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Sources: Man United “looking” at replacing failed Amorim signing, two possible targets

I saw an interesting Manchester United transfer story this morning that prompted me to do a bit more digging because something didn’t quite add up.

We know the Red Devils are serious about Antoine Semenyo, with Fabrizio Romano and others now confirming what we covered first here regarding the Bournemouth and Ghana winger.

This exclusive was first published on the Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe and get these stories first, delivered straight to your inbox, and with no ads!

However, one new detail I saw appeared to hint quite strongly at another priority for Ruben Amorim in a key position in his squad.

That position is left-back, or wing-back in Amorim’s system, with the Sun suggesting Semenyo could be signed as a surprise option in that position due to huge concerns over Patrick Dorgu.

Now, Semenyo is one of the most in-form players in the Premier League this season, but a wing-back he ain’t, so surely the club are targeting him to play in their front three, even if Dorgu is in danger.

Sources confirm Manchester United exploring left-back transfer

Patrick Dorgu lining up for the Danish national team
Patrick Dorgu lining up for the Danish national team (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, a well-connected source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, I had it confirmed to me that United are indeed already looking to replace Dorgu.

“It’s no secret that he (Dorgu) has had a difficult time at United,” my source said. “Coming in as a starter…it was too soon for him. They’ll be looking at that position, for sure.”

Asking around for specific names has proven a bit harder, but I can point towards players I’ve heard about before, even if I can’t exactly guarantee they’re going to be priorities, while other clubs might also have made more progress on those deals.

Names to watch: Nathaniel Brown and Tino Livramento

One player who’s attracting a lot of interest across Europe at the moment is Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown.

As reported earlier this week, my latest information is that Arsenal are probably the club with the strongest interest in Brown right now.

It is worth mentioning, however, that United have been mentioned by some very reliable journalists in recent times as well, such as Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany.

I’ve also previously been told about Newcastle’s Tino Livramento being on their radar, but again, the strongest interest has appeared to come from another club, this time Manchester City.

Man United’s left-back situation – a blurry picture

In short, we can’t know for sure what’s going to happen here, but for what it’s worth, here’s my analysis of the situation.

United have presumably kept tabs on players like Brown and Livramento, but not as an urgent priority as they’ve been waiting to see how Dorgu might improve.

Now that that’s not looking like happening, speculation over the Denmark international’s situation is growing, and so we should soon learn a bit more about who the targets will be to replace him.

I’d expect a central midfielder like Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba will still be the priority, but this is also clearly the start of something.

The post Sources: Man United “looking” at replacing failed Amorim signing, two possible targets appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“He needs…” – Man United legend weighs in on Ruben Amorim vs player row

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has weighed in on the ongoing row between Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim and midfield player Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo has found himself out of favour all season at Man Utd, failing to start a single game in the Premier League so far.

This has led to plenty of speculation over the England international’s future, with the latest from the Mail being that he’s now at ‘breaking point’ at Old Trafford as he sees no future for himself under Amorim.

Giggs, however, feels that Mainoo should stay and keep fighting for his place, even he’ll be frustrated at not being given more of a chance.

Ryan Giggs gives advice to Kobbie Mainoo

Amorim has had to answer a lot of questions about Mainoo, particularly following the player’s half-brother hitting out at the Portuguese tactician.

Kobbie Mainoo in action for Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Manchester United (Getty Images)

The 20-year-old perhaps hasn’t handled things perfectly on his side, and Giggs has seemingly held back from slamming Amorim for how he’s using him.

“As a footballer, you want to play. But I would have more patience because he is only 20, and it is difficult to play centre midfield for Man United,” Giggs told the Metro.

“It’s like a striker. You don’t see many really young strikers playing for Man United because it is difficult.

“We all feel that he should be getting more minutes, but he needs to be patient. He’s still young, he’s still learning the game. And when he does get his chance, he needs to take it. So I’d like to see him stay.”

United surely need Mainoo as they’re not exactly blessed with options in midfield, with Casemiro ageing and past his best, while Manuel Ugarte hasn’t been too impressive since joining from Paris Saint-Germain last season.

