the Daily Briefing: Monday 22nd August - Casemiro, Pulisic, Tielemans, Antony, and more
My exclusive round-up of the latest transfer news - all you need to know about Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and more.
Happy Monday all, and welcome to my latest Daily Briefing - enjoy! :)
Today’s top stories:
Ajax
Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder: “Yes, my feeling is positive on Antony deal. I understand Antony, but… here you play for Ajax. We are playing Champions League football. I don't think Manchester United are playing Champions League football…”
Arsenal
👀 Keep an eye on long-term Arsenal target Youri Tielemans as we head towards the end of the transfer window - click here to find out more.
Aston Villa
⌛ The Ismaila Sarr deal is still not done due to personal terms still needing to be resolved. Watford and Aston Villa have an agreement for €25m plus €3m add-ons.
Barcelona
Memphis Depay has agreed a contract termination with Barcelona since Saturday, but it will only come into effect once he agrees a transfer away.
🔴 Manchester United turned to Casemiro due to the Frenkie de Jong deal being on hold for two months - more exclusive info here.
Chelsea
Talks are ongoing over the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Barcelona prefer cash, with Marcos Alonso not currently part of the deal.
🔵 Where next for Christian Pulisic? Chelsea weren’t keen to loan him to Manchester United, but another Premier League club are interested. Click here to find out more.
📰 In other news, Trevoh Chalobah is attracting interest from Tottenham, Inter Milan, and Roma (Evening Standard)
Crystal Palace
🤔 Crystal Palace have an interest in Ismaila Sarr - could they pounce if his move to Aston Villa falls through?
Benfica
Fredrik Aursnes has left Feyenoord for a permanent transfer to Benfica. A fee has been agreed and he’ll have his medical today.
Juventus
Juventus are yet to make a final decision on Memphis Depay. Barcelona are waiting before officially terminating the player’s contract.
Leicester City
🔵 What next for Youri Tielemans after he was left on the bench by Leicester City this weekend?
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp: “New midfielder? If the right player is not available in this moment we tend to deal with what we have. It would be cool to have new midfielder in, of course. Naby Keita will not go but if he would - he won't - there must be a replacement.”
Manchester United
✅ The Casemiro deal is almost complete, but how did Manchester United get this deal done so quickly after the Frenkie de Jong saga dragged on for months?
Odysseas Vlachodimos of Benfica is attracting interest from many clubs, including Manchester United. He’s one of four names on their list for a backup goalkeeper, but the deal will depend on their budget.
🔴 Man Utd recently asked Chelsea about Christian Pulisic - here’s everything you need to know about the latest on his situation.
Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder: “We have already lost 5 or 6 big players, and I don't want Antony to leave the club. I told the board that I want him to stay here. I am assuming that the club will not sell Antony as we’re in good financial position.”
🤔 Who could United sign if they cannot get a deal done for Antony? Click here to find out.
📰 In other news, Manchester United plan to block any Chelsea move for club captain Harry Maguire (Sun)
Marseille
Eric Bailly is still deciding on a move to Marseille. A full agreement on a loan is in place with Manchester United, but personal terms still to be fully discussed. A final decision should come this week.
Newcastle
Fresh talks will take place next week to decide on the Joao Pedro deal after Newcastle submitted a final bid for the player on Saturday night. Click here for exclusive insight into a possible alternative in that position.
Roma
Jose Mourinho: “I don’t know if we’re gonna sign Andrea Belotti, but I can speak about him as he’s still a free agent and I can say that I’m happy to know that he wants to join Roma. I like this feeling [about Belotti], the director knows how much I like it.”
Tottenham
Tottenham and Valencia are set for another round of talks over Bryan Gil. Negotiations in progress as all parties want to get this deal done by next week.
📰 In other news, Lazio are showing an interest in Sergio Reguilon, who has been cleared to leave Spurs this summer (Calciomercato)
West Ham
💰 West Ham have had a bid turned down for Flamengo talent Lazaro. Click here for more exclusive information on this deal.