the Daily Briefing: Monday 5th September - Liverpool duo's futures in doubt, Gakpo to be targeted again in January, and more
My exclusive transfer round-up, featuring Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cody Gakpo, Marcus Rashford, and more.
Barcelona
Exclusive: Barcelona are confident of tying Gavi down to a new contract - click here to find out more.
Barcelona wanted to sign Julian Araujo as a new right-back this summer. He’s considered one for the future and they will continue to monitor him in the months ahead. This summer, there was no agreement with LA Galaxy, but he could be a target again and other top clubs around Europe are also interested.
Chelsea
Armando Broja has signed a new contract at Chelsea, but how close was he to leaving the club this summer? There was only one concrete offer, rejected by Chelsea - click here to find out more.
There is no truth to Reece James being close to joining Real Madrid - he has been negotiating a new contract with Chelsea until 2028, with talks now at the final stage.
Spezia manager Luca Gotti reveals: “Chelsea asked me to play Ethan Ampadu as centre-back. They asked for it as they see Ampadu returning there in one year and play as centre-back in the future.”
Arsen Zakharyan has admitted accepting an offer from Chelsea: “There was an offer from Chelsea, but it was impossible to complete a transfer. Of course, I accepted - how can I reject that? I hope everything will be done soon... maybe in January.”
Leeds
Leeds were close to signing Cody Gakpo and will try again for him in January - click here for all you need to know about this deal.
Leicester City
Caglar Soyuncu was left out of Leicester City’s squad to take on Brighton yesterday as he is targeted by Galatasaray. Talks will continue next week over this possible deal.
Liverpool
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad - click here for exclusive insight into what happens next with these two players.
How much truth is there to the Gavi links to Liverpool? Click here to find out the latest on his future.
📰 In other news, Juventus are looking to attempt a move for Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino in January (Liverpool Echo)
Manchester City
Erling Haaland has made an incredible start at Manchester City - click here to find out why I think they ‘won’ the transfer window.
Manchester United
Marcus Rashford is back to his best after a crucial brace in the win over Arsenal, but how close was he to leaving Manchester United this summer? Click here to access my column and find out.
Cody Gakpo agreed personal terms with Manchester United, so why didn’t the move happen? Click here for all you need to know.
📰 In other news, the Glazers value Manchester United at £3.75bn, which could tempt interest from Dubai (Daily Mail)
Nice
Ross Barkley has been unveiled as a new signing for Nice. He was linked with Premier League clubs and you can find out more about that by clicking here.
PSG
PSG held an interest in Marcus Rashford this summer, but how close was a deal? Click here to find out.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United are expected to be back in October to try and close a deal for Ismael Kone for January. It collapsed on Deadline Day after Sander Berge was not sold to Club Brugge. Bundesliga clubs also hold an interest in Kone.
Tottenham
📰 In other news, Harry Kane is once again emerging as a target for Bayern Munich (Bild)
West Ham
How close were West Ham to signing Armando Broja and Ross Barkley? Click here to find out.