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Mikel Arteta happy at Arsenal + Jorrel Hato transfer links
The feeling around the future of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is very clear despite links with the Barcelona job. At the moment there are rumours, but no indication that Arteta is thinking about leaving Arsenal in the summer.
Arteta is very happy at Arsenal, but also on the Barcelona side, they are aware of his situation. He is appreciated by many clubs around the world, but nothing is concrete in terms of contacts at this stage because Arteta is very happy at Arsenal.
Arteta’s full focus is on Arsenal and he’s not thinking about any other job because he’s very happy with life in London as Gunners manager.
Staying with Arsenal, they have scouted talented Ajax defender Jorel Hato multiple times, but he’s now set to sign a new contract. The new deal will be valid until June 2028, with no release clause included.
So, there is no movement expected for Hato in the next transfer window, but it could change in 2025, and Arsenal are one of the teams who have sent scouts to monitor him on several occasions.
Everton to decide Jarrad Branthwaite price amid Man United transfer interest
I’ve reported before that Manchester United are likely to make a centre-back one of their transfer priorities for the summer, and some fans have been asking me about a new name being linked.
Jarrad Branthwaite is looking really impressive with his performances for Everton, and so it’s normal to see stories about his future, but there is nothing final yet from Man United in their decision on who to target in defence.
Still, United, along with other clubs, have been following and monitoring Branthwaite for years now, so it could be worth keeping an eye on his future as Everton will decide their asking price for the 21-year-old in May, but not before.
Thomas Tuchel return to Chelsea doesn’t look easy
I’m aware there have also been some reports about Thomas Tuchel potentially looking to return to Chelsea once he leaves his position as Bayern Munich manager at the end of this season.
We know Tuchel will be looking for a new club, but for now I have nothing concrete on a move back to Chelsea. I haven’t heard anything about this and don’t like to guess too much, but what I can say is that for sure it was not an ‘easy’ separation between Tuchel and Chelsea when he left in 2022. So it seems like coming back would also not be easy.
And, as previously reported, Chelsea’s plan remains to stick with Mauricio Pochettino for now and assess the situation at the end of the season.
Other transfer news…
Kieran Trippier – Newcastle are still happy with Trippier to stay and be part of their project, that’s why they rejected the chance to sell him to Bayern Munich in the January transfer window. But it’s still March so let’s wait before mentioning final decisions for the summer.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Brighton wanted the talented Leicester midfielder in January but it was never close or easy. Interest is still there but we should respect Leicester as they’re more than happy with KDH and still planning with him for next season; then it will depend on proposals.
Willian Pacho – Despite links with Arsenal, I haven’t heard anything concrete on the Gunners following this talented young defender. He’s done very well for Eintracht Frankfurt and many clubs are scouting him, but there’s nothing more concrete than that happening for the moment.