the Daily Briefing - Cristiano Ronaldo to Newcastle or Napoli? Will Chelsea try again for this summer target? Plus Mbappe, Zidane, Emery, and more

Good morning guys, I hope you enjoy my latest Daily Briefing, my exclusive transfer news in one round-up, straight to your inbox five mornings a week!

Today’s top stories:

• My take on those Cristiano Ronaldo links with Newcastle and Napoli

• Chelsea remain keen on Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez

• My World Cup Dream Team - Centre-Backs

• Plus more from Man City, Man Utd, and Barcelona

Aston Villa

It’s official - former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has left Villarreal to become the new manager of Aston Villa, replacing Steven Gerrard. Villa paid Emery’s €6m release clause and have agreed a salary of €7m a year.

I think it’s an excellent move for Aston Villa. Emery is a great coach and appointing him in October was really difficult... long-term project and future investments convinced Unai.

This is different kind of job compared to Arsenal and I’m sure he will have more time, less pressure and great support. Of course it wasn’t easy for him at Arsenal, but I’m intrigued to see him back in the Premier League again - he’s shown time and time again what he can achieve with the right club and the right project.

💬 Aston Villa fans - are you happy with Unai Emery’s appointment? Arsenal fans - do you think he can do better in the Premier League this time? I want to hear from you in the comments!

Barcelona

Ousmane Dembele is having a terrific impact at Barcelona after deciding to stay at the club this summer. Xavi changed the situation in few months: “I wanted him to stay and sign a new contract because he can play at this top level.”

His current deal expires in June 2024, so it will be key topic again soon for Barcelona.

Bayern Munich

Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic on January signings: “No, we've done a lot this summer. We will not be active in the transfer market in winter.”

Benfica

Remember the name: Antonio Silva. He's a top player for the future, of course he needs some time to improve his skills but Benfica are convinced he will be worth €80-90m in the future.

I’ve seen some reports of Liverpool and Manchester United looking at him. For sure, top clubs are following him but it’s important to say that there’s still nothing serious or concrete, as of now. He is still developing as a player, but let’s see where he is in a few years, the future looks bright for him.