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Chelsea star 99% gone, Lukaku clause, Arsenal midfield targets, and could Man Utd ace be next big Saudi signing?

Fabrizio Romano — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

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Chelsea’s plans for the January transfer window

I expect Chelsea to be active in the January window, but also smart. The best news around Chelsea at the moment is that there is almost no news – finally. After two years of many rumours and stories about players, managers, directors, and so on, it’s important for things to now be a bit more calm and quiet.

This will help Chelsea work in the best way, and that’s what they’re doing behind the scenes, with a striker still their priority. We’ve heard a lot about Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, but I’m told that it still looks highly unlikely that Osimhen will leave Napoli in the middle of the season. Nothing has changed in terms of his availability because it looks like a complicated season for Napoli and so they want to keep him at least until the end of the season. In the summer of course it could be different.

For Toney, Brentford will fight to keep the player of course, but I’m told that he wants to try a new experience, and he wants to play for a top, top club. Chelsea are still interested, so let’s see if they will attack the situation, but there are no negotiations yet. Let’s see what happens because for sure they are considering bringing in a new striker in January.

In terms of centre-backs, I expect Chelsea to sell Trevoh Chalobah, it seems 99% likely because he wants to play football. Chelsea also believe that the best plan is to part ways in January. I have no update on clubs pursuing him yet, it’s no longer a concrete negotiation with Bayern after a deal collapsed back in August.

I would then expect Chelsea to try to bring in a new centre-back. They are exploring options on the market, but there is still nothing decided, they are still assessing options, but it’s certainly a position they want to cover in 2024.

Romelu Lukaku’s unofficial release clause for summer 2024

From what I’m told, Romelu Lukaku has something like a release clause, but not a proper release clause. There is a gentleman’s agreement between the player’s agents and Chelsea, because they don’t want a situation like a few months ago in the summer transfer window when they had to negotiate with Juventus, then with Inter, then with Roma – it was a very complicated summer for Chelsea around the Lukaku story, and so there is now a possibility for him to leave for €40m – and that’s not just for Roma, that’s for any club.

From what I’m told, Roma still have no clarity on what will happen next season with some key figures, such as manager Jose Mourinho and director Tiago Pinto – it’s therefore too early for Roma to decide if they can pay that money for Lukaku. We’ll have to see around March/April when things will become more clear.

How Everton could approach January after points deduction

Everton may now have to be conservative with their January transfer activity after their points deduction. They will be prepared to fight for their position and we’ll see how that will materialise in the next weeks, but I expect them to be conservative with their approach.

At the moment there is nothing concrete in terms of negotiations yet – they want to see how to discuss this big issue they have and then work out their strategy and targets for January.

There’s nothing yet in terms of names for Everton, but I would certainly expect a more conservative approach from them in the market after this strong punishment from previous dealings.

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Thoughts on those Antoine Griezmann to Man Utd links

There have been some surprising stories about Antoine Griezmann being a target for Manchester United, but I think it’s impossible, honestly. I’m not aware of any contacts, but it’s also not just about that, it’s about the player’s desire to stay at Atletico Madrid.

From what I’m told, back in the summer there was an approach from Saudi Arabia, with a crazy proposal in terms of salary to Griezmann, who would’ve become one of the best-paid players there, but he didn’t even want to negotiate. He is in love with Atletico Madrid and he already left them to join Barcelona in a special moment in his career a few years ago, and he regrets that decision because now he is back at the club and he feels very well with the fans, with the city, with his teammates and with the manager.

I don’t see Griezmann leaving Atletico Madrid in January, so I think these stories about Man United look absolutely impossible.

Could Bruno Fernandes be the next big Saudi signing?

There have been reports linking Bruno Fernandes with Saudi Arabia, and I think stories like this are normal when we see what Saudi clubs have done recently and as we get closer to January.

Still, at the moment there is nothing, Bruno Fernandes is only focused on Manchester United, and their position is also very clear – he is a very important player, he is very happy there, and so there is nothing happening now.

For the future, of course, never say never, because Bruno Fernandes would be an attractive player for the Saudi league, but I wouldn’t expect anything to happen for him this January – he’s staying.

Ruben Neves could be an alternative to Douglas Luiz for Arsenal

Ruben Neves continues to be linked with Arsenal, and I think these stories come from the fact that Mikel Arteta has always been a big fan of the player. He has always appreciated him, since he was at Wolves, and his name has come up a few times in recent years whenever Arteta had discussions about targets with Arsenal director Edu.

I think that’s why there are these links, but at the moment there are no negotiations, and in fact the dream target for Arsenal in midfield is Douglas Luiz. It’s a complicated deal, though, because Aston Villa are having a fantastic season and they don’t want to sell an important player like Luiz in January.

