đ¨ Haaland injury SCARE, Mainoo England call-up, Chelsea LB targets, Arsenal duo to leave, Spurs loanee wants to stay, & more
Today's round-up, featuring Man Utd, City, Chelsea, Arsenal and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing - thanks for reading and hope you enjoy! :-)
Todayâs top stories:
Ben Jacobsâ exclusive update on Mikel Artetaâs Arsenal future
Plus latest on Chelsea, Liverpool and Kobbie Mainooâs England call-up
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta may keep on being linked with the Barcelona job, but heâs likely to sign a new Arsenal contract, according to Ben Jacobs in his exclusive column.
Aaron Ramsdale is not happy being on the bench and so the Arsenal goalkeeper will likely look for new solutions this summer - more info here from Fabrizio Romanoâs exclusive column.
Cedric Soares will leave Arsenal as free agent in the summer, decision made. The Portuguese full-back remains fully committed to the club until June as top professional then he will leave Arsenal. Many clubs in Europe are considering Cedric as a top option for the summer on a free transfer.
More here from Fabrizio Romano on the clubs who have been showing an interest in SoaresâŚ
Sir Jim Ratcliffe: âWhich team do I want to win the PL title? I hate them all, they are all the enemy! I couldnât possibly choose. It would be good for Arteta, because he has done really well and Arsenal have been patient with him.â
Could Alexander Isak to Arsenal transfer be a genuine possibility this summer?
Barcelona
Mikel Arteta may keep on being linked with the Barcelona job, but heâs likely to sign a new Arsenal contract, according to Ben Jacobs in his exclusive column.
Barca could make sales this summer, with Raphinha and Jules Kounde two names to watch, according to Ben Jacobs.
Frenkie de Jong, however, is set to stay at Barcelona - more exclusive info here.
Be the first to read EXCLUSIVE NEWS ARTICLES from me, Fabrizio Romano, Christian Falk, Neil Jones, Ben Jacobs, Jonathan Johnson, Charles Watts and Matteo Moretto!
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro: âXabi Alonso has a contract until 2026 and there is no reason to doubt that he will stay here. In football you never know what will happen but I have a lot of trust, we have a good relationship.â
Bayern Munich
Ronald Araujo to Bayern Munich has previously seemed like a dream signing, but whatâs the latest? Ben Jacobs takes a look in his exclusive column.
Bayern director Max Eberl on contract talks with Alphonso Davies: âWe Alphonso a very concrete, appreciative offer. At some point in life you have to say yes or noâ. Real Madrid proposal? Eberl: âReal Madrid hasnât contacted us.â
Bayern director Max Eberl: âI will not call Jurgen Klopp to offer our job. I know what it means when Kloppo said: Iâm running out of energy. Few people can judge that better than me, because I went through it. Thatâs why Iâm not going to call him.â
Bayern director Eberl on Xabi Alonso: âI havenât spoken with any coach and haven't received any approval or rejection. Xabi played for FC Bayern. But I donât want to provoke headlines: âXabi fits with Bayern!â. Iâm just talking about him knowing this club.â
đ° Antonio Conte is emerging as the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich job this summer (La Repubblica)
Borussia Dortmund
Will Borussia Dortmund be able to keep Jadon Sancho, and could a swap deal with Manchester United be on the cards? Ben Jacobs takes a look in his exclusive column.
Bournemouth
Milos Kerkez to Chelsea? Or could he move to a number of other clubs around Europe who like him? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in his column.
Chelsea
Milos Kerkez to Chelsea? Or could he move to a number of other clubs around Europe who like him? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in his column.
Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs has more exclusive insight into Chelseaâs search for a new left-back this summer.
Is Jules Kounde still a target for Chelsea, or could PSG get involved?
Fiorentina
Sad news as Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone has passed away. Thoughts with his family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Joe.