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Sources: “Chelsea will certainly…” – major update on potential Blues transfer deal

Chelsea are set to look for buyers for out-of-favour striker Nicolas Jackson as he won’t be staying at Bayern Munich beyond his loan spell.

The Senegal international has struggled to establish himself at Chelsea, failing to build on a promising start to life at Stamford Bridge.

This saw Jackson loaned out to Bayern this season, but they are now not expected to take up their option to sign him permanently, as first reported in my Daily Briefing exclusive here.

Sources have informed me that Jackson will have suitors in the Premier League in the form of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Everton, while Atletico Madrid and Napoli could also be options from abroad.

What next for Nicolas Jackson after difficult Chelsea spell?

Nicolas Jackson warming up as a substitute for Bayern Munich
Nicolas Jackson warming up as a substitute for Bayern Munich (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Jackson has surely still got it in him to have a decent career, even if he perhaps isn’t quite cut out for playing for elite clubs like Chelsea or Bayern.

The 24-year-old could be a good option for someone like Newcastle, though, who have endured a difficult season since selling star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa look like decent replacements, but Eddie Howe might still be keen to strengthen up front again, and Jackson looks like a potentially good fit.

Villa, meanwhile, could also surely do with someone like Jackson coming in as a long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins, who isn’t getting any younger.

What sources have said about Nicolas Jackson

Jackson will be available as Bayern aren’t likely to keep him, while Chelsea will also surely actively look for someone to take him off their hands.

“Jackson is highly unlikely to stay at Bayern,” one source told me. “His loan deal included a 65 million euro mandatory buy option, but it was tied to specific performance milestones which are now almost certainly not going to be met.”

Another added: “In the Premier League, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Everton are closely monitoring Jackson’s situation. Atletico Madrid and Napoli could be two other options to watch out for, and Chelsea will certainly be looking for a buyer.”

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Mikel Arteta insists he won’t “lie” to Arsenal players about his future

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he can’t “lie” to his players about his future at the club when it comes to discussing new contracts for the likes of Bukayo Saka.

Arteta is set to be out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in summer 2027, and it’s not yet entirely clear if the Spanish tactician will commit his future to the Gunners.

Discussing this in his latest press conference, Arteta admitted he could stay beyond his current deal, but it’s also not something that seems 100% certain at the moment.

And when asked what this would mean for persuading star names like Saka to stay, Arteta made the interesting choice of saying he couldn’t “lie” to his players.

Mikel Arteta on signing a new contract with Arsenal

Mikel Arteta during an Arsenal training session
Mikel Arteta during an Arsenal training session (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

“Yes (I could stay), but it is about today and a lot of things have to happen in the next few months, as well, to earn the right,” Arteta said, as quoted by the Metro.

“I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. That is how you react, how you talk here, how you go in the dressing room, the message that you send, how much the players follow you.”

On how it impacts his players, he added: “They do ask me but I can not lie to them. I don’t know, it is something that does not depend on me.

“Are you really happy here? Do you feel that you have the energy and you feel you can take this club? Yes. One hundred per cent, yes. But I think it does not depend only on me.”

Mikel Arteta needs a trophy to cement Arsenal legacy

Few could argue that Arteta has done anything other than a brilliant job at Arsenal since he took over in 2019.

Arteta’s record at Arsenal
Played 314
Won 188
Drawn 58
Lost 68

It’s easy to forget now, but Arsenal were a mess when Arteta took over, and he’s now turned them into one of the best teams in Europe.

AFC keep on challenging for major titles under Arteta’s management, and all that’s missing now is that final step of picking up silverware, but that will surely come sooner rather than later.

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“Chelsea’s stance…” – Journalist reveals Man City interest in surprise CFC transfer raid

Chelsea are reportedly facing interest in Josh Acheampong, with the talented young defender on the radar of both Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, posting on X, with the Blues seemingly not keen on letting the player go, even if clubs are monitoring his minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Acheampong has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular, despite looking like a promising prospect, and it could be that Chelsea now risk losing him to another major club.

