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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.

The post Chelsea star 99% gone, Lukaku clause, Arsenal midfield targets, and could Man Utd ace be next big Saudi signing? appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson is highly rated in English football and he has been linked with a number of top clubs.

The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing the player and a report from TeamTalk claims that Arsenal and Chelsea have now joined the race.

Apparently, the striker is valued in excess of £100 million and it remains to be seen whether the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea are prepared to pay that kind of money for him. There is no doubt that Ferguson is a prodigious young talent with a big future ahead of him and he could be a key player for both London clubs.

Arsenal could certainly use a prolific goalscorer to partner Gabriel Jesus in the attack and Ferguson would be a superb long-term investment. Although he is not a prolific goalscorer right now, he has the tools to develop into a world-class striker. Apart from his goalscoring ability, the 19-year-old will add creativity, and link up play to the Arsenal attack as well.

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As far as Chelsea are concerned, they signed Nicolas Jackson to solve their goalscoring problems, but the former La Liga striker has had a mixed campaign so far. They could certainly use more quality in the attack and the 19-year-old would be a superb acquisition.

Chelsea have dealt with Brighton for players like Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo in recent months. It remains to be seen whether they can secure the services of Ferguson as well.

The post Arsenal join four other PL clubs in the race to sign attacker who will cost over £100m appeared first on CaughtOffside.

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Marcelo Gallardo closing in on Al Ittihad job

Marcelo Gallardo to Al Ittihad – here we go! The former River Plate manager has completed an agreement to take over the Saudi Pro League club on a deal valid until 2025, with the option to extend the deal for a further two years. The agreement is done, everything is signed between Gallardo and Al Ittihad – the Argentine is now travelling to Saudi and it will be made official soon.

Gallardo had many opportunities in Europe in recent years, but he’s now heading to Saudi, where he will be one of the top five best paid managers in the world. It’s a big contract, a big salary, and a big opportunity for him in the Saudi league.

Al Ittihad are also looking for a new director of football, with AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini in talks with the club, though that’s not yet a done deal. Gallardo is, though, and it’s quite a statement by Al Ittihad as they bring in a very highly rated coach to add to their signings of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho over the summer.

No changes to Carlo Ancelotti’s situation

Another big story in the managerial merry-go-round is with Carlo Ancelotti, as I’m aware there have been some reports about Real Madrid opening talks over a new two-year deal with the Italian tactician.

However, I’ve looked into this and I’m not currently hearing any new information on Ancelotti’s future – no changes for the manager, no concrete developments with Real Madrid or the Brazilian national team.

Ancelotti will decide his future later, and for now is just focusing on the present, and on helping Real Madrid through the second half of the season. We’ll see when things change, but for now there has been nothing substantial in either direction.

Evan Ferguson happy at Brighton despite Chelsea and Man Utd links

Back to the transfer market, and we keep seeing Brighton’s Evan Ferguson linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. I can confirm that big clubs like these are following Ferguson, because he’s a top talent, but it’s just normal scouting and monitoring – it would be surprising if they weren’t keeping an eye on an exciting young player like him!

There is, however, nothing more concrete to report for the moment. Ferguson only recently signed a new contract with Brighton, so he’s fully focused on them. I’m told he’s really happy at Brighton and sees it as the best place for him to develop now, as we’ve seen with so many other top young players there in recent times.

I’m sure we’re going to keep seeing links everywhere, but nothing is going to be decided now, and I think it’s important to keep on respecting the Brighton project, because they won’t sell all their top players as they continue to develop and improve under Roberto De Zerbi.

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In other news…

Jonathan Tah – Tah could leave Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 because he’s attracting interest, for sure. However, I wouldn’t read too much into links with Manchester United at the moment because it will depend on the changes that will soon take place with the sporting director. I’m not hearing anything about Tah as of now, even if United remain likely to target a centre-back as a priority for 2024.

Ben White – Talks between Ben White and Arsenal continue to progress well – all parties want the same, so the agreement is getting closer, but I can’t say for sure yet when it will all be finalised. Sometimes these things take time, but there are no issues as far as I’m hearing – talks are ongoing, step by step.

