🚨 WATCH Maignan protest vs Udinese, highlights as Arsenal thrash Palace, latest on Chelsea youngster's future and three West Ham targets
Today's round-up, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, and much more!
Good morning everyone! Welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks for reading, and enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
Respect to Mike Maignan yesterday as he left the pitch in protest after receiving racist abuse. The game was suspended for ten minutes after Maignan informed the referee about what happened before walking off. AC Milan eventually won a thrilling game 3-2. FT Udinese 2-3 AC Milan [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Mike Maignan: “We can’t play football like this. At the first goal kick I heard monkey chants and I didn’t say anything. Second goal kick, they did it again so I called the bench and fourth referee. There needs to be very harsh sanctions. Just talking does nothing.”
Al Ettifaq
Al Ettifaq have already approached Palmeiras to sign Raphael Veiga. He’s doing great with 16 goals and 14 assists this season. It’s not an easy deal as multiple clubs want Veiga, including some from Europe.
Al Ettifaq approach Everton to ask for Abdoulaye Doucoure as one of their top targets to replace Jordan Henderson. The Saudi club have also approached the player’s camp. Everton still consider Doucoure as a key player, so it’s not easy but Al Ettifaq want a new midfielder.
Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I’m not surprised of my level as I know that I still have a lot of possibilities to offer. I know that I can provide a lot of goals for Al Nassr and the national team, so it was incredible on a personal level to score 54 goals.”
Aymeric Laporte: “They have not made it easy for us. In fact, there are many players that are discontented. We are working on it every day, negotiating so to speak, and to see if it improves a little because this is something new for them too, having European players who already have a long career. Maybe they are not used to this and have to adapt to a little more seriousness.Many of us have also come here not only for football. Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such. In terms of quality of life, I expected something different because in the end here you spend three hours a day in the car. Riyadh is a waste of traffic, of time wasted in the car.”
Arsenal
Arsenal thrashed Crystal Palace yesterday and this Leandro Trossard goal after a lovely counter-attack was probably the pick of the bunch. FT Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Arsenal have rejected West Ham’s initial approach for Emile Smith-Rowe to join on loan. No intention to let ESR leave on loan as still considered key for Arteta squad; the player is also happy to stay at Arsenal.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have submitted an improved, significant new offer to Middlesbrough for Morgan Rogers. Rogers remains Aston Villa’s and Unai Emery's priority for the January window. Rogers sees this as a huge opportunity and wants to be allowed to join Villa.
Barcelona
Is this Premier League star really set to move to Barcelona?
Xavi: “No panic on Vitor Roque. He wasn’t injured, it was just a little discomfort. He was very good the other day. Quick, with depth... he’s at 100% and he’s a player who can give us great things.”
Bayer Leverkusen
Alejandro Grimaldo has now 7 goals and 9 assists in 18 Bundesliga games at Bayer Leverkusen - from left-back. Reminder: he signed for the club last summer as a free agent.
Bayern Munich
Talks are taking place over a permanent transfer for Kieran Trippier and FC Bayern - no loan, at this stage. Trippier is keen on the move but it’s up to Bayern now as they’ve also been working on the Nordi Mukiele deal this week.
Thomas Tuchel on rumours of Matthijs de Ligt leaving in June: “We’re planning with Matthijs, top player and top guy. Matthijs came back injured from the national team, missed all preseason. We played him too early in the Supercup, then he got seriously injured again.”
Borussia Dortmund
Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen have started well on loan at Dortmund, but what does the future hold for the duo? Latest details here from Fabrizio Romano.
Brentford
Ivan Toney didn’t take long to mark his return for Brentford with a goal - what a moment this was! FT Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Brighton
Brighton finally confirm the Valentin Barco deal. $10m release clause to Boca Juniors, contract until 2028 for Argentinian talent. “He is an exciting prospect, we will give him the right time to adapt,” David Weir says.
Chelsea
Cesare Casadei will start training under Mauricio Pochettino already today as Chelsea decided to recall him. Chelsea believe Casadei has huge potential and can help the first-team squad with immediate effect.
📰 Chelsea have lowered their asking price for Armando Broja from £50m to £35m (Sun)
Everton
Al Ettifaq approach Everton to ask for Abdoulaye Doucoure as one of their top targets to replace Jordan Henderson. The Saudi club have also approached the player’s camp. Everton still consider Doucoure as a key player, so it’s not easy but Al Ettifaq want a new midfielder.
Leicester City
Leicester City are confident to get a deal done for Stefano Sensi by early next week, as soon as Inter returns from Saudi for the Italian Supercup. All parties are on the verge of closing the deal.
Liverpool
Manchester City
📰 Manchester City want to give Kevin De Bruyne a new contract amid interest from the Saudi Pro League (Mirror)
Manchester United
Official: Manchester United announce the appointment of Omar Berrada from Man City as new CEO. “The Club is determined to put football and performance on the pitch back at the heart of everything we do. Omar’s appointment represents the first step on this journey.”
Napoli
Matija Popovic has had medical tests as a new Napoli player - then a long term deal will be signed for the 2006-born Serbian talent. Popovic joins Frosinone just until the end of the season. He was never really close to joining FC Bayern.
Newcastle United
Talks are taking place over a permanent transfer for Kieran Trippier and FC Bayern - no loan, at this stage. Trippier is keen on the move but it’s up to Bayern now as they’ve also been working on the Nordi Mukiele deal this week.
PSG
The priority target for Bayern remains Nordi Mukiele, as reported yesterday. He’s not part of the PSG squad and Bayern are still working on this deal. Kieran Trippier is the other name on their list.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have sealed a deal to sign Jeremy De Leon for their Castilla team. The deal is valid until June 2026, De Leon only wanted to join Real Madrid despite two more bids from La Liga. Medical booked and he will become the first Puerto Rican player in almost a hundred years to join Real Madrid.
Roma
Romelu Lukaku’s fine form for Roma continues, and it was a neat assist by Stephan El-Shaarawy as well. FT Roma 2-1 Hellas Verona [Pictures from TNT Sport]
Samsunspor
Former Bayern and Juve star Douglas Costa is on the verge of joining Samsunspor in Turkey - a verbal agreement until June 2026 is almost done. Talks between agent Junior Mendonza and Samsunspor owner have been positive. Time for contracts… then here we go
Tottenham
The Antonio Nusa deal will enter into key stages soon as there’s a new round of talks scheduled between Tottenham and Club Brugge - more info here from Fabrizio Romano.
Villarreal
Villarreal have agreed deal to sign Yerson Mosquera on loan from Wolves, same as Goncalo Guedes. An agreement is in place and it’s set to be finalised in the next few days.
West Ham United
Arsenal have rejected West Ham’s initial approach for Emile Smith-Rowe to join on loan. No intention to let ESR leave on loan as still considered key for Arteta squad; the player is also happy to stay at Arsenal.
Saudi Throwing money 💰 all over the place