the Daily Briefing - Arsenal in talks over €55m+ signing, plus what's gone wrong at Chelsea, and how has Klopp turned this Liverpool star's form around?

Good morning guys, I hope you enjoy today’s Daily Briefing! :-)

Today’s top stories:

• Arsenal continuing contacts over Mykhaylo Mudryk

• Has the World Cup break come at a good time for Chelsea?

• How have Liverpool turned Darwin Nunez’s form around?

• Plus more from Man United, Tottenham and PSG

AC Milan

I’ve had many questions about Rafael Leao, and what I can say is that during the World Cup in Qatar, Chelsea will have their people there to monitor the player’s form with the Portuguese national team. He’s been outstanding in Serie A and in the Champions League, so now we’ll see how he does at the World Cup. Graham Potter has spoken highly of him, and there was a verbal offer turned down towards the end of the summer.

From Milan’s perspective, they have no intention to accept anything less than Rafael Leao’s release clause. They are also still pushing to try to extend the player’s contract. Paolo Maldini is trying and trying, having conversations with the player and his family. Chelsea and other clubs will continue to monitor him, so it won’t be easy.

Arsenal

For sure Arsenal remain interested and in contact to discuss the Mykhaylo Mudryk deal. They like him, but the race is open and Shakhtar want way more than the rumoured €50-55m.

I think Arsenal is the perfect place for him: Premier League, ambitious project, young players and excellent manager/board.

Still, there’s still no official bid on Shakhtar table, so let’s see what happens in the next weeks.

As I’ve mentioned before, I think we will see Arsenal being ready to invest in more signings this January. They have been fantastic in the Premier League, now five points clear, and it’s a big opportunity for them if they can strengthen further in the middle of the season.

💬 Would Arsenal be the best move for Mudryk, or could he hold out for an even bigger club? Give me your thoughts in the comments!

Barcelona

I was surprised to hear some speculation about Ansu Fati and his agent looking for a move away from Barcelona. This is not the information I have at all.

Honestly, there is absolutely no update as Ansu Fati wants to stay, he’s happy at Barca and nothing is happening in January. There are no negotiations or concrete talks, Ansu is considered key player for Barcelona as things stand - then we’ll see in the future!

Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Lionel Messi: “Messi’s return to Barca in 2023? Leo knows that Barcelona is always his home.”