🚨 Ronaldo scores 50th goal of 2023, Chelsea target looks likely to move in 2024, how many signings Man Utd need, plus what next for Lukaku after Roma revival?

Today's football headlines, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, plus Arsenal wonderkid 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:

• The latest on Pochettino’s future and Chelsea targets for January

• Cristiano Ronaldo scores again for Al Nassr!

• A look ahead to a big game for Manchester United

• Plus more from Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid

AC Milan

• Official, confirmed. Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to AC Milan as right hand of Red Bird’s Gerry Cardinale. “My love for AC Milan is always strong. It was a dream to return again. I’m gonna help AC Milan and Red Bird in different areas.”

Al-Jazira

• Frank de Boer has been sacked as manager of UAE side Al-Jazira after only 13 games in charge of the club.

Al Nassr

• Cristiano Ronaldo has just scored his 50th goal of 2023! FT Al Shabab 2-5 Al Nassr [Pictures from SSC1]

Arsenal

• Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on Jurrien Timber, saying: “Timber is doing very well. He’s flying to be fair, the stage he is right now. The way he works every single day is incredibly satisfying to watch but unfortunately we’re going to miss him still for a long time. I think he’s in a really good place.”

• Arteta on Ethan Nwaneri: “He has got something unique, something that I really liked from the beginning… and it’s the ability to take the ball in tight areas. He does that like Jack Wilshere used to do.”

• Almost every top English club wanted Nwaneri in the summer - Fabrizio Romano on how Arsenal managed to keep him.

• Was it right to disallow that late Arsenal goal? Sky Sports discussed the handball law and the decision in the video above. FT Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal [Pictures from Sky Sports]

• A supercomputer has predicted this season’s Premier League winner!

Barcelona

• Barcelona director Deco: “Joao Felix future? We have to win games, focus on La Liga before speaking about players in loan or new signings. For sure, I can confirm once again that we are very happy with Joao.”

Bayern Munich

• Bayern director Christoph Freund on Ronald Araujo: “I don’t want to make a statement on that. The transfer window is approaching. Generally speaking — there are some talks, but I don’t want to say anything about that in detail.”

• Bayern director Freund: “Alphonso Davies performances affected by his future rumours? No, I don’t think so. New deal? We’re in talks, we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.”

• Jamal Musiala when asked about Old Trafford: “It’s the dream of many kids to play here. When I was younger I always enjoyed watching games at Old Trafford. I think the atmosphere will be great. Man United will be up for it tomorrow and they definitely have quality.”

Besiktas

• Besiktas have decided to exclude five players from first team activities after Fenerbahce game. Eric Bailly, Vincent Aboubakar, Jean Onana, Valentin Rosier, Rachid Ghezzal will be out of the squad.

Chelsea

• What’s the latest on Mauricio Pochettino’s job safety? Fabrizio Romano has the latest info here.

• Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with Chelsea, but what’s the truth?

• Romelu Lukaku is in superb form for Roma, so could Chelsea end up changing their mind about him? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in his column here.

• Armando Broja is not considering Turkish league move in January - despite strong interest and concrete requests. Interest remains also from Premier League clubs and different leagues abroad.

Juventus

• Adrien Rabiot’s mother Veronique denies the reports on new deal agreed with Juventus: “It’s not true. Adrien has not decided anything yet. I’m not happy with fake stories around.” Current deal expires in June 2024 — Juve are pushing to get it extended.

• Rumours on Premier League move in January for Matias Soule have been played down by Juventus director Giovanni Manna: “Soule will stay at Frosinone on loan until June.”

Liverpool

• Maximilian Beier to Liverpool? Fabrizio Romano addresses the links here.

• Jurgen Klopp: “We had few strange things happen. Between us, my god were we lucky! We didn’t know that in the moment. Obviously we realised other central defensive midfielders didn’t want to join… then you see what happens!”

Manchester City

• Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland injury: “The day after Villa, he could almost not walk properly. On Saturday then I spoke to him, he was saying: I feel much better, I can walk, I have no pain. That’s why we have to see how he is day by day.”

Manchester United

• Gary Neville does not hold back in his assessment of the Manchester United ownership [Pictures from Sky Sports]

• Manchester United take on Bayern Munich tonight - Fabrizio Romano previews the game here.

• What changes do Man Utd need to make to their squad? Fabrizio Romano has his say here.

• Erik ten Hag: “We have to work in order to improve. It is my responsibility, to improve the team. I will give everything, and the team will as well. I can show them the clips from Chelsea. If we have a good plan, we can beat any opponent.”

• Scott McTominay: “It’s player's responsibility. We know that as well. We have big characters in the dressing room. It is not like the other managers when it has been toxic at times. The boys are firmly behind the manager.”

Nantes

• Moses Simon is one to watch in 2024 as he’s out of contract with Nantes in June. It’s not only Lyon, but also Nice and Lille are interested in the Nigerian player. Saudi clubs have also asked for potential conditions of the deal.

Newcastle United

• Will Newcastle sign a goalkeeper this January?

PSG

• Warren Zaire-Emery’s new deal with PSG is just matter of time. He’ll sign a long-term contract as an important part of the present and future of this PSG project.

Real Madrid

• Real Madrid are exploring a potential summer move for Brazilian talent Gui Ruck, but they’re not the only ones - more info from Fabrizio Romano here.

• Lucas Vazquez: “Real Madrid is the dream I had since I was little. It’s my home. Of course I’d like to renew.” Vazquez’s contract is due to expire in June 2024.

• Carlo Ancelotti announces that Kepa Arrizabalaga will be back in Real Madrid starting XI: “It’s unfair to leave anyone on the bench... but Kepa will start tomorrow. Lunin? I can’t start everyone, unfortunately.”

Tottenham

• Destiny Udogie’s new deal at Spurs is already agreed and signed - it will be valid until June 2029. It will also include an option for further season. Fabio Paratici signed him for £15m fee in summer 2022.

West Ham United

• West Ham have made a decision on David Moyes’ future as manager.