the Daily Briefing - Rafael Leao's contract talks, interest in Edu Gaspar, and more!

My exclusive column, featuring Rafael Leao, Edu Gaspar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more.

Today’s top stories:

• An update on Manchester United’s goalkeeper situation.

• Interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

• Who has an outside chance of making the World Cup squad with England?

AC Milan

AC Milan board will meet with Rafael Leao’s father to discuss his contract situation.

There will be a new proposal in the next few days. His current deal expires in 2024 with a €150m release clause.

“We’re confident to sign a new deal,” said AC Milan’s director.

No meeting has taken place today in Milan for Hakim Ziyech, despite rumours. Sebastien Ledure met with Milan but he’s not representing Ziyech.

Arsenal

More than two European clubs are showing interest in Arsenal director Edu Gaspar as he’s doing a huge job - it’s true that his name has been discussed internally.

Edu’s only 100% focused on Arsenal project & the club see him as a key figure.

Find out more about William Saliba and Bukayo Saka’s contract situation here.

📰 In other news, the agent of Victor Osimhen has ruled out a move away from Napoli for his client, despite Arsenal’s interest (Calcio Mercato + Radio Kiss Kiss)

💬Is Arsenal the right club for William Saliba and Bukayo Saka to continue their development at, or should they be looking to move on? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the comments.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone on Cristiano Ronaldo links: "I never talked to Cristiano Ronaldo to come here, never. Just like I don't see myself training Real Madrid, I don't see Cristiano at Atletico Madrid either.”

Chelsea

Graham Potter on Denis Zakaria: “No decision has been made. Denis has been training well, ready to help the team.”

“There is no talk of anything. He's an important member of the team, he's been patient and waiting for his chance.”

No meeting has taken place today in Milan for Hakim Ziyech, despite rumours. Sebastien Ledure met with Milan but he’s not representing Ziyech.

Ziyech’s situation will be clarified in the next few months after talks collapsed with Ajax in August.

N'Golo Kante will be out for the next four months, Chelsea statement has confirmed.

“Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury. Following a successful operation, N'Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months.”

Has the injury to Kante changed Chelsea’s decision regarding a new contract? Click here to find out more details.

Inter Milan

Inter’s CEO: “We’ll meet with Milan Škriniar agents after the game vs Viktoria Plzen. There are chances to reach an agreement on new deal.”

“Skriniar is a top professional and he loves Inter, I’m optimistic — then it’s up to him too.”

Liverpool

📰In other news, Gareth Southgate is reportedly keeping tabs on Liverpool defender Joe Gomez with a view to a potential England call-up. (Telegraph).

📰 In other news, AC Milan are interested in signing Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Calcio Mercato).

Manchester United

Have Manchester United decided whether to renew David De Gea’s contract? Find out more here.

📰 In other news, Manchester United are reportedly willing to bid €80m for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong (Fichajes).

💬Should Manchester United be looking to bring in a new goalkeeper or should they offer David De Gea a new deal? Let me know in the comments.

Real Madrid

Kevin Benzema: "I will retire in Real Madrid. There's no other option for me,” said Benzema, following the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Florentino Perez: “Release clause for Erling Haaland? I have no idea [on Haaland clause], honestly. We have the best players in the world at Real Madrid.”

Perez: “Mbappé rumours? Makes no sense to speak about it. We have Rodrygo and Vinicius, they are two top players.”

🔒 (Subscribers Only) Interest in Jonathan David, Manchester United's goalkeeper situation and N'Golo Kante's contract negotiations.

My exclusive column, featuring interest in Jonathan David, N'Golo Kante's contract situation, Ruben Loftus-Cheek for England, and more!

Manchester United’s goalkeeper situation

There have been lots of rumours linking different goalkeepers to Manchester United in the last few weeks, with David De Gea out of contract at the end of the season.