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I've had a lot of questions from fans about Gabriel Jesus' future at Arsenal after rumors that he could be sold for a reasonable price this summer. Mikel Arteta, however, was clear when he spoke about this in his press conference – he said that Arsenal's decision to sell Jesus did not happen at all.
From what I hear, Arsenal have not spoken to the player or his representatives about the intention to sell him in the summer transfer window, but this does not change Arsenal's strategy for strikers. Arsenal are looking to bring in a new striker in the summer, and I've told you before about their interest in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. We also have to remember that they like Alexander Isak at Newcastle, although that would be difficult.
So, Arsenal are looking for a striker, but it doesn't mean they have to sell Jesus. So for now the situation is quiet, they don't want it to be disturbed at this important time of the season. We will see what happens in the summer, but at the moment the feeling is that Arsenal can sell Eddie Nketiah instead, because there is interest from Premier League clubs, and there was also interest from Bundesliga clubs last year. So Nketiah may be on the way, but for Jesus at the moment it is quiet.
It's also quiet around Ivan Toney right now. Honestly, Arsenal and Chelsea haven't made any offers now or in January without links – I'm told Toney's condition will be assessed in the summer and not in May. Let's see the domino of strikers, and the value of the player. Brentford have never wanted to make a discount on Toney, despite some talk of his price dropping significantly.
Despite what has been reported elsewhere, I can confirm that there is nothing between Pedri and Liverpool, or between Liverpool and Barcelona for Pedri – the situation is completely quiet. Pedri is really happy and always very dedicated to Barcelona, and he is an important part of the project at the Nou Camp.
Of course, contract negotiations will have to take place in the coming weeks and months – this will be one of Barca's priorities after an agreement has been reached for Pau Cubarsi (it is the last detail now); Pedri is another player who will talk to Barca about a new contract, talks will happen, but when PSG was interested in the past, Pedri never wanted to entertain the talks because his full focus is on Barcelona.
Therefore, a new contract will soon be the topic between Pedri and Barca, and it is important to say that Liverpool have different priorities – a new defender, and a new player in attacking areas, so these are the places to watch. , in addition to major midfield signings.
I also wanted to clarify that, despite some speculation, it was never close to any other person to replace Xavi as the manager of Barcelona because the president Joan Laporta always wanted to continue with Xavi, only Xavi was the most important to him. It's not about the money, it's about the work they wanted and Xavi to trust the young players and continue their shared vision. No other manager had really come close to the Barca job in recent months.
For Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid, everything is going well. We are now waiting for the contract to be signed, and Real Madrid is preparing a special official announcement, so they are very confident that everything is going in the right direction.
But for Real Madrid it is always important to think about the future, and we know that they have a special relationship with South America – there are many good players there, not only in Brazil where Real got talents like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Endrick, but also in Uruguay and Federico Valverde.
Now, Real Madrid really like River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono – a player they believe could be their next Fede Valverde. He is a different style of player, but Los Blancos believe he can have the same impact. And he has the same values - he's a classy man, like Valverde, and of course he's an amazing midfielder. He is still only 16, but Real Madrid believe he is very special and have been in touch in recent weeks to inquire about his status. He has a release clause worth €45m, which becomes €50m in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Let's see what Real Madrid will do. There is currently no offer, but the interest is there, and Mastantuono is a player highly valued by Real Madrid's scouting department.
It has been a difficult time for AC Milan and we saw some interesting scenes this weekend as the ultras of Milan presented the whole game against Genoa and left ten minutes before the end of the game.
It is understandable that the fans are not happy, as the fans want to see AC Milan play at a different level. The fans will not be happy with this situation as they are looking for titles. Stefano Pioli will be fired at the end of the season and the fans are looking for an important manager in this new cycle. The management option will be very important in the relationship with the fans.
Julen Lopetegui has been linked with the Milan job, but he is talking to West Ham and he really wants the job, so he is a candidate. Meanwhile, the situation with Ruben Amorim is quiet now, his decision will be made at the end of the season and not now so we have to see what he will decide. Of course, West Ham will sack David Moyes, but I hear that Hansi Flick is not close to the job despite recent links.
As previously reported, Newcastle are in the running for Tosin Adarabioyo, that is true. Discussions are ongoing, he is one of the names on their list for sure, although nothing has been done or agreed upon yet.
Chelsea also called for information about Adarabioyo a few weeks ago, but nothing has progressed and there is no proposal from them yet. However, the defender will leave Fulham as a free agent, so it is not surprising to see interest from many clubs.
We're almost at the point now where player of the season will be a matter of course, and I've got some nominees for myself, but for me it's going to be more important to see who wins the Premier League title – my vote will be based on that.
As of today, Chelsea's Cole Palmer is the one who impressed me the most but Erling Haaland, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also have a good chance to win as they deserve. Let's see who will have an impact in the final games, in my vote that's an important step!
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