I think it would take very important money to make Villa change their minds about Luiz, so he’s Arsenal’s dream target – they see him as a perfect midfielder with a big future, but unless they are able to come in with a very big package of money, it’s going to be very difficult for them to get this deal done.

Neves could therefore perhaps be a backup option in case Arsenal can’t sign Luiz, but for sure it’s going to be an interesting January for Arsenal because of the injury to Thomas Partey.

Meanwhile, Jorginho’s agent has also spoken about the player’s future, suggesting contract talks are at a standstill. However, my understanding is that there were never talks over a new deal – he joined eight months ago, so it was never a serious topic. He’s part of the rotations at Arsenal and no changes are expected – also with Partey injured Arsenal and Arteta need him as part of their squad.

What next for Antonio Nusa amid Arsenal links?

Antonio Nusa has been linked with Arsenal and others, and when I asked my sources for latest updates on his situation a few days ago, I was told that there is interest from more than ten clubs for this exciting young talent.

Some clubs in England, France and Germany love this player, but nothing will happen now, it doesn’t look likely for him to move in the January transfer window. Only a crazy offer could change the situation, but at the moment it’s very quiet because Nusa is not in a rush.

At the moment, it’s just about clubs scouting the boy, but he will take his time over deciding his future, and we could see something more concrete in the summer, but not now.

I do know that his agent is very well connected with top clubs around Europe, so I’m sure they will sit down together and try to work out what would be the right next step for the player.

Evan Ferguson unlikely to leave Brighton just yet

Evan Ferguson is another top young talent who inevitably attracts links with big clubs, but from what I’m told he extended his contract at Brighton because he’s very happy there, so we have to be respectful to Brighton.

Ferguson believes that Brighton is the perfect place for him to develop, so I’m not even sure we’ll see him move in summer 2024, maybe later in the future. He’s very happy at Brighton.

Sometimes in the transfer window crazy things can happen – Moises Caicedo, for example, left Brighton for huge money, so if they receive crazy proposals then maybe the situation could change, but for the moment they are very happy with him and they believe they can maybe sell him in two years for huge money, so I’d say the situation is more open for the future, rather than for the next year or so.

In other news…

Savio – Part of City Group at Girona, a potential future move to Man City was part of the original plan for Savio when they signed him. It’s a normal plan but it’s not something guaranteed or decided yet, they want him to focus on Girona as he’s having a great season. Despite rumours, Barcelona are not in concrete talks to sign him.

Estevao – PSG wanted to sign Estevao as well when they were in the race for Endrick, as he’s a top talent. They are still scouting him, but I’m not aware of any new bid or negotiation. There are many scouts from top clubs in South America monitoring him on a regular basis.

Robin Le Normand – Despite some reports, I’m not aware of any new centre-back targets for Manchester United other than the names I’ve already mentioned, like Jean-Clair Todibo and Goncalo Inacio. Also now new people will join the Man United board and they will decide on targets with the manager Erik ten Hag, so we will see many links, but there’s nothing concrete so far for Le Normand and United.

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Monchi could look to sign 28-year-old for Aston Villa in January

Saikat Chatterjee — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:06:51 +0000

Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing the Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante.

According to reports, the Aston Villa sporting director Monchi facilitated the player’s move from Atalanta to Roma in 2019 and he could now play a key role in bringing the player to the West Midlands club as well.

Aston Villa need more quality and depth in their squad in order to challenge for European qualification and Cristante would be a superb addition.

The 28-year-old has done quite well for the Italian club and the opportunity to play in the Premier League at this stage of his career could be hard to turn down.

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Aston Villa certainly have the financial resources to get the deal done and the player is reportedly valued at €30 million. Cristante has the physicality and technical ability to succeed in English football and Unai Emery will certainly be delighted with his arrival.

Aston Villa have lacked quality in the middle of the park at times the season and bringing in the right players will help them improve.

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Aston Villa and West Ham hoping to sign €30 million-rated Serie A ace

Saikat Chatterjee — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:53:02 +0000

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been linked with a move away from the Italian club and a number of Premier League clubs are keen on him.

Initially, there were reports claiming that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the 28-year-old midfielder but TV Play are now reporting that Aston Villa and West Ham United have joined the race as well.

Aston Villa could certainly use more midfield reinforcements and Cristante would be a quality acquisition for Unai Emery. Summer signing Youri Tielemans has not been able to live up to the expectations and the West Midlands club need more options at their disposal.

The 28-year-old Roma midfielder is certainly good enough to play in the Premier League and he could prove to be a quality acquisition. The midfielder is reportedly valued at €30 million and Aston will certainly have the financial muscle to get the deal done.

