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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.

Injured at present, Richarlison is clearly still going through a tough time at Tottenham, both in a physical and mental sense.

The Brazilian is due back from his current injury on or about December 15th according to Premier Injuries, and perhaps with one eye on the future, Football Insider are reporting that Spurs are looking at an 18-year-old to come in and cover in the front line given how light Ange Postecoglou finds himself in that department.

Should Richarlison’s well-publicised mental health issues become an issue for the player again, Club Brugge’s Antonio Nusa could find himself becoming a longer-term replacement.

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Tottenham will give the Brazilian all the help and support that he needs, as they’ve done so far, however, even that may not be enough for him to conquer his demons.

Should he hit the ground running during the festive period and find his footballing mojo, there’s still a good enough reason for Nusa to be considered in January given that Ivan Perisic is out for the season and Manor Solomon isn’t expected to be back on the pitch until late January at the earliest.

Chelsea and Fulham are also said to be interested by Football Insider, although the one thing that could scupper the deal for any of the London trio is that the Belgian Pro League side are said to be wanting £30m or thereabouts to allow him to move mid-season.

The post 18-year-old replacement for Richarlison eyed by Tottenham as Chelsea wait in the wings appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fulham are set to rival Chelsea in the race for Club Brugge attacker Antonio Nusa.

That’s according to a recent report from Football Insider, who claims the Cottagers are hopeful they can fend off long-term interest from Chelsea and bring the talented forward to Craven Cottage in January.

Nusa, 18, is a top talent. He joined Club Brugge two years ago and has already become one of Europe’s hottest prospects. The talented teenager became the Champions League’s youngest-ever goalscorer after he netted on his competition’s debut in a 4-0 away win against Porto last year.

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And having already caught the eye of Chelsea, who are thought to be long-time admirers of the Norway international, interest in Nusa is beginning to mount with Fulham the latest side to include him on their shortlist.

The Cottagers desperately need to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic, who recently joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, and Brugge’s Nusa, who has scored two goals and provided three assists already this season, seems to be the player Marco Silva sees as the right fit for the job.

Currently valued at around £20 million (TM) but with four years left on his contract, Fulham will know they will need to lean on their financial power if they’re to bring the 18-year-old to Craven Cottage during the mid-season window.

The post Fulham hoping to beat Chelsea to signing of versatile attacker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa is reportedly a target for Premier League giants Chelsea.

The Blues are keen on signing the 18-year-old Norwegian winger and it remains to be seen whether they can secure an agreement with the Belgian club.

Nusa is highly rated around Europe and a number of clubs are keeping tabs on him. Apparently, Club Brugge are demanding a fee of around €30 million for the young winger but Chelsea are unwilling to pay the asking price. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the Belgian club to accept a more reasonable offer.

A report from Fichajes claims that Mauricio Pochettino has requested the signing of the winger during the January transfer window.

Chelsea already have players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke at their disposal. It will be interesting to see how they accommodate Nusa in the starting lineup. There is no doubt that the 18-year-old is a prodigious talent with a big future ahead of him and he could be a key player for Chelsea in the long run. However, his arrival could push the likes of Mudryk down the packing order.

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The Ukrainian international has not been able to live up to the expectations since his big money moved to Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Nusa will look to continue his development with regular football at Chelsea if the transfer goes through. Playing under a top-class coach like Pochettino could help him improve further and it would accelerate his development.

The post Mauricio Pochettino has requested Chelsea to sign 18-year-old attacker in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on the Norwegian winger Antonio Nusa.

The 18-year-old is rated highly around Europe and he has a bright future ahead of him.

A report from Fichajes claims that Manchester United are closely monitoring his development and they could look to make a move for him in the coming months.

Apparently, clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea are also following the 18-year-old’s development.

Nusa has established himself as an important first-team player for Club Brugge this season, scoring twice and picking up three assists across all competitions.

The 18-year-old is expected to develop a top-class attacker in the near future and Manchester United could certainly use someone like him.

The Red Devils have spent significant sums of money on players like Antony and Jadon Sancho in recent years. Both players have been largely underwhelming and they have failed to live up to the expectations.

Manchester United need someone who will add goals and creativity from the wide areas. Nusa could prove to be a quality long-term investment for them.

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It will be interesting to see if the Red Devils follow up on their interest with a concrete proposal to sign him.

