🚨 Who is Chelsea's MYSTERY target? Plus MOODY ten Hag, Liverpool want duo, praise for De Zerbi, Nagelsmann's SURPRISE, and more

Today's Briefing, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United and more!

the Daily Briefing

Oct 21, 2023

Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing - thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!

Today’s top stories:

Al Nassr

Al Nassr have decided to place Cristiano Ronaldo Jr with the u15 squad despite being just 13 years of age. He will start training with the team this week and will wear number seven.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a major reason to be happy after Al Nassr’s latest acquisition [Fabrizio Romano via CaughtOffside]

Arsenal

Arteta: “I'm a terrible loser. I was really disappointed not to win the title when we had a big chance to do it. I put the blame on me and I had to think if I'm still the right person to take the club to different level.”
Arteta: "Jack Wilshere could be Arsenal coach one day, I'm sure. Interest from MLS? These things are going to happen when people are doing well, then it's going to come down to him to make the best decision for his career."
The Gunners manager spoke incredibly highly of his opposite number at Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino, ahead of this weekend’s London derby:

[Footage courtesy of Hayters]

Aaron Ramsdale reveals embarrassing reason behind dad’s social media spat with Jamie Carragher [Liverpool ECHO via CaughtOffside]
Arteta on Ramsdale: “It’s not easy for any player who’s not playing as much as they’d like to. The only way to do it is work harder, to contribute to the team in a different way and when you get the opportunity… then do your best and try to help the team to win.”
Arsenal face competition from Liverpool for the signing of Victor Osimhen [The Sun via Just Arsenal]

Bayern Munich

Bayern’s official statement on Noussair Mazraoui and pro-Palestine repost: FC Bayern München had a detailed and clarifying conversation with Noussair Mazraoui this week. The reason for the debate was Mazraoui's Instagram posts in connection with the terror against Israel…
Free agent would be ‘super keen’ on Bayern Munich transfer [Fabrizio Romano via CaughtOffside]

Brentford

Steve Torpey is leaving his role as senior Academy coach at Manchester City to join Brentford as new Academy Director. Brentford have reached an agreement with Torpey, all set to be signed soon.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney may have hinted at next club with Instagram activity [Mirror via CaughtOffside]

Brighton and Hove Albion

Official, confirmed. Kaoru Mitoma has signed a new long term deal at Brighton. The agreement will be valid until June 2027.
Roberto De Zerbi admitted to feeling a little embarrassed by Pep Guardiola’s praise of his coaching style:

[Footage courtesy of Hayters via Football Daily]

Manchester City vs Brighton team news [via CaughtOffside]

Chelsea

A mystery name is being considered by Chelsea alongside Victor Osimhen and Jamal Musiala as the Blues get to work on their long-term strategy. Si Phillips has more here.
Find out the very latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen exclusively here.
Chelsea and Arsenal might have to pay around €100m for 23-year-old attacker [TuttoJuve via CaughtOffside]
Pundit says ‘good’ Chelsea player who he loves to watch play is ‘nearly back’ [talkSPORT via Chelsea News]
Mauricio Pochettino provided the latest Chelsea injury updates in his press conference:

[Footage courtesy of Hayters]

Crystal Palace

Sam Johnstone set to sign a new three and a half year deal with Crystal Palace. Contract will be valid until June 2027 with an option for a further year, documents to be signed this week.
Palace line up move to sign English striker not yet in his prime [TeamTalk via CaughtOffside]

Everton

Beto hasn’t really hit the heights at Everton to date. Are the club happy with his contribution so far? Go here to read an exclusive update.
Everton fan Tony Bellew says Goodison has become a playground [talkSPORT via CaughtOffside]

Germany

Julian Nagelsmann has made a surprising decision with regards to the German national team. Christian Falk has all the details here.

Liverpool

Andrew Robertson set for surgery on his dislocated shoulder, confirms Jurgen Klopp:

[Footage courtesy of Hayters via Football Daily]

Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane are on Liverpool’s radar. Christian Falk’s exclusive insight can be read here.
Stan Collymore risks wrath of Arsenal fans by making surprise Liverpool prediction [CaughtOffside]

Manchester City

Find out which Man City ace is being discussed as a January loan option in the corridors of power at Bayern Munich here.
Pep Guardiola was clearly exasperated about having to choose between Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland for the Ballon d’Or.

[Footage courtesy of Hayters via Football Daily]

Guardiola on Kalvin Phillips: “Until winter time Kalvin is at City… when the transfer window is open then nobody knows. With games when there's a little chaos, Kalvin is perfect and has behaved incredible. One of the most generous players I’ve ever trained. Another player would maybe create a problem in the locker room, maybe to me. My opinion is my opinion but it’s not the opinion of the club. The club has the last word."
Could Kalvin Phillips be on his way to Newcastle? Find out here.
Study shows teams are targeting Manchester City’s left flank [The Athletic via CaughtOffside]

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag was in no mood to answer questions about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential position at the club during his pre-match press conference for the Sheffield United game:

[Footage courtesy of Hayters via Football Daily]

Ten Hag when asked about Sancho case again: “Everything has been said about it.”
Ten Hag: “We know André Onana will do much better — he has to step up. André has to make his future by giving better performances. I'm sure he will do. He showed it at Barcelona, Ajax, Inter Milan… so I'm sure he will give a great performance.”
Mason Mount: "I'm very happy about how I’m integrating in the team now, understanding the way the manager wants me to play. I’m learning how the players around me play and I want to improve my performances which I think will come over time. Of course I know the pressure that comes with the no. 7 shirt... but I like it. I want to perform in it and it is a massive, massive club and an iconic number so it really means a lot to me. I was a fan of David Beckham growing up as a kid."
Is Jadon Sancho finished at Man United? The latest news can be found here.
What’s the truth about United’s interest in Victor Osimhen? Go here to find out.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has big plans for Old Trafford which would be a game-changer for Man United [Sky Sports via CaughtOffside]
Manchester United could propose Harry Maguire swap deal with AC Milan [talkSPORT via Stretty News]

Monza

Papu Gómez has been banned from professional football for the next two years. Gómez failed an anti-doping test as he tested positive in October 2022 at Sevilla — before the World Cup. Italian side Monza confirm they’ve just been informed by FIFA.

Nacional

Álvaro “Chino” Recoba has been appointed as new Nacional head coach in Uruguay. It’s gonna be his first experience as a first-team manager.

Napoli

What’s the latest on Victor Osimhen’s contract extension? Exclusive update here.

Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

Newcastle United

With a potential ban looming for Sandro Tonali, there’s an exclusive update on Newcastle’s transfer plans here.
Premier League ace wants to quit his club to play for Eddie Howe [TeamTalk via CaughtOffside]

Real Madrid

Ancelotti: “Arda Güler is in great shape now but still needs bit more time… maybe 10 days. He wanted to start in a different way, but he is very young. He has all the time in the world to do well here. He’ll be ready soon and show his enormous talent.”
Real Madrid looking for Kylian Mbappé to resolve doubts about signing next summer [Sport via Football Espana]

West Ham

David Moyes spoke of his delight for Jarrod Bowen saying the player has earned his new long-term contract:

[Footage courtesy of Hayters via Football Daily]

West Ham looking to offload fan favourite with 236 appearances in January [Claret and Hugh via CaughtOffside]
Kurt Zouma has apparently been the subject of Saudi Pro League interest. Find out the truth here.