Warren Zaire-Emery – PSG have a diamond on their hands in the form of Warren Zaire-Emery and they want to extend his contract as soon as possible. He’s still just 17 but has just scored his first goal for France. He’s a top, top talent and can be one of the best midfielders in the world in the future, I’m sure. He has talent, vision, and I’m told he’s a very serious and top professional. This is very special guy.

The post Evan Ferguson to Chelsea or Man Utd? Plus Ben White contract update, Bundesliga star could move in 2024 & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs following Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson, Fabrizio Romano has told CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column.

The Republic of Ireland international has shown himself to be a hugely promising young player, and one imagines it won’t be long before he earns himself a big move to one of the Premier League’s elite, or even a major European club.

For now, however, Romano insists that Ferguson remains committed to Brighton, where he is very happy with their project, though some form of interest from clubs like Chelsea and Man Utd is to be expected.

It seems these sides are scouting Ferguson, which is normal for big teams and top young players, but Romano doesn’t appear to think there’s anything more concrete happening with this saga for the time being.

Responding to the latest Ferguson rumours and stories, Romano said: “We keep seeing Brighton’s Evan Ferguson linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. I can confirm that big clubs like these are following Ferguson, because he’s a top talent, but it’s just normal scouting and monitoring – it would be surprising if they weren’t keeping an eye on an exciting young player like him!

“There is, however, nothing more concrete to report for the moment. Ferguson only recently signed a new contract with Brighton, so he’s fully focused on them. I’m told he’s really happy at Brighton and sees it as the best place for him to develop now, as we’ve seen with so many other top young players there in recent times.”

He added: “I’m sure we’re going to keep seeing links everywhere, but nothing is going to be decided now.”

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United will surely need a new striker soon, however, as the goals have really dried up for Marcus Rashford this season, while it’s also been a poor start at Old Trafford for youngster Rasmus Hojlund since his summer move from Atalanta.

Chelsea also have some issues up front as Nicolas Jackson has been a little inconsistent, while Armando Broja has had problems with injuries and Romelu Lukaku is now out on loan for a second year in a row, without much realistic hope of a long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

The post Exclusive: Chelsea and Manchester United following wonderkid, transfer expert confirms appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the hunt for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.

Ferguson, 19, made his Seagulls debut in August 2021 and has wasted no time in becoming one of the Premier League’s most exciting prospects.

Registering 15 goals in his first 43 games, across all competitions, including five in the Premier League already this season, the talented teenager is understandably beginning to attract the interest of some of the country’s biggest clubs.

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Manchester United, whose striking woes need no explanation, have been heavily linked with a future approach, and according to a recent report from Football Insider, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea are the latest club to join the race.

Despite the Republic of Ireland international recently signing a new contract until 2029, he is expected to follow the likes of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister and become Brighton’s next big-money export.

When it comes to Chelsea’s pursuit, the Blues are thought to have a slight advantage over other clubs.

Chelsea’s Director of Global Talent and Transfers Paul Winstanley and chief analyst Kyle Macaulay are both ex-Brighton employees and could ‘hold a key role behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge’ when it comes to the Londoners targetting Ferguson.

The post Chelsea to rival Man United in race to sign Premier League striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Brighton and Hove Albion winger, Kaoru Mitoma, has officially withdrawn from the Japan squad due to an injury.

Initially selected for AFC World Cup qualifiers against Myanmar and Saudi Arabia, Mitoma, in a joint statement with the Japan Football Association, expressed regret in opting out to focus on recovering from an unspecified injury.

“Since this is a World Cup qualifier, I joined the team believing in my potential to contribute,” Mitoma said via The Athletic.

“But unfortunately, seeing as I won’t be able to play at 100 per cent, I’ve decided to let my teammates play on my behalf, as much as I regret doing so.”

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Over the past year, the 26-year-old has evolved into a standout player for Roberto De Zerbi’s team, contributing 13 goals and 12 assists in 58 appearances. However, his availability for Brighton’s upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on November 25 is now uncertain.

Mitoma becomes the ninth addition to Brighton’s growing injury list, with eight players already sidelined during their recent 1-1 draw with Sheffield United. Notably, Evan Ferguson, who was absent from the Blades clash due to a knee problem, is also doubtful for the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands on Friday.

The Seagulls started the season off in fantastic form but have since found themselves winless in six Premier League matches and now they have injury problems piling up, with the Japanese international being the latest issue.

