the Daily Briefing - what next for struggling Chelsea signing? Has Arteta turned Arsenal into title contenders? PLUS updates on Gakpo, Lavia, De Jong, Dybala and more
My latest Daily Briefing following the weekend's Premier League action, plus some exclusive transfer updates.
Happy Monday guys and welcome to my latest Daily Briefing! :-)
Today’s top stories:
Is THIS how Arteta has turned Arsenal into title contenders?
Are Man Utd still in for Cody Gakpo or have Leeds struck a deal?
AC Milan
Brahim Diaz on his future: “I’m so happy here with AC Milan and I’m doing my best to help this team.”
AC Milan will make a decision over the €22m buy option at the end of the season, while Real Madrid have a buy-back clause of around €27m.
Arsenal
💬 What did you make of Arsenal’s win over Liverpool? Do you think they can keep this up and challenge Man City for the title? Let me know in the comments!
Barcelona
Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Frenkie de Jong: “We’ve received many bids from Premier League for Frenkie, big money — but we decided to keep a quality player like FdJ. We’ve never forced any player to reduce his salary, we’ve just asked in pacific way.”
Barcelona director Mateu Alemany on the Antoine Griezmann transfer: “Deal has been completed this week, it’s done for €20/25m depending on bonuses. It’s a massive, extraordinary deal for us because of Griezmann salary — and same for Coutinho.”
Chelsea
🔵 What’s gone wrong for Denis Zakaria at Chelsea? Talks expected to resolve the situation soon - click here for more exclusive info.
🔵 What next for Chelsea after their terrific start under Graham Potter? Read my column for exclusive insight into the new manager and the club’s transfer plans.
Chelsea will hold further talks over Christopher Vivell appointment this week. He's expected to join as new technical director, just some final details to be sorted out before he signs his contract.
Chelsea also want to appoint a new sporting director, but it is not imminent yet.
📰 In other news, Chelsea are looking into signing Yeremi Pino from Villarreal as Mason Mount heads into the final 20 months of his contract (Telegraph)
Leeds
Are Leeds really closing in on their first January signing already?
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool injuries:
“Luis Diaz — something with the knee, not looking good.”
“Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with a twisted ankle.”
Arthur Melo, not available for 3-4 months.
📰 In other news, Liverpool are considering signing Rennes forward Jeremy Doku in January (Calciomercato)
💬 Where will Liverpool finish in the Premier League this season? Let me know in the comments!
Lyon
It’s official - Laurent Blanc has been appointed as new Olympique Lyon head coach, replacing Peter Bosz, who was sacked yesterday morning.
Manchester City
🔵 Could Manchester City be set to re-sign this former player after his terrific form this season?
Manchester United
⚽ 700 club career goals for Cristiano Ronaldo - read my tribute to this special player here.
🔴 Could Manchester United come back in for Cody Gakpo? Click here to find out.
Roma
A huge blow for Roma, and also for Argentina at the World Cup as Paulo Dybala looks to have suffered a serious muscle injury.
Jose Mourinho says: “The injury looks very bad. I'd say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo... I think very bad.”
RB Leipzig
Official, confirmed. Orjan Nyland has signed his contract with RB Leipzig, deal completed and sealed. He replaces Peter Gulacsi after ACL injury, signing a contract until June 2023 with the option for further season.
Southampton
🔴 What does the future hold for Romeo Lavia and how much might he cost in January or next summer? Click here to find out more.
🔒 (Subscribers Only) Talks planned over Chelsea star's difficult situation, 700 goals for Cristiano Ronaldo, and are Arsenal title contenders?
My exclusive column, featuring the latest transfer news on Denis Zakaria, Romeo Lavia and Cody Gakpo, PLUS how Mikel Arteta has turned Arsenal into title contenders.
Talks to be held over difficult Denis Zakaria situation
It’s not been easy for Denis Zakaria - he looked set to stay at Juventus before Chelsea decided to go for him in the final few hours of the transfer market. Chelsea signed him on loan with a purchase option of €20m, plus €4m in add-ons.
I’m told this deal will be discussed again because the situation is worrying - he’s not playing, he was wanted by Thomas Tuchel and he planned to have him as a starter. Still, under Graham Potter he’s not playing, he’s not even on the bench. This is why the clubs and player will speak again, because at the moment this deal makes no sense for anyone involved.
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