See Jacobs’ post below for details…

Manchester City and Bayern express interest in Josh Acheampong. Chelsea's stance remains no sale or loan. Clubs monitoring Acheampong's minutes.

Levante also assessing a potential loan for Dario Essugo in 2026. Priority for #CFC is Essugo's fitness.?https://t.co/il5gLDlTnD

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 19, 2025

“Manchester City and Bayern express interest in Josh Acheampong. Chelsea’s stance remains no sale or loan. Clubs monitoring Acheampong’s minutes,” Jacobs posted.

Could Chelsea lose Josh Acheampong?

Acheampong is surely good enough to be playing more often than he has been, with the 19-year-old managing just five Premier League appearances so far this term.

There’s always bound to be competition at a big club like Chelsea, but central defence is not even a position where Enzo Maresca is blessed with that much quality or depth.

Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo have had a lot of opportunities to start for CFC, even though they’d probably both struggle to be first choice at other big six clubs.

Josh Acheampong in action for Chelsea
Josh Acheampong in action for Chelsea (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

If Acheampong’s situation doesn’t improve soon, this is surely going to become complicated for Chelsea, as he’ll likely be tempted by the chance to go to big clubs like City or Bayern if they’re prepared to show faith in him.

Chelsea have lost some big talents before, having notably failed to give Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne a chance when they were youngsters in west London, with those players going on to become two of the very best in the world for their rivals Liverpool and Man City.

Acheampong is not necessarily anywhere near that category, but it would surely be seen as a blow for the club to lose this exciting homegrown talent without giving him more opportunities to show what he can do.

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Club increasingly likely to trigger Man United star’s clause to complete €30m transfer

Barcelona are now considered increasingly likely to make Marcus Rashford’s transfer from Manchester United permanent.

The England international has impressed since joining Barca on loan from the Red Devils in the summer, contributing six goals and eight assists in all competitions so far.

Rashford had struggled towards the end of his time at Man Utd, but he looks to have rediscovered his best form under Hansi Flick.

According to Mundo Deportivo, this now means Barcelona are more likely than not to trigger the option to sign Rashford permanently for his €30m clause.

Marcus Rashford in Barcelona training
Marcus Rashford in Barcelona training (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford looks like a smart signing for Barcelona

If this deal does go through, it looks like Barcelona will be landing themselves a top talent for a relatively cheap fee.

The Catalan giants took a bit of a gamble when they brought in Rashford on loan this season, but the 28-year-old clearly just needed a change of scene.

Player Assists
Lamine Yamal 7
Marcus Rashford 6
Pedri 5

Aside from a brief loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of last season, Rashford has spent his entire career at Old Trafford, and it seems this was starting to affect his performances.

Some clubs might have been put off moving for him, but Barcelona now look like being rewarded for giving him a chance to revive his career.

Manchester United rebuilding their attack after letting Rashford go

United have spent big on new attacking players in recent times, bringing in an entire new front three during the summer as Rashford left the club.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all joined, while there could even be further additions soon as they pursue Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo.

Even if losing Rashford is a bit of a blow, it looks like Ruben Amorim has good options for his front three and the former academy player shouldn’t be missed too much.

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Semenyo could play surprise position for Man United to replace player “ruined” by Amorim

Manchester United could reportedly sign Antoine Semenyo to play a slightly different position due to the struggles of Patrick Dorgu at left wing-back.

The Red Devils brought in Dorgu from Lecce last January, but it would be fair to say the Denmark international has had a slow start to life at Old Trafford.

According to the Sun, United sources feel Dorgu has been “ruined” by being used too much by Ruben Amorim, and it could mean Semenyo is brought in as a key addition on that left-hand side.

Semenyo has shone in attack for Bournemouth this season, but if it’s true that Man Utd are looking at him to replace Dorgu then that would mean the 25-year-old coming in to play as a wing-back, rather than as a wide-forward in the front three.

Manchester United competing with Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo

As per Fabrizio Romano in the X post below, United and City have both started talks over signing Semenyo as he’s available for £65m this January.

