Good morning guys! Thanks as always for reading the Daily Briefing, I hope you enjoy today’s updates 🙂
Arsenal never thought of bringing Folarin Balogun back in January, despite his excellent form in Ligue 1. They wanted to protect him as Reims loan has proven to be an excellent decision for the player’s development. Some Italian club wanted Balogun in July and also two Premier League clubs and Borussia Monchengladbach, but France was seen as the best option. Arsenal will decide Balogun’s future in May/June, not now.
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I’m aware there’s been talk of Ansu Fati being unhappy with his role at Barcelona. My understanding is Barca insist they want to trust Fati for present and future, but it’s one of the situations to watch in the summer because they also have to make money and improve the salaries situation. I think a loan makes no sense, the best solution would be a permanent deal but it’s really early to predict how or where. Despite speculation, Bayern Munich are not working on any deal for Fati. English clubs could be one to watch in the summer, but there have been no contacts so far.
Barcelona have the option to sign Yannick Carrasco for around €20m in the summer. This was part of the agreement on the Memphis Depay deal, and they will make a decision in the next months. If Barca don’t move for Carrasco, he has admirers in the Premier League as well.
Inaki Pena, expected to stay at Barca as Galatasaray approaches have been turned down days ago, there’s no intention to accept these offers. Barcelona are already in advanced talks to extend Inaki Pena’s contract as soon as possible.
Ronaldinho has announced that his 17-year old son Joao Mendes will sign for Barcelona – the Brazilian talent has completed a trial with the club.
“I can confirm Barcelona will sign Joao, Barca has always been part of my life and my heart and it will continue with my son,” Ronaldinho said.
As has been widely reported, I think it’s not surprising that Chelsea will explore the…
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