Similarly, Arsenal need to add more depth in the wide areas. Mikel Arteta has had to overuse the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

As far as Chelsea are concerned, players like Mykhailo Mudryk have failed to live up to the expectations since the big-money move to Stamford Bridge and Nusa would be a quality alternative.

The post Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea keeping close tabs on 18-year-old winger appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello and welcome to my exclusive transfer news column for CaughtOffside – click here to subscribe for more content straight to your inbox and completely ad-free!

Ivan Toney and more strikers on the move

A player to watch in the months ahead is going to be Ivan Toney. My information is that Brentford know that the player wants to leave in 2024, we’ll have to see if that will be in January or next summer, but we know that Toney appointed a new agent because he wants to try a new experience at a top club.

Many clubs have asked about Toney, including Italian clubs, but staying in the Premier League is the priority of the player. Chelsea are well informed on the situation of the player, but also Arsenal are well informed on the conditions of the potential deal.

Both clubs asked for information, let’s see if other clubs will join the race, but for the moment I can guarantee that both Arsenal and Chelsea have shown this interest. Still, it’s important to clarify that Arsenal have not decided yet how they want to act in January in terms of strikers…READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Harry Kane’s buy-back clause

Harry Kane has been making the headlines ahead of Bayern Munich game against Manchester United this evening, with the England international admitting that the Red Devils are a big club and that he held talks with a few suitors before moving to Bayern.

Meanwhile, Daniel Levy has revealed a key detail as well, stating that that is a buy-back clause for Tottenham to re-sign Kane in the future…READ THE FULL STORY HERE

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Chelsea’s approach for Antonio Nusa

Chelsea tried to approach Club Brugge in the final 48 hours of the summer window for Nusa but the player didn’t want to move. Nusa wanted to stay and focus on Brugge. For sure Chelsea will keep following him but I’m told there are four or five clubs in the race, it’s absolutely open…READ THE FULL STORY HERE

The post Exclusive transfer news: Ivan Toney Arsenal and Chelsea talks, Harry Kane buy-back clause & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea tried to sign Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge in the final 48 hours of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive CaughtOffside column.

The talented young Norway international has become established as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe in recent times, and it seems Chelsea have had a strong interest in him in the recent past.

The Blues tried to get a deal done late on for Nusa, but it seems the player himself was not keen on the move, with Ben Jacobs also reporting yesterday that the 18-year-old’s preference is to move in 2024.

Chelsea have signed a number of the top young players in world football in recent times, and Nusa looks like he’s another player who’d be a fine fit for the Stamford Bridge project.

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One imagines other top clubs will also be in the race for Nusa, however, with Romano claiming there are around four or five suitors keen on the teenager.

“Antonio Nusa – Chelsea tried to approach Club Brugge in the final 48 hours of the summer window for Nusa but the player didn’t want to move,” Romano said.

“Nusa wanted to stay and focus on Brugge. For sure Chelsea will keep following him but I’m told there are four or five clubs in the race, it’s absolutely open.”

The post Exclusive: Chelsea tried signing forward in final 48 hours of the transfer window, says expert appeared first on CaughtOffside.

{live, 13:08, Liverpool linked with move for Real Madrid star}

According to reports from Fichajes, Liverpool are looking into a quality replacement for Mohamed Salah, should he leave the club in 2024 for a move to Saudi Arabia.

Apparently, Liverpool have identified Rodrygo of Real Madrid as an ideal target”.

{live, 10:59, Real Madrid and PSG made approach for England talisman}

The Athletic have reported that both Real Madrid and PSG made offers for Manchester United target Harry Kane, who ended up joining Bayern Munich this summer.

Rumours this summer were linking Kane with a switch from London to Manchester, however it seems Real Madrid and PSG were closer to signing Kane than the Red Devils, with offers rejected.

{live, 10:54, Chelsea preparing offer for Dortmund wonderkid}

According to reports from Fichajes, Chelsea are lining up an offer to sign Dortmund’s 18-year-old forward, Youssoufa Moukoko.

The source claims Chelsea are lining up an offer of around €30 million, with this price seen as a potential “major bargain” in the future.

{live, 08:54, Chelsea tried to sign forward in last 48hrs of transfer window}

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea tried to sign exciting forward Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.

In his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Romano said Chelsea approached Brugge for the player, however Nusa wanted to stay and focus on Brugge.