The post Brighton star withdraws from international duty with unspecified injury appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Although he appears to have settled well in Man United’s Champions League fixtures, Rasmus Hojlund can’t buy a goal for love nor money in the Premier League.

The highly-rated striker is going through one of those periods that strikers hate, where any little thing that can do wrong, does go wrong.

Clearly, everyone connected with the club will be hoping that it’s a blip that soon ends for the player, though that hasn’t stopped the club, apparently, going after another marksman.

According to Football Insider, even though Brighton and Hove Albion striker, Evan Ferguson, has only just signed a new contract with the Seagulls, that hasn’t apparently deterred the Red Devils from making it known that they’ll be keeping an eye on proceedings.

Moreover, the outlet note that United could make a move for the player in the near future.

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That would suggest that the club aren’t too enamoured by the purchase of Hojlund after all, and it could be another huge decision from Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he sets his stall out at his new club.

Quite how such a move would be received by the Old Trafford faithful is anyone’s guess and would also hint at the issue of the powers that be not being overly impressed by Erik ten Hag’s manoeuvres in the transfer market.

The post Striking sensation interesting Man United despite Rasmus Hojlund capture appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United are big admirers of Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and a British transfer record fee will need to be exchanged in order to bring the striker to Old Trafford. 

United are still on the lookout for another forward and Ferguson has been a player the hierarchy at the Manchester club like.

However, the Ireland international put pen to paper on a fresh contract last week, keeping him at the AMEX Stadium until 2029.

According to Football Insider, Man United will continue to monitor him but when the time comes to make a move, the Premier League giants will need to part ways with a lot of money.

Brighton have slapped a British-record price tag on Ferguson following his 6-year contract extension, reports talkSPORT, which means that Man United will have to spend more than the £115M Chelsea paid to the Seagulls for Moises Caicedo in the summer in order to land their forward target.

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The report states that Man United are one of many top Premier League and European clubs considering moves for Ferguson in 2024 following his breakthrough campaign last season.

The Republic of Ireland international notched his first Premier League goal against Arsenal in December 2022 and has already hit 11 in the English top flight.

The signing of the 19-year-old will be a big coup for whoever lands him and it will also be a big story due to the transfer fee.

The post Man United will need to break British transfer record to bring Premier League striker to Old Trafford appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Evan Ferguson immediately shut down a question about why he chose to play for England instead of Ireland.

The Brighton striker is one of the hottest prospects in world football and has grabbed the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Ferguson was rewarded for his incredible performances with a new contract this week, keeping him at Brighton until 2029.

The 19-year-old has also impressed for Ireland on the international stage, scoring three times for Stephen Kenny’s side.

Despite this, questions have been raised about his potential eligibility to play for England, given that his mother is English and his father is Irish.

Ferguson was asked about this in an interview with talkSPORT where he gave a pretty blunt reply.

Talksport: ‘And what’s the reason that you’re so committed to Ireland?’

Evan Ferguson: ‘Because I’m Irish’

Never not at it.pic.twitter.com/vhefO0D4NC

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 10, 2023

The Brighton forward isn’t even eligible to make the switch anymore as he has already made three appearances for his country.

The post Evan Ferguson bluntly replies to question about playing for Ireland instead of England appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Evan Ferguson has grabbed his third goal in an Irish jersey with a tap-in against Gibraltar. 

Stephen Kenny’s side currently sits fourth in their Euro Qualifiers group with tonight’s opponents below them on zero points.

Ireland currently leads against their Group B opponents thanks to their young star striker.

Matt Doherty crossed the ball in from the right, after some patient play from Chiedozie Ogbene, with Ferguson stabbing home from close range.

Evan Ferguson opens the scoring for the Republic of Ireland!

No mistake in front of goal from the @OfficialBHAFC man pic.twitter.com/RNt5ixvgFR

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) October 16, 2023

Great work by Ogbene and Doherty to set up Evan Ferguson for his third Ireland goal!

Ireland lead Gibratar 1-0 in Faro.

Live on RTÉ2
https://t.co/JYf06csaIG…
https://t.co/HISBTzBnGB pic.twitter.com/doL2MUlaSo

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 16, 2023

The post Video: Evan Ferguson opens the scoring for Ireland with poachers finish appeared first on CaughtOffside.