🚨 Ronaldo scores to set NEW record, why Chelsea have chosen Maresca, Doue to Arsenal or Man Utd, Liverpool star on his future under Slot, & more
🚨 Ronaldo scores to set NEW record, why Chelsea have chosen Maresca, Doue to Arsenal or Man Utd, Liverpool star on his future under Slot, & more
Ronaldo's new scoring record, Maresca to Chelsea details and much more in today's round-up!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest Daily Briefing - thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
Ask Me Anything with Fabrizio Romano - send in YOUR transfer questions!
Enzo Maresca to Chelsea - all the details on the imminent deal
Desire Doue to Manchester United or Arsenal?
Plus more from Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid
AC Milan
Paulo Fonseca’s salary as new AC Milan manager will be €2.5m net per season until June 2026, two year deal. There’s an option to extend the contract for further season; only in that case his salary would increase. The agreement is set to be sealed soon, as expected.
Italian talent Francesco Camarda will stay at AC Milan and sign new deal at the club, decision made. New contacts to follow soon in order to complete the agreement and sign the contract. Key move for Milan as youngest Serie A debutant Camarda won’t be leaving as a free agent.
Al Ittihad
Karim Benzema’s future will be discussed with Al Ittihad soon - more details in Fabrizio Romano’s latest exclusive column.
Al Nassr
What a header by Cristiano Ronaldo - he’s still got it! FT Al Nassr 4-2 Al Ittihad [Pictures from Fox Sports]
Cristiano Ronaldo breaks the Saudi League record for goals in one single season, with 35 goals and 11 assists in 31 games. He’s also the first player to be top scorer in four different leagues - Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and now Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr are planning talks this summer to extend Ronaldo’s contract by a further year. His current deal runs until 2025, but central dealmakers are keen to keep Ronaldo through the 2025/26 season, since that falls within a new TV rights cycle. Ronaldo is understood to be open to the extra year, which could see him play beyond his 41st birthday.
Arsenal
Desire Doue to Arsenal transfer talks could take place soon, but there’s plenty of other interest in the Rennes wonderkid.
More on Doue’s transfer situation from Fabrizio Romano in today’s exclusive column.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: “My time at Arsenal is slowly coming to the end, I think so. I had a discussion with the club and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave.”
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Aston Villa
Unai Emery has signed a new five year deal at Aston Villa valid until June 2029! After extending the contract last month, he’s now signed new agreement with salary increase. “I am very happy of leading this club. There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa.”
Atletico Madrid
Memphis Depay transfer looks like one to watch this summer but his future might not be decided until after the Euros - more info in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.
Barcelona
Hansi Flick will be in Barcelona today and will sign his new contract as manager on Wednesday, putting pen to paper on a deal valid until 2026, as expected.
Xavi: “It would be another honour to return to the club of my life one day… we will see. The fans must understand that the economic situation is difficult. I am leaving with the love of the fans and that fills me with pride.”
Xavi: “I would like to tell the new coach that he will suffer and that he should be patient, it’s a very complicated position. The only thing that will save the new coach is winning.”
Xavi wanted four Barcelona stars to be shipped out of the club this summer if he stayed on as manager, according to reports in Spain.
What next for Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo after Xavi’s exit? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in his latest exclusive column.
Bayer Leverkusen
Cristiano Ronaldo to Bayer Leverkusen? Fabrizio Romano takes a look at this surprise story in today’s column.
Bayer Leverkusen are planning to advance on the Aleix Garcia deal this week in order to get it done. Xabi Alonso already called Garcia in April, he’s keen on the move and there are no issues on the contract. Bayer are confident of getting the deal sealed really soon.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are the clear favourites to sign German talent Assan Ouedraogo from Schalke - ready to complete the deal soon. Negotiations are at an advanced stage and just waiting on the final details.
Chelsea
Chelsea and Enzo Maresca are set to agree on contract terms it’s a two year deal with the option for a further season or a three year deal. This is the final detail being clarified, as Maresca already said yes to the Chelsea project. It’s now up to the clubs to agree on compensation.
Maresca to Chelsea explained - Fabrizio Romano with the full details on why the Blues board felt he was the outstanding candidate in today’s exclusive column.
We can also expect a busy summer of Chelsea transfers, according to Romano’s latest column, with a new goalkeeper, new centre-backs and a new striker among the club’s priorities.
Chelsea informed Kieran McKenna on Sunday night that he was no longer in the race for the head coach job, following a direct call from the Chelsea hierarchy. Brighton wanted a quick answer from McKenna, who now looks set to commit to a new contract at Ipswich Town.
Two reasons Maresca for Chelsea manager ended up being the popular choice with the Blues board.
Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea could be on in a surprise transfer hijack!
Samu Omorodion to Chelsea transfer could be in the works in the near future, while West Ham and other top clubs are also keen on the talented 20-year-old forward.
Fulham
Antonee Robinson: “I want to keep on developing, I’m very settled here, I love the club. It wasn’t a difficult decision to sign. Interest from other people is great. Obviously, it comes down to if someone wanted me enough to pay what Fulham would want, and if Fulham saw that as a good idea, then I’d leave. But until that happens, and I have no idea if it would, I’m just looking forward to the Copa and then starting next year with Fulham — pushing on, and trying to help the team get to even better finishing spots.”