{live, 07:52, Chelsea and Newcastle monitoring defender}

According to 90 Min, Chelsea and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Boca Juniors defender, Valentin Barco.

The Premier League clubs have watched him in recent weeks, and could be looking to sign him in the coming months.

{live, 07:24, Arsenal and Chelsea receive boost in pursuit of forward}

According to reports from 90 Min, Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Brentford forward Ivan Toney.

Thomas Frank has revealed that Toney could be sold for the right price, opening the door for other clubs to make a move for the Brentford talisman.

The post Transfer news (LIVE) Arsenal and Chelsea receive boost in pursuit of Prem proven forward appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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The mood inside Manchester United as bust-up reports denied

It’s been an uncertain summer at Manchester United. The good news is that Erik ten Hag was delighted with the club’s summer business. Mason Mount was a priority target and Rasmus Hojlund has a big future ahead of him.

But a drawn-out sale process – which remains active even though the Glazers are yet to show their hand – and some notable fallouts and injuries have contributed to an indifferent start to the season.

The club deny reports there was a dressing-room bust up after the 3-1 loss to Brighton, but what is clear is things are tense with Manchester United 13th in the Premier League. You would expect this. It would almost be more surprising if it wasn’t this way after three league losses in five games.

There is no doubt Ten Hag has the support of Manchester United’s hierarchy. He won plaudits for how he handled Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit a year ago. And the Manchester United boss believes his ‘firm but fair attitude’ is necessary to change the culture at the club and is instructed from the top.

But Ronaldo, and it’s fair to say Jadon Sancho as well, view the Manchester United boss as too much of a taskmaster at times. Sources say Ronaldo complained he was made to run ‘punishment’ laps and that training felt too much like boot camp.

As for Sancho, he simply feels scapegoated. He made that clear in a now deleted social media post. Yet several Manchester United sources argue he needs to be more disciplined and focused in training. There are clearly two sides to that story.

The fact Al-Ettifaq, when they enquired on September 7, were told a £50m obligation to buy was necessary shows Manchester United were prepared to let Sancho leave. And he could yet be sold in January if the situation doesn’t improve.

The Sancho case is a test of Ten Hag’s man-management, and how adaptable he is. A hard-line approach, not tailored to Sancho’s personality, will probably only make the situation worse.

Then there’s the Antony situation, with his return from international duty delayed so he can address assault allegations. Manchester United have clearly tried to act quickly in what is a complicated situation. It’s only right to let the process play out before taking any definitive judgement, but it’s important Manchester United handle this seriously and transparently and that will likely mean a number of missed games for Antony.

Add to all this the growing injury list, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka the latest player to miss several weeks due to a hamstring injury, and it’s hardly ideal prep heading into Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Bayern Munich.

Manchester United’s next four league games are against Burnley, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Sheffield United. Three wins are required otherwise Ten Hag may start to be under some pressure. His type of management style is clearly respected but when results don’t come that’s when dissenting players can start to make their voices even more heard and cracks appear, especially at a club like Manchester United and with a number of players not afraid to say their piece.

There’s no doubt Ten Hag has the support of the club’s leadership, on and off the field, but that doesn’t mean much in football if you lose the dressing room. That hasn’t happened yet, though, despite all the drama at Old Trafford.

Martin Odegaard to more than double his salary with new deal agreement close

Martin Odegaard is expected to sign a new Arsenal contract. An agreement in principle is not far off. Talks are advanced and the Arsenal captain could extend until 2027.

Arsenal are very optimistic. They know Odegaard wants to stay, and after a flurry of renewals last season the 24-year-old is now next in line.

Much like Bukayo Saka’s extension, which took time but was never really in doubt, Odegaard is seen as ‘untouchable’ right now. But there will still be some finer points to thrash out.

Odegaard is on about £115k-per-week and will be looking to more than double that. And that pay hike is richly deserved after 15 goals last season and two already this campaign, including a key equaliser against Manchester United in a 3-1 win, which came just a minute after the visitors opened the scoring.

I would expect, now the international break is over, for talks to move relatively fast. You may remember with Saka, the agreement in principle in the back half of last season still took a couple of months to then get signed and announced, but that didn’t mean that progress wasn’t made. Regardless of when it’s all official, Arsenal know Odegaard wants to stay and that should make his renewal relatively smooth.

