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Read on for today’s headlines, featuring the latest on Youri Tielemans and Arsenal, clarification of the Cristiano Ronaldo situation, and the truth about Manchester United’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham…
AC Milan
Olivier Giroud is set to extend his contract with AC Milan after the World Cup. New deal proposal will be ready in order to get the documents signed done as soon as possible. Giroud’s main focus for now is on the World Cup but he’d be more than happy to continue with Milan.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli on Rafael Leao contract talks: “He’s really happy with us, it’s clear. Maldini and Rafa’s camp are in negotiations. We’re waiting for good news. He’s happy with Milan, I want him to stay.”
Arsenal
Youri Tielemans has not given his word to any club, yet. It’s still open and he will decide at the right moment.
Barcelona are linked to all the free agent players on the market as they always monitor the free agents market, but it’s not something advanced as things stand.
Barcelona
There’s been talk of Barcelona giving up on Youri Tielemans because he’s given his word to Arsenal, but that’s not the case. They’ll continue to be linked with free agents, I’m sure, but nothing is advanced yet.
Cesar Azpilicueta: “New Chelsea owners have changed my situation, they wanted to keep me at all costs despite contract situation — I told that to Barcelona. I’m sure Xavi understood my point. Also, London is my home.”
Bayern Munich
Gregor Kobel on FC Bayern links: “I did not hear those stories and that’s not of interest to me either. I play for Borussia Dortmund and we have big plans with BVB. That’s all I care about.”
Celtic
Josip Juranovic is attracting interest from many clubs after a strong World Cup for Croatia. Celtic are open to discussing offers as they’ve already secured a replacement right-back in the form of Alistair Johnston in case Juranovic leaves in upcoming transfer windows.
Chelsea
Cesar Azpilicueta: “New Chelsea owners have changed my situation, they wanted to keep me at all costs despite contract situation — I told that to Barcelona. I’m sure Xavi understood my point. Also, London is my home.”
Germany
Official. Oliver Bierhoff’s contract at the DFB has been terminated — he’s out of the project after disappointing World Cup results for Germany.
Inter Milan
Denzel Dumfries’ agent Rafaela Pimenta when asked on potential move to Premier League club: “I hope his value doesn’t increase — otherwise it will be difficult to transfer him.”
Leeds United
Inter Milan are not in talks to sign Tyler Adams as things stand. I’m sure Leeds will try to keep him, they love Tyler as player but also I’m told they love his attitude in the dressing room. It always depends on the proposals, we will see; too early to say. But I think he’s very good player with a top future.
Manchester United
As far as I understand, it’s not that Manchester United are out of the race for Jude Bellingham, it’s a little more complicated than that.
They want Bellingham but they know Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid have different power on the market at this stage of their project.
So Man United will try but they know it’s more than difficult. Focus now is on January, not on June yet.
Cristiano Ronaldo is 100% focused on the World Cup, right after he will decide on his future.
Al Nassr’s bid is official and concrete, they are pushing and they want Ronaldo so that’s why they have a chance. Of course on Ronaldo’s side they still hope to find a solution in Europe, the market can change in five minutes for a free agent.
On Chelsea, I think Cristiano is always a good idea, he could give them a goal threat and great experience and winning mentality, but their project is more about young players right now.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are now leading the race to sign Endrick, pushing as reported in the last few days. Official negotiations are ongoing with Palmeiras on €60m fee, including add-ons. PSG and Chelsea also remain in the race, no concrete talks with Barcelona, but Real are ahead right now.
Of course, Real Madrid have a good history with signing top young talents – they were in control in the race for Vinicius a few years ago as well, and it’s proven a great move for them.
Speculation was normal as Vinicius was the best talent in South America by far, so all the clubs from England, Spain and Italy sent their scouts to monitor him. Still, he always wanted Real Madrid, he only wanted Real Madrid. There was never another option for him.
Stuttgart
Official, completed. Bruno Labbadia has been appointed as the new Stuttgart head coach, signing a contract until June 2025. He put pen to paper on his deal today, he’s officially back.
Tottenham
Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic is now Croatia’s top scorer in the World Cups with 6 goals, level with the legendary Davor Suker.
There’s been further speculation about the future of Bryan Gil. My understanding is he could only leave Tottenham if a replacement will be signed, this was the case in August with Valencia move and it’s still the same now. It’s too early to say where he could go and if a move will happen at all.
Watford
Here we go! Watford have a full agreement to sign Matheus Martins from Fluminense – it’ll cost them €6m fee + €3m add-ons. His medical was done last week. He signs for Udinese and then immediately goes on loan to Watford.
Ismael Kone with his Watford shirt after deal completed and signed today – another here we go confirmed!