See below for details as both Manchester clubs battle for the in-form Ghana international…

? Antoine Semenyo, expected to move in January with £65m release clause valid until around day 10.

Manchester United and Manchester City both called this week, pushing and in direct talks.

Decision up to the player on his future.

?? More: https://t.co/B5MdSXih6B pic.twitter.com/lq5flU6Fea

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2025

“Antoine Semenyo, expected to move in January with £65m release clause valid until around day 10. Manchester United and Manchester City both called this week, pushing and in direct talks. Decision up to the player on his future,” Romano said.

With seven goals and three assists in 15 league games so far this season, it’s clear that Semenyo is one of the most in-form attacking players in the country right now, and that surely means he’d be a bit wasted as a wing-back, where he’d be required to do more tracking back.

Can Patrick Dorgu bounce back at Man United?

Patrick Dorgu in action for Manchester United
Patrick Dorgu in action for Manchester United (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Dorgu looked like a superb talent at Lecce, and he’s still young enough that he could surely turn his Old Trafford career around.

The 21-year-old has been out of the starting XI recently and it might be that he’ll benefit from a bit of a break after being thrown in at the deep end by Amorim.

However, it is also alarming that the Sun quote sources as saying there’s the feeling that the player has already been “ruined” by his early experiences at United.

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‘Breaking point’ – Ruben Amorim forcing Man United star to consider permanent transfer away

Manchester United central midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is now reportedly increasingly open to leaving the club permanently after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim.

The England international is yet to start a single Premier League game this season, leading to plenty of recent speculation about a possible departure on loan.

Mainoo has been linked with Chelsea, Napoli and other big clubs, and it may even be that he now leaves in a permanent transfer.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report that Mainoo is now at ‘breaking point’ as he sees no future for himself under Amorim.

Manchester United could be set to lose Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United vs Bournemouth
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United vs Bournemouth (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Even though it would have been unthinkable when Mainoo first made his breakthrough in the United senior side, it now really seems like he could be about to move on from his boyhood club.

The 20-year-old seems unable to convince Amorim that he deserves a starting spot, and it seems there won’t be any shortage of suitors for him.

Chelsea have been linked with Mainoo by the Telegraph in recent times, and if big clubs like that are willing to rescue the player and give him the playing time he wants, then it’s surely a no-brainer for him to get out of Old Trafford to revive his career.

Should Kobbie Mainoo be more patient in pursuit of United breakthrough?

Mainoo is still young and inexperienced, and there could be an argument that he shouldn’t just look to leave the club at the first sign of trouble.

MUFC legend Roy Keane suggested on this week’s episode of the Overlap that Mainoo shouldn’t necessarily expect to be starting every game at this stage of his career.

United are a big club and players should perhaps be ready to embrace challenges like this, according to Keane.

Is Mainoo expecting too much, or has he been harshly treated by United and Amorim? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Man United could take advantage of key INEOS connection to get useful deal done this January

Manchester United defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte reportedly looks set to make way so the club can make a new signing in that position in January.

The Uruguay international has struggled to impress at Old Trafford since he signed from Paris Saint-Germain, and it now makes sense that a departure is edging closer.

According to Fichajes, it could be that Man Utd will use fellow INEOS-owned club Nice as a destination for Ugarte as they look to offload him and bring in a new signing like Carlos Baleba or Conor Gallagher.

The Red Devils would surely benefit from making some money from Ugarte’s sale, and getting his wages off their books, as it could give them more financial freedom to spend big on the signing they want for that position.

Why hasn’t it worked out for Manuel Ugarte at Manchester United?

Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United
Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Ugarte had also looked a little out of place during his time at PSG, and although he has his qualities, he’s perhaps just not that well suited to a club with expectations of dominating possession and playing attack-minded football.

The 24-year-old is a tough tackling and hard working defensive midfield player who could do a job for a team whose defence needs more protection.

It’s easy to imagine Ugarte could benefit from a change of scene, and perhaps a club like Nice would get more out of his style of play.

United look in need of more of an all-rounder in that position – someone who can do their job defensively, but also have the quality of passing to dictate play and start attacks.

The likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are perhaps the best examples of players doing this at the highest level right now, though of course they aren’t easy to find, and don’t tend to come cheap.

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Ian Wright says he would “take” this disrespected Man United star at Arsenal

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed the way Manchester United handled the Bruno Fernandes transfer saga over the summer, and says he’d take him at the Emirates Stadium.

The Portugal international has been a hugely important part of the Man Utd team in recent years, and it’s surprising that the club seemed open to letting him go.

Wright admits he’s surprised the Red Devils acted so indecisively on this, with the pundit telling the Overlap that they should have made it clear to Fernandes just how important he was to their project.

What’s Bruno Fernandes’ situation at Manchester United?

These claims by Wright follow Fernandes himself coming out and slamming the club for making him feel unwanted.

“I could have left in the last transfer window, I would have earned much more money, I was going to leave a season ago – I won’t say where – but I would have won many trophies that season,” he told Canal 11, as quoted by the Metro.

“I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely love the club. The conversation with the manager also made me stay.

Bruno Fernandes celebrates during Manchester United's game against Bournemouth
Bruno Fernandes celebrates during Manchester United’s game against Bournemouth (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“But, from the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘if you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’

“It hurts me a bit. More than hurting, it makes me sad because I’m a player who has nothing to criticise.

“I’m always available, I always play, good or bad. I give my all. Then, you see things around you, players who don’t value the club as much and don’t defend the club as much… that makes you sad.”

Ian Wright slams Man United over Bruno Fernandes treatment

Wright clearly wasn’t impressed by how United handled this, and admitted he’d take Fernandes at Arsenal tomorrow.

One imagines the former Gunners striker isn’t the only fan of the north London giants who’d feel that way, with Fernandes clearly still a top performer in the Premier League and one of the few shining stars in this struggling United side.

“When you look at Bruno’s quotes, it comes back to Man United being indecisive. So someone comes in for Bruno Fernandes last summer… you shut that down,” Wright said.

“He didn’t want to go. Bruno is basically saying the club went, ‘it’s up to you if you want to leave’. That’s not what you want to hear when you’re the person who has basically held the club up by yourself.

“You want the club to say, ‘you’re not going nowhere, you’re a massive part of this’. But Manchester United didn’t do that.

“They gave him the option and said, ‘if you want to go, you can go’. What is that saying to him? I would take him tomorrow.”

Bruno Fernandes still hugely important for Man United

The stats below from FotMob illustrate just how important Fernandes still is for United, even if he isn’t getting any younger.

Fernandes still comes out on top for assists for MUFC, as well as being second for goals, and their highest rated player overall.

Overall, a record of five goals and seven assists from midfield remains as good as any player in the world will offer you in that position.

Wright will no doubt be happy seeing his old club Arsenal at the top of the table, but if there’s one kind of player Mikel Arteta’s side are lacking it’s an elite goal-scorer and playmaker from midfield.

Martin Odegaard used to provide that more consistently for the Gunners, but the goals have dried up for him in recent times, while he’s also had ongoing injury problems.

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Report: Another club in race to sign Man United’s Marcus Rashford if he doesn’t stay at Barca

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly now also a target for Atletico Madrid in case he doesn’t end up staying at Barcelona.

The England international is currently on loan at Barca for this season, having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford.

But even if Rashford has made a strong start to life at the Nou Camp, it is still not entirely clear if Barcelona will choose to make his move permanent.

According to Fichajes, this has put Atletico Madrid on alert, with Diego Simeone’s side emerging as another potential suitor for him next summer.

Marcus Rashford to stay in La Liga?

Rashford clearly needed to get out of Man Utd after suffering a major dip in form there in his final couple of years at the club.

The 28-year-old remains a top class player, though, and it now seems like he just needed a change of scene and a new challenge after spending his entire career at one club.

Marcus Rashford warming up for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford warming up for Barcelona (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Rashford now seems back to his best after his move to Spanish football, so perhaps staying in La Liga could be an ideal next move for him even if Barcelona decide not to keep him.

