the Daily Briefing - Tuesday 6th September: De Jong, Mane, Ziyech, Soyuncu, Costa, and more
My exclusive round-up of the latest transfer news, featuring the big headlines surrounding Chelsea, Man United, Liverpool, Barcelona, and more.
Good morning guys and welcome to my Daily Briefing! Today’s top stories:
Arsenal
With Thomas Partey injured, Arsenal already look a little light in midfield - but here’s why I think they didn’t go all in for Douglas Luiz on Deadline Day.
Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong always waned to stay at Barcelona this summer - click here to find out why he ever agreed personal terms with anyone else.
Miralem Pjanic has received a proposal by Sharjah FC in UAE pro league on a three year deal. It’s now up to the player. There’s a chance to leave Barcelona for Pjanic. The transfer market is still open there and so Barca are prepared to let him go if he accepts the offer.
Chelsea
Hakim Ziyech was open to returning to Ajax this summer - click here for my understanding of why the deal collapsed.
Mason Mount will be the next player to discuss a new Chelsea contract after they completed negotiations with Reece James. Mount is now waiting for Chelsea’s final proposal, with talks having gone on for some time.
Just how serious was Chelsea’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong? Click here to find out all you need to know.
📰 Chelsea want to try again to strengthen in midfield in January, with Edson Alvarez of Ajax remaining a top target (Evening Standard)
Galatasaray
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk: “We want to complete Mauro Icardi and Kaan Ayhan deals as soon as we can.”
Is Caglar Soyuncu still an option for Galatasaray? Click here to find out.
Juventus
Big story of a major injury blow for Paul Pogba. He will undergo surgery on the meniscus in his right knee - Juventus staff has decided together with Paul yesterday.
Leicester City
Was this Leicester player ever close to joining Chelsea or Manchester City? Click here for exclusive insight.
Liverpool
Sadio Mane is already missed by Liverpool, but could they have done more to keep him? Click here for my exclusive insight on this deal.
Manchester United
Manchester United had an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, but he didn’t want to leave the Nou Camp - click here to find out why this saga dragged on for so long.
📰 In other news, Barcelona wonderkid Gavi is now emerging as a target for Manchester United, as well as other top clubs like Bayern Munich (Bild)
Napoli
Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli: “I’m sorry to say that but we’ve never been in real negotiations with Man United to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.”
Olympiacos
Here’s former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo getting a warm welcome with new club Olympiacos! He’s joined on a one-year deal, with the option of a second.
Real Madrid
Official. Vinicius Junior has received a Spanish passport, one day after the closure of transfer market. This is significant news for Real Madrid as they now have one non-EU spot free on the market. A potential deal for Gabriel Jesus collapsed in June because of that issue.
Wolves
Diego Costa is due in England today to undergo medical tests with Wolves. He’s a free agent and has already agreed a one-year deal with the club as they look to replace the injured Sasa Kalajdzic - the medical will be the key step.