They have started the season well and they will be hoping to push for Europa League qualification. Signing the right players in January could help them finish the season strongly.

Bryan Cristante in action for Roma

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Meanwhile, West Ham improved their midfield with the additions of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse at the start of the season. They could definitely use more quality in the middle of the park and Cristante could prove to be an upgrade on Tomas Soucek.

The reported asking price seems quite reasonable for a player of his experience and quality. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham can beat Tottenham to his signature.

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Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano names “dream” Arsenal transfer target and one possible alternative

Mark Brus — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:20:28 +0000

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has named Douglas Luiz as Arsenal’s priority midfield transfer target this January, though he also says that Ruben Neves could be an alternative in that area of the pitch.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, Romano discussed Arsenal’s interest in Luiz, who has impressed a great deal at Aston Villa, with Mikel Arteta clearly a fan of the Brazilian.

However, it’s also clear that Arteta has a past interest in Al Hilal star Neves, who previously impressed during his time in the Premier League with Wolves, with Romano explaining that the Gunners boss has discussed his name with director Edu in the past.

With Luiz likely to be difficult to sign from Villa in the middle of the season, Romano has suggested that Neves could be a possible alternative for Arsenal due to their long-standing admiration of the Portugal international.

Douglas Luiz in action for Aston Villa

“Ruben Neves continues to be linked with Arsenal, and I think these stories come from the fact that Mikel Arteta has always been a big fan of the player. He has always appreciated him, since he was at Wolves, and his name has come up a few times in recent years whenever Arteta had discussions about targets with Arsenal director Edu,” Romano said.

“I think that’s why there are these links, but at the moment there are no negotiations, and in fact the dream target for Arsenal in midfield is Douglas Luiz. It’s a complicated deal, though, because Aston Villa are having a fantastic season and they don’t want to sell an important player like Luiz in January.

“I think it would take very important money to make Villa change their minds about Luiz, so he’s Arsenal’s dream target – they see him as a perfect midfielder with a big future, but unless they are able to come in with a very big package of money, it’s going to be very difficult for them to get this deal done.

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“Neves could therefore perhaps be a backup option in case Arsenal can’t sign Luiz, but for sure it’s going to be an interesting January for Arsenal because of the injury to Thomas Partey.”

Arsenal fans will no doubt be keen to see someone come in in that area of the pitch as they’ve had a few injuries in that department this season, with Thomas Partey barely featuring at all so far this term, while Martin Odegaard has also had some recent issues.

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Villa ace appears to have upset Unai Emery with his behaviour

Jason Pettigrove — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:40:23 +0000

If there’s one thing that Aston Villa fans will know by now about Unai Emery, it is the seriousness with which he takes his work.

Though he was ridiculed during his time at Arsenal for the way in which he addressed interviewers, it distracted from the good work he was doing with the Gunners.

Ultimately, that was a coaching job that didn’t work out for him, though his stay at Villa Park seems to be the perfect fit.

Joint top of their Europa Conference League group going into the final two matches and fifth in the Premier League at the time of writing is proof enough that Emery is doing something right.

However, his way of working clearly doesn’t chime with everyone, and according to Football Insider, one player in particular is proving to be a bit of a challenge.

The outlet note that Jhon Duran has clashed with the Spaniard on a number of occasions to date, and because of the nature of his behaviour, it may well lead to him being sold in the January window.

Given that he’s only managed to play for the Villains for 114 minutes to date this season, per WhoScored, he’s hardly likely to be missed by the Villa Park faithful.

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Aston Villa plotting January move for 29-year-old La Liga speedster

Saikat Chatterjee — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Aston Villa want to add a new striker to the mix in the upcoming transfer window.

And, according to a report by Football Insider, Villa boss Unai Emery is keen on having Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams in his ranks.

Williams has been one of the mainstays of the Spanish club over the years. In the ongoing season, he has featured in 13 league games and has contributed towards eight goals. While he has been deployed as a right winger on the majority of occasions in the ongoing season, he is well capable of featuring as a number nine.

His versatility and consistent performances have resulted in a lot of interest in his services over the years. But, Athletic Bilbao have managed to keep hold of their star striker.

However, things could change in the upcoming window as Aston Villa are keen on having him in their ranks.

Unai Emery is a big fan of the 29-year-old as he has watched him up close during his time in Spain. The Villa boss feels he could be a great fit for the club. And, his age is not a concern for Emery as he wants a striker who is ready to go from the start.

Villa want to sign a new forward in order to ensure they have someone who can support their main talisman, Ollie Watkins. The 27-year-old has already found the back of the net on 11 occasions in the ongoing season. He is in red-hot form but the English club wants to reduce their huge reliance on him.

Inaki Williams has signed a long-term contract.

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