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Arsenal
I always felt it could be an important season for Arsenal, even if they are performing beyond expectations. They have built something really good, the atmosphere inside the dressing room is fantastic.
I’m told they are not finished – they want to keep building, and to keep fighting for the Premier League. They wanted a midfielder in the summer, though a deal for Douglas Luiz was not possible. They also wanted a winger, Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible. They also had positive talks over Mykhaylo Mudryk but he was too expensive, and even more now. Still, Arsenal will be busy in the next weeks and months.
I can also reveal that, during the summer, Gabriel Magalhaes was wanted by Juventus and another club, who I can’t reveal for now. Arsenal were absolutely adamant that he was untouchable, and their position never changed. They then gave him a new contract, and the priority now will be to go strong on new contract talks for William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. They are optimistic, they feel these players want to stay.
Barcelona
Xavi on Cristiano Ronaldo after the Europa League draw: “He seems to me to be a great player, he has marked an era in world football and can still make the difference.”
Bayern Munich
Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on Alex Nubel: “Neuer will definitely play another two or three years and Sven Ulreich will also be there. Nubel will not come back in 2023. We spoke to Alex on our plans at some point we have to make decisions.”
Brazil
Brazil have selected their World Cup squad:
Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
Dani Alves, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Alex Telles, Bremer, Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva
Casemiro, Ribeiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Fred, Lucas Paqueta
Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Pedro, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Richarlison, Vinicius
Chelsea
Some Chelsea fans clearly expected to see more of Armando Broja this season, so what’s my latest take on his situation?
I’m sure Armando Broja is part of the Chelsea project as they strongly wanted to keep him and sign new long-term deal in September. He is highly regarded by the club, but of course there is a lot of competition in this squad.
There are no talks for potential loan, as of today; I think in 2023 the situation will be way more clear as he needs to play to improve.
Inter Milan
Inter vice president Javier Zanetti on Milan Skriniar contract expiring: “We are in talks to extend his contract as conversations are progressing well. We hope to get it done and signed soon.”
Juventus
There have been fresh transfer rumours about Adrien Rabiot, but I’m absolutely not sure that he will leave Juventus in January. He’s doing great and he’s key player for Allegri this season, so I see him staying at least until the end of the season – then his contract will be discussed as the current one expires in June 2023.
Manchester United held talks over signing Rabiot in the summer, but there were no other clubs in the race. In the end, his salary demands meant United pulled out of the move. For now it is quiet, but I’m sure he’ll have a lot of clubs interested if he does end up being a free agent in the summer.
Manchester City
We had the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday, and it was a pretty favourable one for Manchester City. With the summer signing of Erling Haaland I think they’ve gone up a level and can do great things in the Champions League this season. I’m also looking forward to the tie between Liverpool and Real Madrid, it should be really open and an entertaining contest.
The Champions League last 16 draw in full:
RB Leipzig vs Manchester City
Club Brugge vs Benfica
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
AC Milan vs Tottenham
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Napoli
Borussia Dortmund vs Chelsea
Inter vs FC Porto
Paris Saint Germain-FC Bayern
Manchester United
I’m sure Manchester United fans will have seen the comment on talkSPORT that Anthony Elanga looks like a player who ‘should be on loan at Birmingham’.
So, what is his situation? Personally, I think Elanga really needs to play more. There was some interest in a potential loan deal in August but Man United decided to keep him. We’ll see if they change their minds about that, but at the moment the situation is quiet.
As I said, though, in my personal opinion he deserves to play more as he has an incredible potential. He might not be completely ready to take this United team by storm, but I see a top player in there who could be a big part of the club’s future if his development is handled well.
Xavi on Cristiano Ronaldo after the Europa League draw: “He seems to me to be a great player, he has marked an era in world football and can still make the difference.”
Marseille
Olympique Marseille have signed Amine Harit on a permanent deal from Schalke as a buy option clause has been triggered automatically after 15 appearances. Permanent contract was already in place, fully agreed between Harit and Marseille.
PSV
Real Madrid
There’s been fresh speculation over Eden Hazard’s future at Real Madrid, with sources in Spain saying the club want to offload the Belgian.
Still, Hazard always wanted to stay at Real Madrid, so it’s about his position and not just Real Madrid’s position. At the moment, it’s quiet situation as Real also stated that they want to keep current squad until the end of the season.
I think he was amazing at Chelsea because he was the main star, at Real Madrid is different among many players, and I think that’s why he has not looked like the same player.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad are set to reach full agreement with Pablo Marin on new contract. Top talent born in 2003, he’s going to sign new deal valid until June 2027. He’s considered an important talent for present and future of the club.
Southampton
Southampton are closing in on the appointment of Nathan Jones as new head coach, talks are progressing as reporter earlier. Luton have confirmed that they have given permission for Southampton to speak to their manager.
West Ham
I get asked a lot about Jude Bellingham at the moment, but another big-name midfielder fans seem to want to know about is Declan Rice. After all, if Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all chasing Bellingham, only one of them can get him and the rest will need an alternative.
Still, for Declan Rice we have to consider and respect West Ham; they always wanted almost €150m for the midfielder and they feel protected by his current contract situation.
For whoever misses out on Bellingham, I think we can consider Youri Tielemans as a good alternative – he’s continuing to show that he’s a top midfielder, and he looks set to be on the move as a free agent; and let’s see what happens with Frenkie de Jong, if he’ll change his mind or not about his situation at Barcelona.