be announced this week. His contract is valid for one year plus a further season as an option. The former AC Milan, Juventus and Orlando City midfielder will try a new chapter as a head coach.
Napoli
Napoli have decided to proceed with Igor Tudor as their favoured candidate for the head coach role. Talks will take place today in order to discuss contract, salary and more details. Tudor will speak to president Aurelio De Laurentiis in order to get it sealed.
Victor Osimhen: “I’ve to be honest, I never thought of leaving last summer as Napoli wanted to keep me. But when the offer from Saudi came in, it was a huge one. Big one… it was difficult to reject. I spoke to Napoli and I decided to stay. It was crazy… the more I said no, the more they increased their financial proposal again and again! It was literally like: WOW. It was going to change my life and they never gave up! But I said: no guys. I’m staying.”
Newcastle United
Real Madrid
Rodrygo Goes: “Would I sign Mbappe if I could? Of course. he’s a top player. But you should ask the club, not me. We’ll soon have Endrick... he’s very fast, very strong, very explosive. He’s incredible!”
And here’s another reminder of why Endrick is such a special talent as he scored at the weekend! FT Palmeiras 3-0 Internacional [Pictures from Super Sabado]
Bayern president Herbert Hainer on Real Madrid and Alphonso Davies: “He’s with us under contract until June 2025, he’s one of the best fullbacks in the world. Of course we want to keep Davies and I hope he wants to stay also.”
Tottenham
Santiago Gimenez has been monitored closely by Tottenham - Fabrizio Romano with more info here.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti: “Destiny Udogie is not here because he is injured — that was not my technical decision.”
Villarreal
Official: Marcelino is back as manager of Villarreal after seven years. His contract until June 2026 was signed yesterday.
For all the very latest transfer news, read caughtoffside.com
Ramsdale surely needs to just focus on fighting for his place back - why would any player at a top club assume they're guaranteed to stay as no.1?