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What a result for AC Milan last night and what an assist from Rafael Leao as he took on the entire Napoli defence on his own before setting up Olivier Giroud! Click here to watch.
I’ve had Arsenal fans asking me about the reports on Ollie Watkins – I can say that I’m not aware of anything advanced at this stage with any club. He’s doing excellent and he’s only focused on Villa. I’m sure he’s capable of making the step up to one of the so-called ‘big six’, but we also have to respect Villa as the project is ambitious and Unai Emery is there to help them grow.
Despite the reports on Ollie Watkins and rumoured interest from Arsenal – I can say that I’m not aware of anything advanced at this stage with any other club. I’m sure he’s capable of making the step up to one of the so-called ‘big six’, but he’s only focused on Villa and we also have to respect their project, which is ambitious and heading in the right direction under Unai Emery.
The reports circulating about Raphinha having problems at Barcelona, with issues behind the scenes at training, is not the information I have, honestly. I feel after every Barca negative game there are these kinds of rumours on players. Raphinha is appreciated by Xavi, so nothing is decided or concrete at this stage. Of course it’s important to say that Financial Fair Play will be crucial for Barca this summer.
Ousmane Dembele is out of contract in summer 2024. He signed a new deal last summer, but it was just a short-term deal for two years. He’s very happy with Barcelona and Xavi is very happy with him, so they want to continue together. There are no formal talks yet, but I’m told these contacts will happen very soon. There is a release clause in Dembele’s contract, only active in July, and it’s worth €50m. Still, he wants to stay and he’s considered an untouchable player, so let’s see how contract talks go.
Konrad Laimer will be unveiled soon as new Bayern signing on free transfer. The deal has been completed last January — it will be valid until June 2027. Official statement expected soon as medicals have also been completed.
Ryan Gravenberch wants to play more, this is why Liverpool approached his agent. But as things stand, Bayern have no intention to negotiate his sale.
Thomas…
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