Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing: Arsenal’s response to Ben White saga, Liverpool links with Championship star + more

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Arsenal

A lot has been written about Ben White leaving the England squad. I’m afraid I don’t have anything concrete to add to the speculation, though.

I’ve had no direct confirmation of this story. But I can say that Arsenal are not worried by anything in this moment.

They are really quiet, confident and working to restart their season in the best way. As far as I can see, I wouldn’t expect the White situation to be an issue at all.

Shakhtar Donetsk director Darijo Srna on Mykhaylo Mudryk and Arsenal links: “Who wants to sign Mudryk has to pay big amount of money — otherwise our president will not sell him. Jack Grealish was sold for more than 100m and Mudryk’s level is not lower.”

Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal?

Inter Milan will not consider swap deals for Denzel Dumfries, as things stand. Big money or nothing, this is their stance – and the absolute priority is to keep Dumfries at least until the end of the season.

So, despite some talk of interest from Arsenal and a swap deal involving Takehiro Tomiyasu, I don’t think Arsenal will invest big money there.

Atletico Madrid

Joao Felix is prepared to leave Atletico Madrid in 2023. He’s open to a new experience and so there are concrete chances to make the move in January. Atletico will try to ask more than €100m for Joao to protect their investment in him. His agent Jorge Mendes is talking with many clubs.

Despite speculation after an impressive World Cup, I’m reliably told that Nahuel Molina has no plans to leave Atletico Madrid, and definitely not in January. He wanted Atleti move strongly in the summer and he’s not planning to leave now. There’s not even a price tag as he’s considered an important player by the Atletico board and by manager Diego Simeone.

Bayern Munich

Bayern are exploring options to replace Manuel Neuer after he picked up an injury on holiday. Alexander Nubel’s agent Backs: “I haven’t heard anything from Bayern so far.” There’s no clause in the agreement with Monaco to re-call Nubel in January.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund are actively working on a transfer deal for Ramy Bensebaini. Negotiations are concrete for June. No final decision yet on the player’s side, it’s not done or signed yet. Raphael Guerreiro could also leave Dortmund in the summer.

Borussia Monchengladbach

Borussia Monchengladbach have opened talks to extend Florian Neuhaus contract, as director Roland Virkus confirmed to BILD. Neuhaus’ current deal expires in June 2024 but Gladbach want to get a new deal sorted for him.

Brighton

Alexis Mac Allister has been really impressive in the Premier League and now at the World Cup. It’s not surprising to see transfer rumours involving the player, but I’m not aware of Italian clubs tracking the player. I think Brighton will try not to sell him in January as Roberto De Zerbi really appreciates the player. I think second part of the season will be crucial for him.

Chelsea

Despite links with Chelsea, I’m informed that Nahuel Molina has no plans to leave Atletico Madrid, and definitely not in January. He wanted Atleti move strongly in the summer and he’s not planning to leave now. There’s not even a price tag as he’s considered an important player by the Atletico board and by manager Diego Simeone.

Graham Potter: “Omari Hutchinson is really good. He has been really good, dangerous, asked a question all the time”.

Chelsea are convinced the 19-year-old attacking midfielder will be an important player in the future.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace will try until the end to keep Wilfried Zaha, but yes, I’m told a free transfer is now a serious possibility and the most likely solution. He’d move for an important club, but I think before January nothing will be resolved.

I’ve revealed before that Roma showed an interest in him last summer, but we’ll see about 2023. For sure, playing regularly will be a priority for him and his decision.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Luca Pellegrini could leave Eintracht Frankfurt in January. Loan deal from Juventus could be cut short to offer the player a different experience. A final decision will be made in the next weeks – Pellegrini has made 14 appearances with Eintracht.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan are not looking for swap deals for Denzel Dumfries, as things stand. Big money or nothing, this is their stance – and the absolute priority is to keep Dumfries at least until the end of the season.

So, despite some talk of interest from Arsenal and a swap deal involving Takehiro Tomiyasu, I don’t think Arsenal will invest big money there.

Liverpool

I’ve been asked a few times about Sander Berge, so I wanted to give my honest assessment of his current situation.

At the moment it’s a quiet situation, nothing imminent or advanced with any big club, despite rumours.

I can confirm he was on Liverpool’s list two years ago, but now it’s gone quiet and their priorities are different. I think he’s very good player but needs to be more consistent to get a top move.

Positive news for Arthur Melo. Brazilian midfielder will try to be back within the end of the month after first, positive medical check.

New tests have been already scheduled in the next days/weeks but Arthur is pushing to return earlier than expected.

The on-loan Juventus midfielder should return to training at the end of December but to see him on the pitch and in good condition it could take one more month, likely end of January.

Liverpool staff wants no mistakes with Arthur’s recovery and wants him 100% fit before playing again.

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag on Marcus Rashford & PSG interest: “He has to make a decision, so we can only show him that Man Utd is the best club to be in.

On deal to be extended until 2024 by triggering the option: “He has one-and-a-half years and yes, Rashford will be here for all of that”.

Rashford and Diogo Dalot will not leave for free, with Ten Hag saying: “We are talking to them to extend contracts, but we have control because we have an option on all the players and we will exercise those options”.

Watford

I’ve been informed that Matheus Martins landed in London last night and he will be at Vicarage Road today to attend Watford game vs Hull City.

The Brazilian striker joins Udinese from Fluminense for €6m plus €3m, and he then joins Watford on loan immediately. A medical has also been done.