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Today's transfer headlines and news clips from Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal...
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Daily Briefing - here as always to give you all the essential football headlines in one place, delivered straight to your inbox. Enjoy! :-)
Today’s top stories:
Plus Arsenal linked with left-back and more
Arsenal draw with Atletico Madrid in semi-final first leg
Arsenal got a decent result away to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, though it was not a game without major controversy.
The Gunners took the lead through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty in the first half, but David Raya was one of their best performers as Atletico had a few good chances saved.
Julian Alvarez eventually equalised through a penalty of his own, while Arsenal were then controversially denied a second spot kick for a foul on Eberechi Eze.
FT Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal [Pictures from TNT Sports]
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Arsenal
Arsenal are interested in Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras ahead of the summer and he could be open to a move away from the Bernabeu. (CaughtOffside)
Andrea Berta was a key figure in bringing Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta initially favouring Benjamin Sesko. (the Athletic)
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone gave his views on the controversial penalty that was awarded to this side against Arsenal last night. (Marca)
Barcelona
Barcelona star Raphinha is emerging as a top transfer target for Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of this summer. (Mundo Deportivo)
Real Betis defender Natan is the latest target to emerge for Barcelona as they explore the market for a number of options in that position. (Mundo Deportivo)
Chelsea
Andoni Iraola has indicated he’d be open to taking the Chelsea manager’s job following reports of contacts between the Blues and his representatives. (Football Insider)
How Jose Mourinho’s likely return as Real Madrid manager could impact Chelsea and other clubs in a changing market. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Liam Delap could leave Chelsea after just one season, with the west London giants open to selling the striker amid interest from Everton. (Football Insider)
Chelsea and Liverpool are showing a strong interest in signing Norwegian midfield wonderkid Eirik Granaas this summer. (TEAMtalk)
Chelsea are up against Manchester City for an exciting Bundesliga youngster - full story here!
Liverpool
Liverpool and Chelsea are showing a strong interest in signing Norwegian midfield wonderkid Eirik Granaas this summer. (TEAMtalk)
Could Liverpool snap up this in-form Premier League star? An ex-Red is confident of their chances - full story here!
Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson could be set for a surprise move to Turkey when his contract expires this summer - full story here!
Virgil van Dijk on Alisson Becker possibly leaving: “It would definitely be a big blow and a miss, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to think ahead about what could or could not happen. He’s very important for me as one of the leaders in the team, and he is very important on the pitch because he is, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s trying to be back as soon as possible to help us for the last four games, and that’s our main focus. Whatever happens after that is not something you should ask me. Would I love him to stay? Of course, there’s no doubt about that.” (James Pearce, the Athletic)
Manchester City
Manchester City are exploring a possible transfer move for Porto midfielder Alan Varela, who has a €75m release clause. (Ekrem Konur)
Manchester United
Manchester United may find themselves powerless to prevent Bruno Fernandes leaving this summer as he has a release clause in his contract and wants assurances over the direction of the club. (Telegraph)
Rafael Leao to Manchester United could be a realistic possibility as AC Milan have an interest in Joshua Zirkzee, while Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte could also be options in a swap deal. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Manchester United have set their sights on signing an in-form Brighton star, and it’s NOT Carlos Baleba - full story here!
Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with an interest in talented young Ajax sensation Mika Godts. (Football Insider)
Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara is on Manchester United’s radar as he could be available for €35-40m this summer, with other Premier League clubs also keen. (Calciomercato)
Newcastle United
Newcastle United are already prepared to offload Yoane Wissa after just one season at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe frustrated by the striker’s lack of impact. (the Athletic)
PSG
PSG have recently been intensifying their efforts to sign Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi ahead of other top clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool. (Abdellah Boulma)
Real Madrid
How Jose Mourinho’s likely return as Real Madrid manager could impact Chelsea and other clubs in a changing market. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Real Madrid plan to sign at least three new defenders in this summer’s transfer window, with Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal facing uncertain futures. (El Chiringuito)
Real Madrid and Toni Kroos are now in formal talks over the former Los Blancos midfielder coming back, though it’s not yet clear what role he’d have. (the Athletic)
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao is now looking set to miss the 2026 World Cup with Brazil through injury. (Marca)
Tottenham
As many as FIVE Tottenham players are being eyed up as summer transfer targets for Barcelona director Deco. (Fichajes)