the Daily Briefing: Monday 8th August - Cristiano Ronaldo, Timo Werner, James Maddison, and more
My exclusive round-up of the latest transfer news, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, departures at Chelsea, an update on James Maddison, and more.
Happy Monday everyone :) I hope you enjoy my latest Daily Briefing, with all the biggest transfer headlines brought to you ad-free and straight to your inbox!
Today’s top stories:
Arsenal
🚨 Exclusive: Edu and Mikel Arteta have a long-standing interest in this French winger. Click here to find out more.
Despite reports, Arsenal are not interested in Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes, who is set to join Wolves instead. The Gunners were never in the race.
📰 In other news, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Wolves winger Pedro Neto this summer (Football London)
Barcelona
Xavi has spoken again about Frenkie de Jong’s future, saying: “I don't know what will happen to Frenkie de Jong. Until August 31st anything can happen. He knows what I think and what the club want and need. Of course I'm counting on him, he's a great player.”
Barca president Joan Laporta has also said: “Frenkie’s our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, he wants to stay too. With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers, but we want him to stay.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on the Leroy Sane Manchester United links: “There's no truth to that. He’s an important player for us. There’s nothing to say about that at all.”
As I wrote yesterday, with Robert Lewandowski gone I believe that, Sane could have a bigger role for Bayern in the season ahead. For now, they certainly don’t want to sell, so it won’t be an easy deal for Premier League clubs even if they are interested.
Boca Juniors
Edinson Cavani prefers a move to La Liga as he eyes up an experience in Spain. He has communicated this to Boca Juniors, who made an approach to him in the last 48 hours.
Chelsea
🚨 Exclusive: Click here to find out when Timo Werner’s return to RB Leipzig will be officially announced.
📰 In other news, Callum Hudson-Odoi has asked to leave Chelsea on loan, with Leicester City and Southampton interested (Guardian)
Everton
After a difficult summer and an opening day defeat, things are looking up for Everton - the Toffees are preparing to complete moves for Conor Coady and Amadou Onana, while they’re also confident of bringing Idrissa Gueye back to the club.
Inter Milan
🚨 Exclusive: Click here to find out the latest on Marcelo Brozovic’s future amid links with Liverpool.
Juventus
Juventus are hopeful of completing the signing of Filip Kostic this week. Personal terms have already been agreed, but Juve and Eintracht Frankfurt remain slightly apart on the transfer fee, with negotiations progressing.
Leicester City
🚨 Exclusive: What next for James Maddison? Click here to find out all you need to know.
Liverpool
🚨 Exclusive: Liverpool could still be open to signing a new midfielder. Click here for my latest information on the Reds’ plans.
Manchester City
🚨 Exclusive: Pep Guardiola wanted this Spanish star three years ago - what about this summer? Click here to find out more.
Kayky looks set to leave Manchester City for a loan move to Pacos de Ferreira. He’ll undergo a medical today ahead of a year-long switch to the Portuguese club.
Manchester United
🚨 Exclusive: Click here for my update on Cristiano Ronaldo and the 4-5 signings needed at Manchester United.
An opening bid for Marko Arnautovic has been turned down, with the player’s brother confirming an offer from a big Premier League club.
Marseille
Alexis Sanchez will join Marseille this week on a deal running until 2024. Inter Milan just need to finalise terminating his contract, something which was already agreed a few days ago.
Newcastle United
🚨 Exclusive: Newcastle are set to try again to sign a big-name Premier League star. Click here to find out more.
📰 In other news, Newcastle are prepared to try again for Benjamin Sesko (Northern Echo)
Red Bull Salzburg
Benjamin Sesko is not for sale this summer, with Salzburg preferring to keep him until 2023 at least, despite interest from big Premier League clubs.
Sevilla
A deal has been agreed for Isco to join Sevilla on a free transfer after his contract expired at Real Madrid. Julen Lopetegui wanted him for a long time.
🚨 Exclusive: Click here to find out how close Isco came to a move to the Premier League.
Tottenham
🚨 Exclusive: Tottenham admire James Maddison, but these deals could go through first - click here to find out more.
Villarreal
Villarreal are confident of signing Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham. A fresh round of talks will take place soon in order to reach a full agreement for a player who is one of Unai Emery’s priority targets.
West Ham
Said Benrahma and Nikola Vlasic should both be on their way out of West Ham in the coming days. The Hammers are prepared to let both players go, with Torino interested in Vlasic.
Wolves
Goncalo Guedes is edging closer to joining Wolves from Valencia for €30/32m plus add-ons. A medical is being scheduled, and a long-term contract being prepared for the player.