Juventus
Adrien Rabiot on his future as his contract is due to expire in June: âI have not decided anything yet. Next season we [Juventus] are due to participate in Champions League and Club World Cup. So these are elements in my thoughts, but I have not made any decisions yet.â
Rabiot on a potential return to PSG as free agent in June: âItâs flattering on the one hand, but it remains difficult when you know how it finished. You should never close any door⌠but that will NOT be my priority in any case.â
Liverpool
All documents are signed for new Liverpool director Richard Hughes to be unveiled as part of new LFC structure. The club are very happy with their choice, driven and wanted by new CEO Michael Edwards.
Johan Bakayoko has been linked with Liverpool, so could he be one to watch this summer?
Fabrizio Romano also takes a look at Liverpoolâs transfer strategy now that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are in place.
Bayern director Max Eberl: âI will not call Jurgen Klopp to offer our job. I know what it means when Kloppo said: Iâm running out of energy. Few people can judge that better than me, because I went through it. Thatâs why Iâm not going to call him.â
Manchester City
Erling Haaland has given Manchester City an injury scare after being seen limping out of training with the Norway national team. Haaland could also be seen holding his leg as he picked up a knock just 12 days before Cityâs big game against title rivals Arsenal.
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Manchester United
Raphael Varane currently looks unlikely to stay at Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column.
Manchester United are also not âconvincedâ about making Sofyan Amrabatâs loan move permanent, says Fabrizio Romano.
Jadon Sanchoâs future remains complicated, even if heâd like to stay at loan side Borussia Dortmund - more info from Ben Jacobsâ exclusive column here.
Official: Kobbie Mainoo has been called up to the England national, the decision is to promote him. He had been due to play for the Under-21s, but could now be in line for his senior international debut.
A reminder of just how much quality Mainoo has with this winning goal against Wolves below! FT Wolves 3-4 Man Utd [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Mainoo: âI got a text from Steve Holland telling me to come and meet him at reception, and he just told me Iâve been called up, and Iâm going to be training with the squad for the weekâŚI donât think itâs really sunk in yet, but Iâm excited!â
Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Unitedâs transfer strategy: âMbappe to Man United? Iâd try to find the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success. Itâs not that clever to sign Mbappe now, itâs more challenging to find the next Mbappe, next Bellingham or next Roy Keane.â
Christian Eriksen: âIâve had a talk with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible. He said Kobbie Mainoo is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places. Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. You donât want to always sit on the bench.â
More here from Fabrizio Romano on Eriksenâs Man Utd future as further talks will take place with Ten Hag.
Antony: âI try to learn from each criticism and so improve. I have been working silently to evolve and show my football on the field. I know my potential and I know why Man Utd hired me. I want to repay all of this on the field. It was my lifelong dream to be here.â
đ° Gareth Southgate is Sir Jim Ratcliffeâs first choice to replace Erik ten Hag as Man Utd manager (Daily Star)
PSG
Adrien Rabiot on a potential return to PSG as free agent in June: âItâs flattering on the one hand, but it remains difficult when you know how it finished. You should never close any door⌠but that will NOT be my priority in any case.â
Real Madrid
Dani Carvajal: âThe club hasnât told us anything about Mbappe. But it seems like it's a possibility to see Mbappe joining Real in the summer, yesâŚItâd be great to have him here, heâs a top player. Itâs top news for Real but also for the entire La Liga.â
Toni Kroos on his plans after the Euros: âMany things are not clear about what will happen after the EurosâŚI donât even have a club contract for next season yet. I would have to clarify that first.â
Thibaut Courtois: âIâm sad for this new injury but itâs just a small setback. I will be back stronger than ever. I feel your supportâ, he added after the meniscus injury.
Sporting Lisbon
A reminder of just how lethal Viktor Gyokeres has been in front of goal this season as heâs linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and numerous other top clubs! FT Sporting 6-1 Boavista [Pictures from Sport TV]
Tottenham
Timo Werner is reportedly keen for Tottenham to make his loan from RB Leipzig into a permanent transfer this summer. Florian Plettenberg says Werner is very open to staying at Spurs, and there is a buy option worth âŹ17m.
