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Ajax
Ajax director Edwin van der Sar on Manchester United links: “It’s never been that close. I’ve a good relationship with Man United board and I had a fantastic six years in Manchester, but I’m not finished here [at Ajax] yet.”
Arsenal
I’m aware that there’s been some speculation about Arsenal being interested in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.
I’m told there are many, but really many clubs interested in Ndicka. I’m also told there’s a very good chance for Ndicka to leave on a free, so many clubs – not just in England – are exploring the situation.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo: “Rodrigo de Paul for sale? We don’t know anything about it. De Paul is a good player, he’s from Atlético de Madrid, we’re happy with him. We don’t have any problems, there can’t even be any doubts.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on Harry Kane: “For sure Kane is a top player in the world, but we don’t talk about players under contract at other clubs. I’m sure that Mathys Tel will also show what he can do this season.”
Brighton
Roberto De Zerbi on Billy Gilmour: “I really like Gilmour, I think he can improve a lot with us. But Caicedo and Mac Allister are two big players for us. He has to find the space to play and I have to give him more space but it is difficult.”
Chelsea
Graham Potter when asked if Todd Boehly presented him with the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo: “I never speak about players that aren’t Chelsea players.”
I know Chelsea fans are keen to hear an update on Christopher Nkunku, but the situation is still the same: Chelsea are working on it on both player and club side with RB Leipzig and the next step has to be the contracts signing to consider the deal done. It’s a work in progress, and Chelsea are on it.
There’s been speculation about Armando Broja. My understanding is that an intermediary met with AC Milan – they want a striker next summer and Broja is a player they like. Still, he recently signed a new contract with Chelsea and he’s very happy there. Milan are following him, so we’ll see, but as of now there is nothing.
At the moment I see many rumours but there’s still nothing concrete for Kai Havertz, and nothing advanced for January. Also, no negotiations for Havertz took place in the summer. We will see in 2023, it will also depend on the new directors – I think he deserves more patience and time, maybe to play in different position.
Inter Milan
Lautaro Martinez on his future: “I’ve been here for five years, I’m happy here at Inter – I really hope to become an Inter legend. I have signed a new deal one year ago and I’m only focused on Inter.”
I recently wrote that Lautaro could be a perfect fit for PSG, but he’s confirmed my claims that he’s happy at Inter.
Leeds United
Jesse Marsch on support of Leeds board: “We are together in that, of course I take responsibility but we are together. We’re doing everything we can. We’re unified. The players have been great and it wasn’t easy for them. We believe in them.”
Manchester City
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been linked as a target for Manchester City, but I can say now that Napoli are not going to sell this January. Even next summer, my feeling is that they will fight to keep the player. He’s very happy with life at Napoli, with the project, with living in the city, and with his manager and teammates. He’s been one of the players of the season so it’s normal for big clubs to follow him, but there is no kind of bid at the moment.
I’m aware of links between Kai Havertz and Manchester City, but my understanding is it’s just speculation at the moment. There are no talks ongoing for Havertz now, and there was nothing in the summer either.
Manchester United
I’ve been asked about stories about the MLS, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s priority has always been to continue in Europe. He was approached by a club in Saudi Arabia in August but he wanted to continue in Europe. As of now, there are still no different indications – I’m sure his agent will explore the market in the next 1-2 months and we will see what happens.
Jeremie Frimpong is performing very well for Bayer Leverkusen, and it’s led to some rumours that Manchester United are considering him. I can reveal that they have scouted the 21-year-old more than three times. He’s considered a top talent and they are following him, but so are other clubs in England and other countries. Nothing has been decided, there are no negotiations, but it is true that Manchester United are following Frimpong.
Newcastle United
What an impressive win and performance by Newcastle against Tottenham yesterday. I want to give credit to Eddie Howe, a manager I really like who is getting the best out of this Newcastle squad.
Howe is doing a fantastic job and I think the Newcastle board has been really smart as we heard many names as candidates to the job when they bought the club, but Eddie Howe was a great call.
He’s inevitably going to be linked as a future England manager, but FA sources guarantee they’re not in talks with any manager now; they’re fully focused on the World Cup with Gareth Southgate.
Real Madrid
Toni Kroos is near the end of his contract, but Real Madrid want him to stay. They have a contract proposal ready for him, and they are hoping he will stay. It’s now up to the player, he wants to make a decision, but it will be about his personal life as well as about football.
Tottenham
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on Harry Kane: “For sure Kane is a top player in the world, but we don’t talk about players under contract at other clubs. I’m sure that Mathys Tel will also show what he can do this season.”
Tottenham were interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before he went to Napoli. Congratulations to Napoli, because they were fast with this deal, and they have got themselves a fantastic, fantastic player.
Fabrizio Romano’s World Cup Dream Team
We’re less than four weeks away from the start of the World Cup and I thought I’d start putting together my Dream Team of the tournament. I also want to hear your pick of the best players in each position!
Starting with the goalkeeper, I can’t look beyond Thibaut Courtois. He’s been a monster this year with Real Madrid, he can be a really important player for Belgium in Qatar and I’ve no doubts, I pick Courtois!