Girona
Luciano Rodriguez confirms: “Yes, it’s true that there are negotiations with Girona and it’s really advanced. It’s close.”
Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna to stay at Ipswich - Fabrizio Romano with all the details on Chelsea and Manchester United interest in his latest column.
Juventus
Juventus have sent all formal documents to Thiago Motta’s camp in order to review and sign on a three-year contract. A deal was agreed last week and is finally set to be sealed for Thiago to become the new Juventus head coach.
There’s a concrete chance for Matias Soule to leave Juventus. 11 goals and 3 assists for Soule on his excellent loan spell at Frosinone this season has led to several European clubs showing an interest in signing him. Juve would re-invest to bid for top targets like Riccardo Calafiori and Teun Koopmeiners.
🚨Excl: Conflict at Barcelona part of Xavi dismissal, Chelsea managerial path and Spurs defender a target for Serie A giant
Leicester City
Enzo Maresca has also informed Leicester City of his desire to sign for Chelsea. The agreement between Maresca and Chelsea on the contract is being sealed, no issues on salary. Maresca’s staff is now also being discussed in compensation talks between Chelsea and Leicester.
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk on Arne Slot’s arrival: “Obviously I have full trust in the club and all the decisions going forward. It’s exciting as well. Change is always a bit in the unknown, but I have got full confidence and I am looking forward to the new season already. Success is not guaranteed. That’s pretty obvious. We are going to work our socks off in order to make it happen and we have a good coach coming in, a good backroom staff. We are a very good team. Let’s see what happens.”
Ederson to Liverpool could be a story to watch, according to reports…
Pedro Neto Liverpool transfer could be one to watch, but a deal for the Wolves winger won’t come cheap…
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Manchester City
Bernardo Silva transfer boost for Manchester City? PSG may no longer be making the Portuguese playmaker one of their top priority targets, according to reports in France.
Manchester United
Is the writing on the wall for Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager? Two sources have suggested Ten Hag is set to be sacked by Man Utd after the club conducted an internal review.
However, discussions are still ongoing, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to have a key role in deciding Ten Hag’s future, according to Fabrizio Romano in his latest column.
Desire Doue to Manchester United? He’s been linked with the Red Devils and other clubs, but what’s the truth? Fabrizio Romano takes a look in today’s exclusive column.
Anthony Martial confirms he’s leaving Man United as a free agent: “Dear Manchester United fans, It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.”
Martial to Man United fans: “l’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.”
📰 Man United have approached Roberto de Zerbi over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag as their manager (Guardian)
Marseille
Sergio Conceicao to Marseille - he’s leaving Porto and is now the top target for the French giants, according to Fabrizio Romano in today’s column.
Napoli
After president Aurelio de Laurentiis’ approval, Napoli lawyers and Antonio Conte’s camp are now working on key details of the contract in order to get the deal done. No signature planned for today but now working on legal side and details, advancing to complete the agreement.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo wants to leave Napoli this summer, his agent confirms. “He doesn’t feel the confidence so yes, Di Lorenzo is ready to leave, we informed the club. The president De Laurentiis is open to selling Giovanni in case of good bid.”
Porto
Sergio Conceicao to Marseille - he’s leaving Porto and is now the top target for the French giants, according to Fabrizio Romano in today’s column.
Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham has looked ahead to playing his former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Luka Modric denies rumours about becoming part of Carlo Ancelotti’s staff: “I don’t know where it comes from... but no. No assistant, no 2nd coach. I’m still a player, that’s what I want to do! I want to play.”
Modric: “The decision on my future is made but I can't tell you yet. I have always said I want to retire at Real Madrid, this is what I really want. This would be a dream, this is my home, the club of my life. I want a farewell like Toni Kroos.”
Nacho on his future: “I’ve decided what I am going to do when the season ends but I am not going to say it, it is not the right time. Being captain or winning the Champions League won’t change my decision.”
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar ideally want to sell Giorgi Sudakov after Euro 2024 giving them time to analyse offers. They also hope the tournament can lead to Sudakov’s value rising further. Tottenham interest remains - it’s likely to take around €70m for suitors to get a deal done.
Southampton
Southampton have triggered mandatory buy option clause for Taylor Harwood-Bellis after being promoted to Premier League. Manchester City receive £20m fee for 22 year old defender.
Tottenham
Shakhtar ideally want to sell Giorgi Sudakov after Euro 2024 giving them time to analyse offers. They also hope the tournament can lead to Sudakov’s value rising further. Tottenham interest remains - it’s likely to take around €70m for suitors to get a deal done.
West Ham United
Fabricio Bruno to West Ham, here we go! A verbal agreement is now in place between West Ham and Flamengo for the 28-year-old centre back. Exclusive details: €12m fixed fee plus €1.5m add-ons. The Brazilian defender will be the first signing for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
As of 1st June 2024, the Daily Briefing will become a completely premium newsletter, which means that only paying subscribers will be sent the update each morning.
If you would like to continue to receive this newsletter in your inbox every day, then please upgrade to a full membership. As a special offer to new subscribers, we’re giving away 3 MONTHS for FREE until midnight on 31st May. Click the link below!