🚨 Arsenal to sign World Cup star, Liverpool pushing for winger deal, Cucurella leaves Chelsea, Man United advntage in Mateus Fernandes race, Spurs turn down rival offer & more.
Plus World Cup Round-up and latest updates from the world of football.
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing! Thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)
Today’s top stories:
World Cup 2026 round-up
Netherlands fail to beat determined Japan
Japan showed real character as they came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead in the 51st minute, heading in Ryan Gravenberch’s cross after being left unmarked inside the box.
Japan responded quickly, levelling just six minutes later. Takefusa Kubo found Keito Nakamura, who moved into space outside the area before striking low into the net.
Ronald Koeman’s side restored their lead in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville.
However, Japan refused to give up. In the 88th minute, Koki Ogawa’s header deflected off Daichi Kamada and found the net, denying the Dutch all three points and earning Japan a hard-fought draw.
FT Netherlands 2-2 Japan [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Sweden off to an easy start to their campaign
Sweden made a flying start to their World Cup campaign with a convincing 5-1 win over Tunisia in Monterrey.
Yasin Ayari was the standout performer, scoring twice. Sweden took the lead inside seven minutes after Tunisia failed to clear a ball over the top, with Ayari smashing home from outside the box.
Alexander Isak also got on the scoresheet, putting a difficult first season at Liverpool behind him with Sweden’s second goal. He then capitalised on a defensive mistake to set up Viktor Gyökeres for the third.
Ayari completed the scoring late on, firing in his second goal after the ball dropped kindly outside the area.
FT Sweden 5-1 Tunisia [Pictures from Fox Soccer]
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Arsenal
Arsenal and Manchester United could face a major challenge if they decide to push seriously for Morgan Gibbs-White this summer. (Caught Offside)
Arsenal have begun talks with Morocco sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi following his world-class displays on the grandest stage of football. (Times)
Arsenal ready to spend €100m on Arteta’s dream summer signing. Read more!
Chelsea
Chelsea could face a major summer decision over Enzo Fernandez, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the midfielder as they assess different profiles for their next big midfield signing. (Ben Jacobs)
Chelsea are close to acquiring the services of Wigan Athletic attacking midfielder Harrison Bettoni, as a deal has been agreed. (Football Insider)
Xabi Alonso era starts at Chelsea as first major exit shows signs of big changes. Full Story here!
Everton
Everton are involved in a three-way transfer battle for the signature of Chelsea teenage attacker Sol Gordon. (Football Insider)
Liverpool
Liverpool are leading the race for the signature of Aston Villa and Manchester United attacking target Bazoumana Toure. (TEAMtalk)
Dutch international Cody Gakpo is not pushing for a move away from Liverpool ahead of next season. (Alex Crook)
Liverpool are pushing hard to agree a new deal with their attacking sensation, Rio Ngumoha, amidst interest from Bayern Munich. (Football Insider)
(Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) Romano: Liverpool have had ‘direct contact’ with midfielder who gave ‘fantastic’ World Cup display. Full Story here!
Manchester City
Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Everton defensive mainstay Jarrad Branthwaite. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United
Manchester United lead race for £80m Mateus Fernandes as Arsenal back off. Full Story here!
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have completed another statement move in the transfer market, with Chelsea agreeing to sell Marc Cucurella in a deal worth up to €60m. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur have turned down Brighton’s offer for their defensive sensation Luka Vuskovic. (Ben Jacobs)
(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
