Hello all and welcome to my Daily Briefing, with today’s post featuring major pieces of Arsenal transfer news, Chelsea rumours, and more.
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AC Milan
I’m aware there’s already some speculation about the future of Charles De Ketelaere, who only joined AC Milan from Club Brugge in the summer.
He has admittedly been a bit slow to get going, but this is because Milan, Serie A and that level is not the same as Belgian football… so I think it’s normal. All the links I’m seeing are not true because he will stay at AC Milan and they trust him as top player for the future after investing almost €35m on him.
Arsenal
For sure Arsenal remain interested in Mykhaylo Mudryk, they are following him for a long time but there’s still nothing decided. Shakhtar Donetsk want more than €60-65m to sell him now and it’s not easy. The race is open, if Arsenal really want him they have to move fast.
As I said a few days ago, Arsenal are also keeping an eye on Facundo Torres. They have a few options they like in this position but there is nothing advanced for the moment.
Atletico Madrid
Despite what you might have heard about Joao Felix being on the market, I’m still told Atletico Madrid are trying to protect the player and they want to trust him for the future.
The situation with Diego Simeone is not easy, so if they will receive a really important bid it could change; but there are still no official proposals.
Personally, I think he deserves to play always as starter to prove himself at the best level, this is why it’s not working with Atletico as of now.
Barcelona
Yesterday was the end of an era – Gerard Pique made his final appearance for Barcelona at the Nou Camp as he prepares for retirement.
Speaking after the game, he said: “In life, when you get older, you realize that sometimes to love is to let go. I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future. I love Barça. That’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go. This is not a goodbye. I was born here, I’ll die here.”
Bayern Munich
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on his future: “I’m just focused on FC Bayern and the here and now. I’m very, very happy and could imagine staying here longer.”
Borussia Dortmund
Despite speculation to the contrary, I’m not aware of any one club being the favourites for Jude Bellingham at the moment. I expect that one week we’ll hear that it’s Liverpool, the next week Real Madrid, the next week Man City, and so on. It’s simply too early to say for sure.
Youssoufa Moukoko on his contract expiring in June 2023: “I’ve been here at Borussia Dortmund for seven years, I feel at home here. I know this club very well and the manager Terzic trusts me.”
Chelsea
After three goals in just his first five games for the Palmeiras first-team, Endrick is already showing what a superb young talent he is.
Chelsea have been following him for months and they’re in the race for Endrick, alongside Real Madrid and PSG. At the moment there’s still nothing decided or advanced as player is waiting to speak with the clubs and Palmeiras have not received official bids yet. I consider him a really top talent for the future!
Official: Ben Chilwell will miss the World Cup, Chelsea statement confirms: “Following the injury vs Dinamo, Ben has undergone a scan – results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury, he’s unfortunately expected to miss the World Cup.”
Graham Potter on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: “We’ve found him really quiet, humble, nice person who wants to support the team. He wants to enjoy his football, he wants to be happy. You should treat people how you find them and not pre-judge.”
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt are set to complete the signing of Paxten Aaronson from Philadelphia Union. It will be a permanent move, no loan back. Deal will be done for $4m plus add-ons.
Liverpool
I know Liverpool fans will be desperate for updates on Jude Bellingham, and I’ve had plenty of questions about the reports that the Reds are now the favourites to sign the England international.
As I mentioned many times, I think every week we’ll have a different story on Jude Bellingham. One week Chelsea favourite, one week Real, one week Liverpool, one week City…
I’m sure that Liverpool want him, it’s not new – they will go for a top midfielder and he’s top of the list, but the race is open between many top clubs and it won’t be decided now.
Manchester City
Official, confirmed. Manchester City have signed promising youngster Emilio Lawrence from Everton. City have added a top talent to their academy who was also wanted by many other clubs.
Marseille
There are clubs in England and France following Pape Gueye. At the moment there are still no advanced negotiations with any club, so the situation is quiet; but I’m sure we’ll have to keep an eye on him in 2023.
Palmeiras
Endrick’s father Douglas: “There’s nothing decided for Real Madrid or any other club. We’ve no preference yet. We’ll decide in the next months, the club that will pay what Palmeiras want and show us the best technical project for Endrick, will sign the boy.”
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain are one of the clubs showing an interest in signing Endrick, but they will face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid. The 16-year-old wonderkid has a release clause of €60m.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are one of the clubs keen to sign Endrick from Palmeiras, but they will face competition from Chelsea and PSG. The 16-year-old wonderkid has a release clause of €60m.
Fran Garcia: “I’ve always said it and never hidden it: one of my dreams is to return to Real Madrid. My return to Real last summer depended on certain movements, movements that didn’t happen.”
Real Madrid are said to be ‘concerned’ about Liverpool’s contacts with Jude Bellingham complicating their move to sign the Borussia Dortmund star (Marca)
Tottenham
Antonio Conte on Tottenham’s transfer plans: “I don’t know what the club will do in January. But life will always be more difficult in England in the future as many clubs will spend big money. It’s better to be honest, to tell the truth to the fans – always.”
I think it’s important to pay tribute to the work Fabio Paratici has done in a relatively short time at Tottenham. If not for him, it would have been much harder for them to bring in Antonio Conte as manager. Now they’re doing a great job together, making Tottenham more competitive in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Paratici has made some great signings, such as Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski – not easy deals. And also keeping Harry Kane was crucial. Paratici arrived in 2021 and that’s when Kane was keen to leave the club when Manchester City wanted him. Paratici and Conte have done great work to convince Kane that this is a more ambitious project, and now the situation is completely different.
For the future, there is also Destiny Udogie – a top young player that we know all about in Italy. Top Serie A clubs wanted him, but he’ll be joining Tottenham next year and looks a terrific signing for the future. This is all part of the work done by Paratici, he has made a big difference. Now we just have to see what will happen with Conte’s contract, and with other signings. Tottenham know the project needs to continue and they want to keep building.
Wolves
Wolves have officially announced the appointment of former Real Madrid and Spain manager Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach.