🚨 Richard Arnold LEAVES Man United, Emma Hayes' FURY, Garnacho disappointed, Gallagher on his future, Camavinga injured and more
Today's headlines, featuring Chelsea, Man Utd, PSG and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Today's top stories:
EXCL: Truth about Juve interest in Kalvin Phillips and Thomas Partey
Plus more from Napoli, PSG and Real Madrid
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AC Milan
Italian agency AGI reports that AC Milan fullback Alessandro Florenzi is being investigated for alleged illegal gambling.
Al Ittihad
Julen Lopetegui has rejected Al Ittihad’s proposal to become their new manager and replace Nuno Espirito Santo. The former Sevilla and Wolves coach’s focus is on the Premier League.
After Julen Lopetegui’s decision to reject Al Ittihad, a huge proposal has been made to reach an agreement with Marcelo Gallardo. The Argentine manager is in advanced talks to join the club and replace Nuno. He will sign a contract valid until June 2025 which will also include an option to extend for a further 18 months.
Argentina
Lionel Scaloni on why Alejandro Garnacho was left out of the Argentina squad for the upcoming games: “Ale’s non-call up is due to a form issue. During the last call-ups he didn’t play, and we have to think about the human aspect as well too. He’s on our radar and will be part of our plans.”
Barcelona
Barcelona need to begin contract talks with Frenkie de Jong and others but there’s been a delay. Fabrizio Romano has the latest.
Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka has played more final third passes (127) and more progressive passes (119) than any player in Europe’s top five leagues so far this season. He’s been the brain of Xabi Alonso’s wonderful team and shown that he was far from finished after he left Arsenal.
Bayern Munich
How easy was it for Bayern to land Nestory Irankunda? Fabrizio Romano has the inside track.
Chelsea
Conor Gallagher on his deal expiring in June 2025: “I’m sure that it will get sorted out. Everyone knows Chelsea is my club and I love playing for them, our fans are brilliant and I’m loving it right now.”
What can be expected from Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea return? Jonathan Johnson has the lowdown.
Chelsea were looking at Gabriel Moscardo, but now they’ve got competition according to Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea are, perhaps significantly, attempting to scout players from one particular hot-bed of talent.
Emma Hayes was clearly furious after Chelsea Women’s 2-2 draw at Real Madrid [Pictures from Chelsea TV]:
The reason for her anger appeared to stem from two decisions by the officials that denied her team the win in Spain. The first was to give a penalty to the hosts for this challenge, which appeared to be outside the box [Pictures from UEFA]:
The second was the ruling out of what appeared to be a legitimate injury-time winner [Pictures from UEFA]:
Genoa
Albert Gudmunsson and Radu Dragusin will both sign new long term deals at Genoa. Newcastle scouts were recently in attendance to follow Dragusin as a potential future target but Genoa wanted to keep both of them at least until June 2024.
Vasco da Gama midfielder Marlon Gomes is attracting interest as Genoa are considering a move from 777 Partners group club. Nothing done/decided yet but Genoa are tracking Marlon and he’s one to watch in the next months.
Inter Milan
Lautaro Martínez’s agent spoke on his client’s current contract situation: “I feel we’ll reach an agreement for a new deal at Inter, a very good agreement for both sides. He’s 100% focused on Inter.”
Juventus
Serie A’s Old Lady has been linked with Kalvin Phillips and Thomas Partey, but what’s the truth? Fabrizio Romano has more.
Manchester United
CEO Richard Arnold leaves the club. This is part of some planned changes, with INEOS set to complete the acquisition of a 25% stake in the club. “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club. Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future,” he said.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still expected to change a lot of things/roles at Man United once he’s completed a 25% stake acquisition. Jean-Claude Blanc is a candidate for key role in the future as reported last week.
A strong message has been sent to the Man United board by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Fabrizio Romano has the latest on potential Saudi League bids for Casemiro.
Napoli
Rudi Garcia looks like yesterday’s man after Napoli sacking.
Does a new manager mean that Victor Osimhen is more likely to leave Napoli now?
Paris Saint-Germain
Jonathan Johnson has more on the spat between Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappé.
What next for Presnel Kimpembe?
Podcast
Angus Scott and Ben Jacobs are joined by Fabrizio Romano and former FIFA referees, Mark Halsey, and Christina Unkel to discuss the merits - or not - of VAR.
Portugal
Matheus Nunes has withdrawn from the Portugal squad with a muscle injury. ‘Matheus Nunes was declared clinically unfit for the two games vs Liechtenstein and Iceland after tests. The player will no longer travel to Zurich with the rest of the national delegation,’ a statement read.
Real Madrid
Endrick: “I hate going to parties and night clubs... I don't like getting involved in controversy. I don't like doing anything that will put dirt on my image. Focus is on my future as an athlete, nothing else.”
Real Madrid and French national team staff have both decided that Eduardo Camavinga will undergo new tests in Madrid today. Initial tests after his knee injury were positive but Real want to check it at Valdebebas.
Union Berlin
Union Berlin have sacked their manager Urs Fischer. It was inevitable after 13 defeats, one draw and only two wins this season.
Those decisions in the Chelsea Women’s game are an absolute scandal!
Don't think these changes at Man utd are going to bring the change that is needed.
we need a full takeover, not some 25%, glazers are still in control.