Hello and welcome to my Daily Briefing – a comprehensive round-up of exclusive transfer news and headlines, which you can get in your inbox five mornings a week if you click here to subscribe!
Arsenal
With regards to a possible loan in January, Arsenal have not decided on Marquinhos yet.
I think it’s normal to discuss new winger and not to consider Marquinhos ready yet as he’s super young, he just spent few months in England and so he needs to adapt, improve and then become important part of the first team in the future.
For sure they’re really happy with Marquinhos and his approach also in training.
Barcelona
Raphinha when asked about potential Real Madrid offer in the future: “Of course, I’d say no to Real Madrid.”
Barcelona have been very clear in their recent internal discussions and planning: Alejandro Balde is considered as an important player for present and future, appreciated by Xavi and the Barca board. Discussions are expected to take place on his contract situation.
Bayern Munich
20 goals and assists already this season for Jamal Musiala with Bayern Munich, literally flying. The 19-year-old midfielder signed new deal with Bayern in March 2021 — it will be valid until June 2026.
FC Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting contract: “We’d love to keep him. I’ve a good relationship with his agent. We’ll meet and see if we can satisfy him. He’s a big asset for us. We are in contact and Choupo feels comfortable in Munich.”
Bayern are expected to make a “big play” to try to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham in the summer, according to leading British football agent Haydn Dodge (CaughtOffside)
Blackburn Rovers
Ben Breton Diaz is an interesting player who continues to do well in the Championship with Blackburn, so could he soon head to the Premier League?
There’s always been interest from top flight clubs, for example, Everton wanted him last summer. Now there are links with West Ham, though my understanding is it’s not concrete or advanced, but he continues to be monitored by Premier League and La Liga clubs.
Personally, I think he’s a very good striker, needs one more step but an interesting talent who could be a good option for many teams in the market in the near future.
Chelsea
It’s not just Jamal Musiala, also players like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham decided to move to the Bundesliga as they are immediately playing top talents when they are almost ready.
This makes the difference and that’s why Musiala decided to leave Chelsea for Bayern in 2019. He’s now doing brilliantly for them, so it looks like he made the right choice.
At the moment there is nothing in terms of a possible return to the Premier League as he’s under contract until 2026 and he’s not planning to leave.
Chelsea are really happy with Cesare Casadei’s impact three months after signing him — he’s expected to join the first team trainings during World Cup break alongside Carney, Omari Hutchinson & co. The Italian talent has now joined CAA Base as new agency, as announced.
Inter Milan
There is now a very good chance for Milan Skriniar to agree a new contract with Inter. There has been a lot of speculation about the defender possibly being a target for PSG and Manchester United, but it’s now close for him to extend his stay at Inter.
Liverpool
It’s not always easy to know what’s going to happen at Liverpool – they moved quickly for Luis Diaz last January in a move that slightly surprised everyone. It looks like this January could be quieter in terms of incomings, but what about outgoings?
To sell players you always need the right proposals; at the moment, there are no official negotiations or bids yet so it’s still quiet. I’m told that, despite speculation, they are not planning for Naby Keita to leave in January, as things stand.
With Nat Phillips and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it depends on the bids and if Liverpool will be able to find replacements for them.
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp spoke to South Korean TV and admitted “one of the big mistakes in my life” was not signing Son Heung-min when he was Borussia Dortmund manager.
Liverpool could now struggle to see off competition from Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham after the Spanish giants’ talks with the Borussia Dortmund star (CaughtOffside)
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola on Man City plans for January: “We are not going to sign anyone in January. We have the squad.”
Man City decided to proceed with Manuel Akanji deal in the final days of the summer window as perfect last opportunity for this season plans.
Manchester United
I’m told Luke Shaw was never close to leaving Man Utd in the summer. The idea has always been to proceed with Tyrell Malacia and Shaw – a new left-back and an experienced left-back, so nothing new on this one.
I don’t expect anything to change with this situation in January, let’s see in the summer, but for now it’s too early to say.
There’s been more speculation about the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford due to recent interest in Diogo Costa, who has just signed a new contract at Porto. I thought I’d summarise the situation below:
There is no decision yet on David de Gea, still the same situation – we’ll see when Man United and Erik ten Hag will decide. I think Dean Henderson will look for different options after going out on loan to Nottingham Forest this season.
With Costa, Man Utd are going to continue to monitor him as he’s a top talent and has a release clause in his new deal with Porto.
Sevilla
Sevilla and Mexico winger Jesus Corona will miss the World Cup due to an ankle injury, as confirmed in an official statement.
Southampton
Southampton are getting closer to complete the appointment of Nathan Jones as new manager: he has confirmed that he’ll speak to Southampton board on Wednesday.
Jones added that he feels “ready for PL” but also that his departure from Luton is “not guaranteed.”