Atletico will likely be well aware of how well Rashford has done for their rivals, showing that he could be a good fit for them if he does become available.

Man United players rebuilding their careers after leaving

Rashford is not the only player enjoying a new lease of life after leaving Old Trafford, with Antony also doing well in La Liga with Real Betis.

Elsewhere, Alejandro Garnacho has also improved since joining Chelsea, while Scott McTominay has been a huge success story at Napoli.

Even Rasmus Hojlund has shown signs of getting back to his best, also at Napoli, so it looks like Rashford did the right thing by leaving.

Some United fans would probably quite gladly have Rashford back, but it would probably be for the best for both parties to go their separate ways next summer.

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Sources: Arsenal “really like” Chelsea midfield target, plus four defender transfer options

Arsenal are concerned about injuries and squad depth, which could see them enter the market in the January transfer window.

If they do, they would most likely prioritise midfield and defence, with a number of top young players being considered by the Gunners, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed me that Arsenal are big fans of talented young Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi could be a big-name option who comes into consideration.

Ousmane Diomande, also eyed by Chelsea and Palace, is another name Arsenal have been monitoring at centre-back, while they also appreciate Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown as a versatile option to fill in a few different positions in defence and midfield.

Nathaniel Brown in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
Nathaniel Brown in action for Eintracht Frankfurt (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Arsenal already have midfield issues and could turn to Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer

I’m also told that Arsenal are similarly concerned about midfield, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi having to play so much football so far this season.

One name at the top of their list for the moment is Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is also a target for Chelsea and other top clubs.

AFC signed Christian Norgaard in the summer, but the former Brentford man has barely featured since his move to the Emirates Stadium, leading to sources in the industry to think that could be seen as an area the club try to improve in January.

Bouaddi is an elite young talent who could perfectly fit the bill as someone who’d initially add depth but then grow into a player capable of challenging for a starting spot.

Arsenal ready to spend to help title challenge

As recently reported, Arsenal are also open-minded about attacking additions that could help them in the title race in the second half of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently two points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, but there have been some signs of a dip in form in the last few games.

Arsenal suffered their second defeat of the season as they fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Aston Villa, and they only scraped past Wolves with a 2-1 win at home to the team who sit bottom of the Premier League table and without a single win all season.

With so many injuries, it certainly could make sense for Arsenal to go out and get a few more players this winter to help them over the line in so many competitions.

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“A disgrace” – Carragher continues Salah row with bold claim about Liverpool

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has suggested that the Reds now look better without Mohamed Salah in the team as he continued his war of words with the Egypt international.

Salah recently had something of an outburst when he spoke in the mixed zone to claim he felt he was being thrown under the bus by the club and that he no longer had any relationship with manager Arne Slot.

Carragher was not at all happy with Salah‘s behaviour and called it out during punditry duty, and he’s spoken about the saga again on today’s episode of the Overlap.

The former Liverpool defender insists he has no regrets about how he handled his response to Salah, saying he’d do the same again.

Jamie Carragher stands by comments on “disgrace” Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Carragher made it clear that he still feels the way Salah behaved was “a disgrace”, and that the 33-year-old has not in any way been disrespected by Slot or the club.

The ex-Red even suggested that this is not the Salah of last season, and that Slot’s side now looks more solid defensively since he was dropped from the starting XI.

“Oh, it was a disgrace, yeah it was,” Carragher said.

Neville later pointed out that dropping a huge name like Salah was always going to spark a “war”, to which Carragher said “bring the war on”.

Will Salah stay at Liverpool?

This public row with Carragher seems far from ideal for Salah, whose future is surely going to come into serious doubt this January.

The 33-year-old is surely not going to be happy to continue on the bench for much longer, and it’s debatable if he really warrants a place back in the team.

One imagines Salah will get a big-money opportunity in Saudi Arabia or the MLS, while perhaps big European clubs might still also take a gamble on him, even if he looks like he might now be past his best.

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“Hang on a minute…” – Neville and Keane disagree on Man Utd star’s transfer dilemma

Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane took different views on what Kobbie Mainoo should do about his current difficult situation at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old looks to be facing an uncertain future after a lack of playing time under Ruben Amorim, and Neville can understand him feeling like it might be the best decision for him to move on.

