the Daily Briefing - Nkunku to Chelsea fee, three clubs wanted Saliba, and what's the latest on Tielemans' future?
My exclusive transfer news round-up, featuring Christopher Nkunku, William Saliba, Youri Tielemans, and more.
Good morning guys and welcome to my Daily Briefing! :-)
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
Which Arsenal player were AC Milan interested in this summer? Click here to find out.
Arsenal
Can Arsenal tie Gabriel Martinelli down to a new contract amid links with Chelsea?
What’s the latest with summer Arsenal target Youri Tielemans?
Are Arsenal really eyeing up this Juventus midfielder?
Barcelona
Xavi on Lionel Messi’s return to Barca next summer: “I think that now is not the time to talk about Leo’s return at Barça. He's a friend of mine, he's fine there, so are we. Barcelona is his home, so let him remain calm and continue enjoying himself in Paris.”
Who were Barcelona ready to turn to as a Plan B if they didn’t manage to sign top target Jules Kounde?
Chelsea
Will Chelsea trigger Christopher Nkunku’s release clause? I have the latest exclusive details here.
Graham Potter on Conor Gallagher: “I really like Conor. He’s a fantastic kid and he’s desperate to do well, to play for this club, to be successful at Chelsea. I hope it’s just the start of a very successful Chelsea career for Conor Gallagher.”
So, how close did Gallagher come to leaving Chelsea this summer? Click here to find out all you need to know.
📰 In other news, Chelsea are one of the clubs monitoring Gabriel Martinelli’s situation at Arsenal (Daily Mail)
Inter Miami
Gonzalo Higuain has announced his retirement for the end of the 2022 season, and what a career this guy has had!
He was emotional in his press conference yesterday as he called time on a playing career that saw him represent River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Inter Miami.
Juventus
Are Juventus at risk of losing this big-name signing to Arsenal or Manchester United?
Leicester City
Are we nearing a decision on Youri Tielemans’ future? Click here to find out.
James Maddison - what a free-kick, what a player…
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp: “We have to be patient with Darwin Nunez, he’s still adapting. It’s really important in our situation that he isn't worrying, and Darwin doesn't look like he is worrying. New players come in and we want them to shine immediately, of course — but we are calm.”
Will Darwin Nunez prove to be the right signing for Liverpool, or did they make a mistake? Let me know in the comments!
Manchester City
Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Phil Foden - a new contract is almost ready, just the final details remaining about image rights. He’s untouchable for City, and discussions are now taking place to get it completed very soon.
Manchester United
Will Anthony Martial stay at Manchester United? Should he be part of Erik ten Hag’s plans? Click here for my exclusive update on the Frenchman’s situation.
Is this €40m 24-year-old set to be Man Utd’s next midfield target?
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti on his future: “What I see in my future is Real Madrid. This season and next season, Real Madrid. Then again Real Madrid and one more time Real Madrid! Then, we will see.”
Real Sociedad
Martin Zubimendi on links with a free transfer to Barcelona: “There's very good feeling between me and Real Sociedad. My contract extension is matter of time. Xavi wants me? I don't even think about it now, I'm focused on Real Sociedad.”
Tottenham
Antonio Conte on Djed Spence never playing: “The fans have to be fans. They can think everything but I see every day what happens during the training session. I try to do the best, the choices are mine. If I didn’t decide to pick one player it’s maybe because he’s not ready.”
Antonio Conte: “Bryan Gil is in the squad — he’s young guy, we wanted to see him on loan to Valencia but for many circumstances the situation has changed. I trust him.”
Valencia
Bryan Gil was set for a loan move to Valencia this summer, it was all agreed, but the deal fell through because Tottenham couldn’t find a replacement.
Valencia have reached an agreement with Hugo Guillamon and his agents to extend the contract until 2026, it’s done.
Valencia are also confident about agreeing a new deal for Jose Gaya, as Gennaro Gattuso mentioned few days ago.
🔒 (Subscribers Only) How much will Nkunku cost Chelsea? Which Arsenal star did Barcelona look at this summer? PLUS updates on Gallagher, Tielemans and more
My exclusive column looking at the Nkunku to Chelsea deal, and other big stories.
What will Chelsea pay for Christopher Nkunku?
I’m aware that there’s been further speculation involving Christopher Nkunku and the terms of his potential move to Chelsea, but I thought I’d clarify with my current understanding of the situation.
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