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Arsenal
Highly-rated 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is attracting speculation. I’m not aware of Manchester City into the race; Chelsea always follow top talents but Arsenal want him to sign a new deal, I’m sure they will try again and again as they consider Nwaneri as top talent.
Some Arsenal fans are getting excited about Moises Caicedo liking a post about the win over Fulham, but I don’t like to read too much into things like this – transfers are not done on social media. But for sure Caicedo still hopes for a top club move in the summer, despite extending the contract with Brighton. Nothing is decided at this stage, negotiation with Brighton are always difficult; but interest is there for sure.
Aaron Ramsdale on his future: “Arsenal, where I can see myself for 10, 12, 15 years — that’s the aim, to stay at the top for that amount of time. Hopefully, I’ll never have to leave and become a real sort of hero and legend at this football club.”
Barcelona
Barcelona want to extend Ousmane Dembele contract, currently expiring in June 2024. My understanding of his release clause is the following: €100m available during the year; €50m available in July 2023. The final decision will be up to the player.
Understand there’s still nothing agreed between Sergio Busquets and Inter Miami at this stage — no decision made. Barcelona will offer him new deal valid until June 2024, but Busquets will take his time to make a decision, as Al Nassr have also approached him in recent weeks.
Xavi: “Frenkie de Jong is one of the best midfielders in the world right now. He’s at spectacular level, he’s playing at incredible level — he gives us a lot, I’m so happy with Frenkie.”
Bayern Munich
Official: FC Bayern and LAFC have announced a global soccer development cooperation.
A statement read: “This project will provide a platform for young talent featuring high-level development and a pathway to first team soccer, it will be a joint venture based in Munich.”
Brighton
Chelsea
As others are saying – the Christopher Nkunku deal has never been in doubt. Nkunku has been a Chelsea player since December — valid from July 1, 2023. Documents signed. Official club announcements still to come.
There’s still big gap in the negotiations between Chelsea and Mason Mount, as new deal is again far from being agreed. No final decision yet but chances of MM leaving Chelsea are increasing — Mount will be on the market if new deal is not agreed before the summer.
Fulham
It’s normal to have this headlines for Joao Palhinha, also Andreas Pereira has many clubs tracking him and same for Manor Solomon. They are all doing very well, but Fulham have not had any contact with clubs yet. For sure Palhinha is very appreciated but I’m not aware of concrete talks with Liverpool or Manchester United yet.
Leeds United
I’m aware there have been links between Robin Koch and Newcastle. My understanding is there is plenty of interest in him but nothing concrete or advanced at this stage.
Manchester City
Manchester City are preparing contracts and documents for Julian Alvarez’s new deal valid until June 2028 — it was fully agreed last week. His salary will be improved, it could be signed and completed after RB Leipzig game.
His new salary will be way better than current £2.6m. I also understand there was interest from other clubs, but Alvarez has always made City his priority as he never doubted their project.
Pep Guardiola on being judged on Champions League success: “It doesn’t mean I agree with it but, absolutely, I’ll be judged on that. Before my first game in the Champions League [with City], people said I was here to win it. I said ‘what?’ I don’t know, but I accept it. As much as I go through, it’s not going to change.”
Manchester United
Atletico Madrid asked for Victor Lindelof in January but then they decided to proceed with Caglar Soyuncu deal; Inter are on different targets now, I’m sure Erik ten Hag is happy with Lindelof and will try to keep the player as he did in January. I’m not sure Man United will let him leave, in January it was a big “no”.
Manchester United have confirmed in an official statement that they will not appeal against Casemiro’s red card against Southampton. He will now face a four-game suspension. Reminder: Casemiro had zero straight red cards in his entire La Liga career.
Manchester United won’t risk pursuing Harry Kane as they focus instead on Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic (ESPN)
Napoli
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti: “Kim Min-Jae is the best centre-back in the world right now. Kim does at least 20 incredible things per game. When he starts the run with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opposition penalty area in 5 seconds flat!”
Newcastle United
On links with Robin Koch – Newcastle are still preparing their summer strategy, I’m not sure the targets are 100% clear at this stage. For sure they will be busy and they are tracking many players, Koch has many clubs interested but it’s not something advanced at this stage.
PSV
Xavi Simons dreams of Premier League football one day but PSV’s mission is to keep the player at least for the next season. But Paris Saint-Germain have the clause into his contract to bring him back, Luis Campos is big fan of the player; the final decision will be 100% up to Xavi Simons.
Real Madrid
Eden Hazard: “For me, I will still be at Real Madrid next season — but you never know. Me and Ancelotti? There is respect but we don’t talk to each other. I miss playing football. I want to play. I want to have fun.”
Dani Ceballos: “I have three months left on my contract — then I will speak to the right people, also to my family. I want to enjoy, so I don’t want a new contract if I don’t deserve that, I don’t want to join another club if I don’t deserve that.”
Tottenham
Despite what’s being claimed elsewhere, there are still no changes on Antonio Conte’s situation. Final decision will be at the end of the current season together with the club — but feeling remains same with Conte to leave Tottenham in June. Personal and family reasons will be crucial. Spurs have not started new coach process yet.