the Daily Briefing: Monday 1st August - Roberto Firmino, Chelsea's transfer strategy, the future of Manchester United's players, and more

My exclusive round-up of the latest transfer news, featuring Chelsea's transfer strategy, Roberto Firmino's future at Liverpool, and Manchester United's outgoings.

Fabrizio Romano

Aug 01, 2022

Good morning guys and welcome to my Daily Briefing :)

Thanks for signing up, and I hope you enjoy the latest ad-free round-up of exclusive transfer news.

Today’s top stories:

Arsenal

Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun is close to signing for French club Reims on a season-long loan deal. Balogun received offers from Premier League clubs, but has chosen to sign for Reims.

🚨Exclusive: Balogun rejects offers from two Premier League clubs - click to find out more.

Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez on Frenkie de Jong: “I don't know if he's going to stay here… I’ve never sent Frenkie a message. There's still time and a lot of things can still happen.”

“The fact that he played as a central defender in the other games was not a sign that he was leaving,” added Xavi.

Bayern Munich

Oliver Khan has confirmed that Bayern Munich will not sign a striker this summer to replace Robert Lewandowski. “We are not going to sign a new striker - there’s no discussion. No way,” said Khan.

Chelsea

Chelsea have made a new attempt to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. Chelsea proposed a swap deal with former Leipzig striker Timo Werner, but the German club have no intention to sell Gvardiol this summer.

Wesley Fofana is Chelsea’s top target, but Leicester City are keen to keep hold of him.

Benjamin Pavard is another target, but the Bayern Munich defender is not a priority.

Gabriel Slonina is set to fly to London to undergo his medical ahead of a move to Chelsea. Paperworks between Chicago Fire and Chelsea are all complete and Slonina will sign a long-term deal for a fee of around $15m.

🚨Exclusive: Chelsea are offering swap deals in all negotiations this summer. Find out more here.

🚨Exclusive: Leicester City are interested in one Chelsea player, but it’s currently being treated as a separate deal.

Everton

Talks are advancing between Everton and PSG for the transfer of Idrissa Gana Gueye. PSG want him to leave the club and discussions are ongoing to decide whether he will leave on loan or permanently.

🚨Exclusive: Why PSG want a permanent deal for Idrissa Gueye.

🚨Exclusive: Everton will explore other options once the deal to sign Gueye is complete, with another midfielder on their list. Click here to find out who.

Lille

Lille are in talks with Nantes to sign Ludovic Blas. Negotiations are ongoing and the two clubs will look to reach a full agreement soon.

Liverpool

Roberto Firmino has now confirmed he wants to stay at Liverpool, after rumours linking him with Juventus.

“I love this team, city and fans. I’m here at Liverpool and I want to stay,” said Firmino.

Juventus never opened talks to sign Firmino, despite reports.

🚨Exclusive: Liverpool’s plan for Firmino this season and more details on his current contract situation.

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag on Alejandro Garnacho: “He played pretty well - he is just a teenager but his performance was really good.”

Manchester United are working on a new contract for Garnacho, which has been approved by Ten Hag.

🚨Exclusive: Three Manchester United players I expect to leave this summer.

🚨Exclusive: Manchester United in direct contact with striker. United will pursue a forward whether Cristiano Ronaldo stays or goes. Click to find out more.

Napoli

Napoli have been in discussion with Fabian Ruiz regarding a new contract, but they are yet to agree an extension. The Spanish midfielder’s contract expires next summer.

OGC Nice

Nice are set to sign Mattia Viti on a permanent deal from Empoli for a fee of around €12m plus add-ons, with a sell-on clause included. The Italian defender will complete his move next week.

PSG

PSG are in advanced talks with Everton over the potential sale of Idrissa Gana Gueye on loan or permanently. The French club want him to leave this summer.

Negotiations are also in progress between PSG and Roma for the loan move of Gini Wijnaldum. Talks have entered the final stage with the salary to be discussed.

🚨Exclusive: Why PSG want a permanent deal for Idrissa Gueye.

RB Leipzig

Chelsea have proposed a swap deal between Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol and Timo Werner, but the German club are not interested in selling the Croatian.

Leipzig have officially announced the signing of Hoffenheim defender David Raum. Raum has signed a contract until 2027.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are continuing to monitor Napoli midfielder, Fabian Ruiz. Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of him having managed him during his time in Italy.

Reims

Reims are closing in on the signing of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun on a season-long loan. Balogun has received proposals from Premier League clubs but he is now prepared to join Reims.