Keane, meanwhile, called on Mainoo to embrace the challenge of trying to break into the team, which is something normal for young players coming through at Man Utd.

See below for their debate on the latest episode of the Overlap, with the pundits discussing Mainoo and a number of other topics…

Opposing views on Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United situation

Neville pointed out to Keane that Amorim himself had most likely ruled out much playing time for Mainoo any time soon due to the presence of Bruno Fernandes.

The current United formation only allows for two central midfielders, and Fernandes is pretty much a nailed-on starter in every game, while there could perhaps be some rotation between Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte alongside him.

Mainoo, however, is seemingly not considered a defensive midfielder like Casemiro or Ugarte, so he’s up against Fernandes for a starting spot, which looks like a very tough challenge.

“So, I get Kobbie’s point of view that he’s like, ‘Hang on a minute. If I can play alongside Bruno, great. But if I’m actually it’s me or him, he’s always going to play. He’s brilliant,'” Neville said.

“But what’s football about? What’s what’s the the life of a professional football is most of it you’re trying to prove people wrong?” Keane responded.

Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United vs Bournemouth
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United vs Bournemouth (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

He added: “He’s 20 years of age, what’s wrong with sitting and learning your trade? There’ll be times when a manager’s on your case and it’s up to you go ‘I’ll prove you wrong’.”

Keane also stated that he never felt he was just going to turn up and start for United, saying that footballers at the highest level have to prove themselves every day.

What next for Kobbie Mainoo?

United could do with keeping Mainoo for the depth in midfield, as they could find themselves short if Fernandes needs a rest or gets injured.

The Telegraph have been among the sources to link Mainoo with Chelsea, and there’s been a lot of speculation about other clubs chasing him too.

Even the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are supposedly considering the England international, according to Defensa Central.

That gives you some idea of how highly rated Mainoo is, so should Amorim give him more of a chance to play regularly? Could his departure be one the club live to majorly regret? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post “Hang on a minute…” – Neville and Keane disagree on Man Utd star’s transfer dilemma appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Bring him back” – Liverpool urged to seal return for player they should never have let go

Liverpool have been advised to bring Harvey Elliott back to the club after a difficult start to his loan spell with Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old hasn’t had many first-team opportunities with Unai Emery’s side so far, despite the Reds likely deciding to loan him there to give him more minutes.

Elliott had also fallen out of favour at Liverpool, so a loan seemed like a good idea for him to get his career back on track, though it clearly hasn’t worked out for him.

Should Liverpool bring Harvey Elliott back from loan?

Discussing the Elliott situation, former Liverpool ace Don Hutchison expressed his view that the Englishman should be brought back by Arne Slot.

It’s been a difficult start to the season for LFC, so there could well be room for an extra option in their squad, with Elliott able to provide an alternative in midfield or in the front three.

Harvey Elliott in action for Aston Villa
Harvey Elliott in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“If you’re Liverpool, you’re probably best off bringing him back and keeping him in the squad,” Hutchison said, as quoted by Empire of the Kop.

“They only had a short number on the bench at the weekend and, probably that’s why Mo Salah was a little bit fortunate that he made the bench. [Cody] Gakpo was injured, [Wataru] Endo was injured, and [Conor] Bradley was suspended, so I think it’ll be a good move from Liverpool to bring him back.”

Liverpool need more depth

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah for the duration of Egypt’s participation at this year’s AFCON, so that could be a major headache for Slot.

Just as fans will be starting to make their plans to buy Tottenham vs Liverpool tickets, the club needs to put plans in place to ensure their squad copes with Salah’s absence in upcoming games.

It’s not easy getting signings done in January, so Elliott being recalled could end up being the most realistic option for the Merseyside giants.

Still, we’re also seeing big names like Antoine Semenyo being linked with Liverpool, so that could be another major saga to watch out for in the weeks ahead.