How previous panic buy led to Chelsea deciding against Dusan Vlahovic risk

Chelsea were offered a number of players this summer that they turned down. This is normal for any big club, but especially one that’s spent £1bn over the past three windows. Sellers and agents will always target an active club in the market.

Although Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic was a name Chelsea had tracked over multiple windows they never seriously entertained a swap deal for Romelu Lukaku, who is now at Roma. This was because Mauricio Pochettino wasn’t on board. Chelsea would have had to pay €35-40m in addition to Lukaku, but I understand it wasn’t the money that put off the club.

Chelsea do admire many of Vlahovic’s qualities but had some concerns about his injury record. And, more importantly, they wanted to give priority to Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja.

I also think after signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a bit of a panic last summer from Barcelona, Chelsea didn’t want to rush into adding another big-money forward. If the goals don’t come this year, they’ll move in January instead with Brentford’s Ivan Toney one option. Nothing is advanced on that front yet. It will all depend on how Chelsea fare between now and January.

As Fabrizio Romano revealed, Chelsea were also offered Marcelo Brozovic prior to his Al-Nassr move. In the end the Croatian midfielder was sold on going to Saudi. And he never had a chance to seriously consider Chelsea because they quickly ruled him out. There would almost have been no point in selling Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City if Chelsea simply replaced him with 30-year-old Brozovic.

All manner of names were considered by Chelsea in addition to those players offered. Club Brugge striker Antonio Nusa was one talent Chelsea really liked, but the 18-year-old didn’t want to move until 2024. Marco Verratti and Wilfried Zaha were other names discussed. Neither quite fit the profile Chelsea wanted and this summer and the recruitment team were quite strict in their requirements.

Who could succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager?

Gareth Southgate has come under some criticism of late, although I thought England were excellent in the 3-1 win over Scotland. The 1-1 draw against Ukraine was drab, though.

Southgate won’t be sacked. That’s not an option being considered, and rightly so in my view. It’s just a case of whether he stands down after Euro 2024. His contract expires in 2024 as it stands.

The FA are already considering options. This is normal, since international jobs (and the recruitment for them) work differently than in club football with a bit more forward planning. But obviously things can be entirely influenced by how England perform at Euro 2024, which is why it’s a bit early to be making predictions.

Graham Potter will definitely be a candidate. He was the leading choice for the next England manager prior to joining Chelsea. But the way he handled that (albeit difficult) job may have given The FA a few doubts.

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Eddie Howe is another name on The FA’s radar. I just don’t see Howe wanting to leave Newcastle, though, next year if everything goes according to plan this season.

Lee Carsley is also someone worthy of consideration having won the Under-21 Euros with England this summer. But a vacancy, should one arise, might come too soon for him.

Sarina Wiegman has already said she’s happy managing the Lionesses. There’s no reason for her to leave her role in 2024 as England look to defend their Women’s Euros crown in 2025.

And Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is an interesting one to watch. The FA would love to have him. If Manchester City again dominate, could Pep be tempted by a fresh challenge? Sources do indicate he likes the idea of managing at a World Cup, but he could also miss the day to day of club football at this stage of his career. Pep, a bit like Jose Mourinho has said in the past, may wait until slightly later in his career for an opportunity in international football.

The post Exclusive Ben Jacobs column: The mood Inside Manchester United, important new Arsenal deal close & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea really like Club Brugge wonderkid Antonio Nusa and considered him as a transfer target this summer, according to Ben Jacobs in his exclusive CaughtOffside column.

The Blues had a busy summer recruiting some elite young talent, but Nusa is a name they looked at and couldn’t get done on this occasion, with the 18-year-old preferring to move in 2024.

Jacobs said: “All manner of names were considered by Chelsea in addition to those players offered. Club Brugge striker Antonio Nusa was one talent Chelsea really liked, but the 18-year-old didn’t want to move until 2024.”

Nusa will surely continue to attract interest from Chelsea and other big clubs if he continues to develop as he has, but it remains to be seen who will be in pole position for his signature by the time he decides to leave his current club.

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Chelsea could be a good destination for the Norway international, with the west Londoners prioritising the recruitment and development of top young players under the ownership of Todd Boehly.

Nusa could well have an important role to play if he does join Chelsea, who could probably do with bringing in upgrades on under-performing attacking players like Mykhaylo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson.

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