🚨 Wonderkid "can't wait to join Chelsea", important Man City deal confirmed, Man United star's contract update, Arsenal scout Serie A sensation, & more

"He told me he can't wait to join Chelsea!"

(Photos by Michael Regan, Daniel Jayo, Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing! Thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)

Today’s top stories:

• Wonderkid excited by upcoming Chelsea move

• Latest on Kobbie Mainoo’s Man United contract

• Joel Matip has retired from professional football

• Plus more from Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City

Arsenal

• England have confirmed that Bukayo Saka will be heading back to Arsenal with immediate effect - he’s left the England camp for further assessment. His injury will now be assessed by the Arsenal medical staff after initial tests with England.

• Santiago Castro to Arsenal? The Gunners have scouted the Bologna forward in recent times, along with other Premier League clubs…

• Thomas Partey to Barcelona could reportedly be a story to keep an eye on for 2025 as he nears the end of his Arsenal contract…

Atalanta

Ademola Lookman (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

• Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini: “My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman. His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League.”

Atletico Madrid

• Samu Omorodion: “At Atletico, I spent many nights crying… my family also struggled. I was training separately, I didn’t even feel to be a player. It was tough. No one spoke to me, and I didn’t speak to anyone. I already knew the club’s stance…”

Barcelona

• Ronald Koeman: “I spoke to Frenkie de Jong on the phone. With all due respect, he is still far away from returning 100%. It is too early. He found playing for fifteen minutes exciting and tough. He still needs to play for a while and get into a rhythm.”