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Today’s top stories:
Plus more from Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG
AC Milan
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini: “It’s not an easy moment for Charles de Ketelaere — here’s is different but he’s under contract for five years, not five months. We trust him for the future, here at Milan is different for Charles and it takes time.”
📰 In other news, Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is a target for AC Milan this January (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Arsenal
I’m aware there’s been speculation linking Marcus Thuram with Arsenal, along with other attacking players like Mykhaylo Mudryk and Facundo Torres.
As I’ve said recently, I expect Arsenal could be busy this January because they want to keep building this squad, but I don’t have details on Thuram at the moment. What’s clear is that his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach expires in the summer so I think he will be assessing his options.
Barcelona
Joan Laporta on January: “We're thinking of improving the squad, as always. But it won't be easy to find stronger players in January. We're gonna have problems with Financial Fair Play as we're no longer in Champions League.”
Laporta on Lionel Messi: “Messi knows that at Barça, he’ll be at home. But I don’t want to talk about Leo because he plays for PSG. I’ll only say that he’s the best player in the history of Barcelona.”
💬 Where will Lionel Messi be playing next season? Give me your predictions in the comments!
Laporta on Xavi: “I've never thought of sacking Xavi, not even for one moment. We 100% trust Xavi as our manager, we're proud of him. He knows the club, he knows our moment and he also know we can improve a lot. But he's the man for Barca.”
Antonio Rudiger: “I was really happy at Chelsea, then Real Madrid called to sign me and I said... wow! For me, it was only Chelsea or Real. Barcelona approached me, yes. But for me it was never a possibility, I never thought of accepting Barca.”
Jordi Alba: “I’ve never received any proposal from Inter or any other club. I always wanted to stay at Barca. I want to stay and retire here. But I’ll be the first person to leave the day I believe I no longer have the quality that this club needs.”
📰 In other news, Barcelona are considering two midfield free agents in the form of Ilkay Gundogan and Youri Tielemans for next summer (Mundo Deportivo)
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