The post “Bring him back” – Liverpool urged to seal return for player they should never have let go appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Man United eager for double Premier League transfer raid but face City threat

Manchester United are eager to seal the transfers of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, Man Utd are eyeing this ambitious double transfer in a potential spending spree, but face competition from rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils have been in contact over Semenyo but City are also in the mix, along with Liverpool and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Anderson’s high asking price could be a big issue for United, but perhaps less so for Pep Guardiola and co.

Antoine Semenyo to Manchester United transfer contact made

As has been widely reported, I’ve been told that there have already been calls made by United chiefs to their Bournemouth counterparts in the last 48 hours as they step up their interest in Semenyo.

Still, the Ghana international is also wanted by the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham, with my sources currently unable to give me a strong indication of any particular club leading the race for his signature.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause for the early part of January, but that drops to £60m in the summer, so it’s also still possible that clubs will wait a bit longer before attempting to do a deal for the 25-year-old.

United could definitely do with adding Semenyo now, though, as they prepare to lose both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to AFCON, leaving Ruben Amorim short of attacking depth.

Elliot Anderson set to be transfer target for both Manchester clubs

Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest against Everton
Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest against Everton (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Anderson could leave Nottingham Forest but possibly for as much as £100m but even that high fee could still go up depending on how the 23-year-old performs at the 2026 World Cup.

The England international is high up on United’s list of targets, but some people I’ve spoken to are seeing signs of Man City moving into pole position.

“City have done a lot of work on Anderson already,” one source explained. “There have been numerous scouting missions, with in-depth analysis showing that he ticks all the boxes for their current needs. They will likely do whatever they can to get that deal done ahead of the competition.”

Pep Guardiola is understood to be determined to bring in a marquee signing in midfield as a replacement for the injured Rodri, who has continued to struggle since missing so much of last season.

Forest’s high asking price could be an issue, but City might arguably be in a stronger position on that front than United, who need to sell before they can buy as INEOS are determined to be stricter with the club’s spending.

The post Sources: Man United eager for double Premier League transfer raid but face City threat appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“In the last 48 hours…” – Fabrizio Romano reports HUGE Manchester United transfer boost

Manchester United have reportedly called about Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo in the last 48 hours, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Ghana international has been one of the most in-form Premier League players this season, producing a total of seven goals and three assists in 15 top flight matches.

Skilful, pacey, and two-footed, Semenyo looks like the complete attacking player, and surely has it in him to make the step up to a bigger club.

Any Red Devils fans who are looking into how to buy Aston Villa vs Man United tickets might also be wondering what kind of line up they’ll see from Ruben Amorim once he loses Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to the upcoming AFCON tournament.

Those will be two big losses out wide and it could prompt United to step up their interest in Semenyo as a replacement.

Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring for Bournemouth against Manchester United
Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring for Bournemouth against Manchester United (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano on Manchester United’s Antoine Semenyo pursuit

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano provided an update on the Semenyo transfer saga, explaining that there’s a lot of interest in the 25-year-old.

For now, however, it seems like it’s United and City leading the race for his signature against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham.

“City and United both called in the last 48 hours,” Romano said.

“Then Tottenham, in the last few days, have spent a lot of time in trying to attack the situation for Semenyo.

“And there is Liverpool… interested since November but, again, this depends on what happens with Mohamed Salah and also Liverpool’s financial intentions because they could have different priorities in January.”

Premier League top scorers Goals
Erling Haaland 17
Igor Thiago 11
Antoine Semenyo 7
Phil Foden 7
Hugo Ekitike 7
Danny Welbeck 7
Jean-Philippe Mateta 7

Should Antoine Semenyo be careful about United transfer?

Semenyo is at an important moment in his career, and surely needs to think very carefully about whether or not a move to Old Trafford would be the best thing for him.

Ruben Amorim isn’t doing the most convincing job with MUFC right now, and most fans probably wouldn’t be that surprised if the club soon made another change in the dugout.

That’s not an ideal situation for Semenyo to be walking into, and he might find he goes down the route of so many other top players, who went backwards after joining United.

City are a more settled side who tend to get the best out of their players and who would also surely offer a better chance of winning major silverware.

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