the Daily Briefing - Messi, Bellingham, Jesus, Osimhen, Gordon, and more

My exclusive Daily Briefing, featuring major stories from Arsenal, PSG, and more.

Good morning guys and welcome to my latest Daily Briefing - enjoy! :-)

Today’s top stories:

• Gabriel Jesus was a serious option for Tottenham

• What’s going on with Lionel Messi and his PSG contract?

• The latest on the Jude Bellingham saga

Arsenal

How close were Arsenal to signing one of Tottenham’s key players this summer?

Jonathan David was considered by the Gunners recently, but why didn’t the move happen, and what could the future hold next for the Lille striker?

Barcelona

Could we really see Lionel Messi heading back to Barcelona in 2023? Click here for my exclusive insight into the situation.

Barcelona have confirmed that Ronald Araujo had “successful surgery this morning for his right adductor longus tendon avulsion.” He now faces a few weeks out and a return date will depend on how his recovery goes.

📰 In other news, Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is a target for Barcelona as he nears the end of his contract (Sport)

Bayern Munich

Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on Sadio Mane’s situation: “Sadio still needs bit of time. He has to get used to the Bundesliga, but he will - I speak regularly with him. Sadio is one of the best players in the world, we will still have a lot of joy with him.”

Chelsea

Anthony Gordon admits it would’ve been ‘crazy’ for Chelsea to spend £60m on him: “I was never desperate to leave. It was definitely not the case. But… yes, £60m is crazy.”

How serious is Chelsea’s interest in Jude Bellingham? Click here for full details.

Everton

Anthony Gordon insists he’s happy to have stayed at Goodison Park: “Everton is so good, it’s not a place where I’m devastated because I’ve to stay — never been the case.”

Liverpool

Are Liverpool really leading the race for Jude Bellingham? Click here for my understanding of the situation.

Manchester United

Harry Maguire has picked up an injury on international duty and now looks set to miss this weekend’s derby match with Manchester City.

Victor Osimhen has previously been considered by Manchester United, but what could happen next? Click here to find out more.

📰 In other news, Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea is a target for his former club Atletico Madrid (90min)

Newcastle United

Newcastle are set to sign Australian wonderkid Garang Kuol. There’s an agreement with Aussie A league club Central Coast Mariners, and a medical scheduled to take place in the UK. The player has also agreed personal terms with Newcastle.

PSG

When will Lionel Messi make a final decision on his Paris Saint-Germain future?

Real Madrid

Real Madrid could do with a long-term replacement for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos - could THIS player be the answer?

Tottenham

Tottenham are set to make Dejan Kulusevski’s transfer permanent at the end of the season, no doubts. If he plays 20 games, at least 45 minutes, and Spurs qualify for the Champions League, there’s an obligation to buy for €35m. If not, Spurs also have a purchase option clause as part of their loan agreement with Juventus.

This Arsenal player was a serious option for Spurs this summer - click here to find out more.

Tottenham were alongside Arsenal in tracking this €40m-rated attacker - click here for more exclusive information.

📰 In other news, Spurs are eyeing up Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak as a potential long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris (Evening Standard)

Valencia

Official. Valencia have signed Iago Herrerin in goal to replace the injured Jaume Domenech. He’s signed a short-term deal, valid until 2023.

West Ham

Could Tomas Soucek’s West Ham future really be in doubt? Click here to find out all you need to know.

🔒 (Subscribers Only) Has Lionel Messi really decided to quit PSG? Which Arsenal star was a concrete target for Spurs? Plus the latest on Jude Bellingham, Jonathan David, and more

My exclusive column, featuring analysis on the latest Lionel Messi speculation, and what the future holds for one of my favourite young players.

Is Lionel Messi really set to quit PSG?

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about Lionel Messi after reports that he has already decided his future, but my understanding is still the same as earlier in the summer.

That is: Nothing will happen around Leo Messi before 2023. Leo is focused on Paris Saint-Germain and then on the World Cup, so he has no intention to decide his future before 2023.